Design Your Own Board Game: From Idea to Playable Prototype

Yes. No experience is needed. We start from a blank page and build one step at a time, from choosing a theme to writing rules. If your child can read and write short sentences and enjoys playing games, they have everything they need to begin.

Have paper, markers, scissors, index cards, tape and a handful of coins or buttons nearby. The paper becomes the board, index cards become action cards and the coins or buttons act as player pieces. A sturdy sheet of card or a cereal box panel makes a great board base if you have one.

Your child will finish with a playable paper board game, including a board, cards, tokens and written rules, plus a one-page design sheet. On the last day they present a short pitch explaining their theme, how to win and why the game is fun to play.

It is a one-week camp with four classes, one each day, and each class lasts 45 minutes. The sessions build on each other, so attending all four gives your child the full journey from idea to finished prototype and pitch.

Possibly. The age range of 8 to 12 is a guide, not a strict rule. A younger child who reads and writes short sentences comfortably and can focus for 45 minutes may do well. Older learners outside the range who meet the prerequisites are also welcome.

It helps, but it is not required. Playing one test round with a sibling or grown-up between sessions gives great feedback. If no one is free, learners can play both sides themselves and still spot rules that need fixing.

Yes, there is a little light homework: about 10 to 15 minutes finishing board art or cards so the next session can focus on playtesting. There is no certificate for this camp. The finished game itself is what your child takes away.

You get a full refund if you cancel before the second class starts. After that, classes already started count as used and classes not yet started are refunded, either as store credit or to your original payment method. You can cancel from the class in your parent dashboard.