Building Cities, Building Teams: An Introduction to Strategy, Teamwork, and Esports 

Building Cities, Building Teams: An Introduction to Strategy, Teamwork, and Esports

Date(s) & Location(s):
July 13 - 17, 2026 in Durham, NC
July 20 - 24, 2026 in Durham, NC
Grades Eligible:
Rising  5th 6th
Course Description:

In this hands-on, game-based course, Early Accelerator students explore creativity, strategy, and teamwork through the city-building game Cities: Skylines. The course begins with fun icebreakers and guided gameplay to help students learn the basics of the game while building confidence and forming a supportive gaming community. Students practice planning, problem-solving, and decision-making as they design and manage their own cities.

As the week continues, students transition from individual play to working in small teams, learning how communication, cooperation, and shared goals lead to greater success. Through team challenges and collaborative objectives, students discover how relying on one another strengthens both gameplay and friendships. The course concludes with an exciting introduction to esports-style team competition, where students apply what they’ve learned in a positive, friendly environment that emphasizes sportsmanship, leadership, and fun. Reflection and group sharing throughout the course help students celebrate progress and set goals for future growth.

Instructor:
Marcus Holley
Cost:
$350