Minecraft Mania occurs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the Blakely Hall Community Center located in the heart of the Issquah Highlands urban village. The group meets from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and is FREE to participate.

Participants are urged to bring a laptop computer, iPad, tablet or cell phone to play. Players need to have Minecraft Java Edition installed on their device. A mouse and charging cable is useful as well.

Kids can expect to play with other participants, have fun, and play video games.

Minecraft is the modern, digital equivalent of Legos. Using 3-D blocks, players can unlock their architectural genius to create structures or entire cities across different environments and terrains.

“The purpose of Minecraft is to survive the day and night, find food and shelter, explore things, build and survive,” Eli, one of the group leaders explains.

A large focus of the sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios is aimed at resource gathering, crafting items, building structures and combat. Minecraft is an excellent way for young individuals to learn about the value of creativity and teamwork.

People can play together, Eli said, but nobody can help with your Minecraft world or destroy/ruin any of the things you created.

“The purpose of multiplayer is so you can play with friends, communities and people around the world,” Emmett, the other student leader of the group, says. “Playing in a Minecraft server can be more fun than playing by yourself.”

The multiplayer mode is a popular function for young players between 6-13 years old. It’s ideal for those who enjoy playing with friends and helping each other build new creations.

Other useful skills include problem solving, computer literacy, basic programming and design as well as understanding of mathematical, spatial and analytical aspects.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Minecraft world, join fellow elementary and middle school enthusiasts on the second and fourth weeks of each month at Blakely Hall.