Providing unique esports and STEM experiences for youth in the greater Newberg, OR area and surrounding communities.

George Fox University (GFU) and Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) have partnered with Esports & Online Gaming Association (ESOGA) to deliver a series of pro-social gaming experiences and youth camps at GFU’s world-class esports arena. ESOGA will help design and manage recreational gaming experiences that incorporate STEM concepts. The program is hosted at GFU’s state-of-the-art facility in Newberg, OR with sessions scheduled monthly throughout the year in partnership with CPRD’s community youth programs.

The program offers local youth a variety of fun gaming challenges along with an introduction to esports in a collegiate setting. College esports has emerged as a path for non-traditional student-athletes to leverage their unique talents into potential scholarships. Bruins’ Head Coach Miles Dean leads a roster of over 60 GFU student-athletes who compete in a variety of game titles and formats – college players test their skills against some of the best players in the nation. GFU Esports is recognized as one of the top NECC (National Esports Collegiate Conference) and NACE (National Association of Collegiate Esports) programs in the United States.

CPRD is also taking a leadership role among municipal organizations in promoting esports and structured gaming activities for local youth. Structured gameplay includes U.S. Center for SafeSport certified coaches who guide players on strategy and teamwork, emphasizing respect for others and online decorum. The program offers a way for youth to channel their energies into fun and educational activities, with an opportunity to engage and meet new friends in their local community.

ESOGA provides an all-in-one safety framework and gaming expertise for organizations looking to adopt esports for their communities. The program features gameplay that emphasizes teamwork, life-balance and integrity. These Esport Camps focus on family-friendly games such as Minecraft, Roblox, Rocket League, and Fortnite.

“Many of our programs are virtual with participants across the nation. This partnership allows us to deliver a “next-level” experience by offering on-site programs to local youth at GFU’s world-class facility. For us, it’s more than just creating esports experiences, it’s creating youth programs that integrate with communities”, says…