During the COVID-19 pandemic, many youths across Oregon searched for an opportunity to connect with their peers who have similar interests. Youths who are home-schooled, have social anxiety, and some youths who are neurodivergent, such as those who have autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, needed a way to continue their connection with others and improve social/leadership skills.
In response, Daniela Dávalos, Oregon State University Extension Service 4-H coordinator in Marion County, hosted 52 online and 34 in-person gaming sessions for youths in 2022. The sessions focused on facilitating lasting friendships, using soft skills that include teamwork, and soft usages of mathematical skills through non-video gaming devices such as Dungeons & Dragons. Each session lasted an average of one hour of preparation and two hours in-game.
The 125 online hours and 74 in-person hours hosted a total of 53 youth who consistently attended. Several parents reported that the youths improved their ability to socialize and connect with other youths of similar interests. These online groups helped form the foundation for future events such as the 4-H Allied Guilds Game Days and the 4-H Allied Guilds Camp.