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Local esports owner pitches after‑school summer camp to Menands board; trustees urge grant partnerships
Summary
John Crossman of BDO Gaming proposed a STEM‑centered afternoon esports summer camp for 10–15 children per session and asked the village to explore grant support and partnerships; trustees encouraged grant searches and asked for a formal proposal by mid‑March.
John Crossman, owner of BDO Gaming and Esports Education, presented a proposal to run afternoon summer camp programming in Menands that would use video games as a vehicle for STEM learning, digital‑literacy skills and anti‑cyberbullying lessons.
Crossman described existing programming, staffing and partnerships: his business runs camps, brings in coaching staff from regional providers, and last year ran county programs with strong retention. He said typical camp sessions are sized at 10–15 children per day with three to five instructors on site; the firm offers a 25% discount for village programming. Crossman noted a $50,000 MVP Healthcare grant to stage a high‑school showcase and said the company is pursuing nonprofit partners to broaden access for low‑income residents.
Board members welcomed the concept but stressed that village finances limit direct support this year and encouraged Crossman to pursue digital‑literacy and youth program grants and partnerships with regional nonprofits, the county and private funders. Trustees requested a written proposal and asked for a decision by mid‑March so organizers can finalize schedules.
Crossman said the program can also be adapted for seniors and veterans and that the facility is on a bus line and accessible; board members agreed to visit the site before finalizing any village contribution.
