Video gaming, robotics featured; also, Gospel event at Carver Nov. 30

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The Carver Community Center long has been known for its basketball leagues, but there is a lot more to experience there. The programming offered is expanding at an astounding rate, with the latest addition coming online earlier this week.

Carver now offers an updated video game room, thanks to a grant from Duke Energy. Carver executive director J.C. Barnett III explained how the new and updated program got its start.

“I wrote a small grant with Duke Energy, and it included the video gaming as part of the greater STEM program we have going on, which includes our robotics club,” said Barnett. “It's a really cool place for kids to come and let off some steam and get a chance to compete against one another.

“Whether it's a sports video game or a Rocket League car soccer game, or Roblox or Fortnite, there are plenty of opportunities to compete and play.”

Barnett explained that accessing the video game room – and many of Carver’s programs – will require becoming a member of the Carver Community Center. But there is no membership fee required.

“We are promoting Carver membership to have access to the space,” said Barnett. “Carver membership is free now, but it does require either a commitment to making a donation of some amount at whatever frequency -- annually, weekly, or monthly – they can afford. Or they can make a donation of time as a volunteer.”

One of the first programs Carver launched with this membership arrangement was its LEGO Robotics Club. It launched about a month ago and immediately filled to capacity.

“We have about 10 to 14 students attending regularly on a weekly basis, and it's just been a powerful program,” said Barnett.

As far as the video game room is concerned, it is open just one day a week at launch. It will be available to members from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday. Parents are welcome to stay during their children’s visit, and the space has a supervisor.

“His name is Miles Lenore,” said Barnett. “He's a former academic honors graduate of Kokomo High School, a former member of Kokomo CEO. He's a brilliant young man, and he is committed to being here on Tuesday evenings.”

Right now, the video gaming is just for fun, but Barnett is aware of how eSports are growing with the current generation of teens and young adults. Should the response continue to grow, a Carver eSports team is not out of the question.

“That's a very real possibility here in the near future,” said Barnett. “It is just for play and gives the kids a chance to come in and enjoy the space. But it would be cool to partner with IU Kokomo and its eSports program.”

The game room is a bit limited. There are three PlayStation 5s hooked up, allowing for no more than six participants to play at a time. But there are options for those waiting a turn or simply wanting to hang out in the space. Carver does have a small selection of board games and card games, and they are always looking for donations of more to give the kids a greater variety to enjoy.

“A lot of the things that we're doing here are not new ideas,” said Barnett. “It's simply building back stronger with some of the things that were present at Carver at one time or another. Our video game consoles and TVs were outdated. With the help of Duke Energy, we had an opportunity to revamp it all. It's just a new feel, a new a new presence here.”

Aside from the upgrades aimed mainly at youth, there are events on the calendar to appeal to the larger community. One of those events takes place Sat., Nov. 30. “Praise without Borders,” a Gospel concert and ministry will entertain beginning at 7 p.m. A freewill donation is being accepted at the door for admission.

The Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with special programming taking place on evenings and weekends. For more information about the center and its offerings, visit them on Facebook or at www.kokomocarver.org.