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Donations may be sent to us: The Game Loft
Please feel free to call us at 207-338-6447 or email us at gameloft@midcoast.com
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Welcome to The Game Loft! Our Mission: "To Promote Positive Youth Development Through Gaming"
04/24/2008 We are updating this website as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions, or suggestions, please contact Leah at gameloft@midcoast.com!
What is The Game Loft? The Game Loft is a non-profit youth center where people of many ages can enjoy non-electronic games. You can play here for free. The kinds of games we offer are trading card games like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh, role-play games like D&D or Star Wars, traditional games like chess or dominoes, as well as strategy board games and party games, like Apples to Apples. We have two paid staff members on duty at all times. The meals and snacks we serve every day are free and available for everyone who comes here to play. We are supported by a major grant from the Department of Human Services after-school program, the City of Belfast, The Golden Rule Foundation, surrounding towns in Waldo County, and donations from individuals and businesses. Your donation of time, money or talent would be highly appreciated. The Game Loft was established in 1998. Our purpose is to promote Positive Youth Development through games. If you have any questions please ask one of our staff members on duty or call us at 207-338-6447. The Game Loft is open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 2 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. This schedule allows us to provide a range of activities for kids and adults of all ages. The Game Loft is open on Sundays for Adult Members only. Please feel free to call us at 207-338-6447 for more information. What is the Game Loft's Mission?
"I could never
repay what I have gained through this program." The mission of The Game Loft is "to promote Positive Youth Development through games." The Game Loft was established by Ray and Patricia Estabrook in 1998 as a place for youth and adults to share their passion for non-electronic games. Located on the top two floors at 78A Main Street in downtown Belfast, Maine, the Loft is an after-school recreational program. Young people learn strategic skills and effective decision-making through games. Adults guide youth to help them grow intellectually, socially and ethically. Many young people participate as members for 5 or 6 years and then return as adult volunteers after college. Why do we use gaming?
Differences between The Game Loft and a Game Store 1) The Game Loft is a non-profit organization, not a for-profit business, 501(C)3. 2) The Game Loft's priority is the youth, not selling merchandise. 3) Game Loft staff and players use games to teach skills. 4) Game Loft game masters and storytellers tailor the stories for the players. 5) The Game Loft is run by an Executive Committee, not a manager or president/CEO. 6) The Game Loft provides materials needed for games; they do not need to be purchased. 7) The Game Loft conducts background checks for staff and volunteers. 8) Anyone can join the Game Loft. 9) Game Loft members volunteer in the community and get recognized for it, such as the Camden Conference. 10 ) The Game Loft allows a place for kids to go and hang out; this is not an appropriate activity in a store. 11) The Game Loft runs a food pantry, providing free snacks to visitors. 12) Game Loft members go on trips. 13) The Game Loft conducts outreach programs to inform students and parents about the services offered and the strengths of gaming in general (for example, visiting schools or speaking at community groups). 14) Game Loft staff members communicate with parents and keep them abreast of their child's activities at the Loft.
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