As local kids and teens face a summer’s worth of canceled plans, Rockville-based Game Gym continues to expand its array of virtual offerings. The three-year-old esports studio provides coaching for League of Legends, Rocket League, Minecraft, Overwatch, Valorant and Super Smash Bros. — but owner Josh Hafkin says there’s more going on behind the screen. “We are creating meaningful experiences, encouraging these kids to open up and form real human relationships in our camps,” he says. “We talk about mental health, self-confidence and cyber-bullying. These conversations aren’t always happening in the gaming world, but they should be.” Game Gym camps also include an exercise component, so the business has launched partnerships with the Washington Wizards, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and Power Train Sports and Fitness. To learn more about Game Gym’s summer programs, click here or email evan@gamegym.com. To save $30 on Game Gym summer camps, click here and use code REPORTER30.
