Looking for screen-free fun that’s more than just play? Our after-school and summer programs are made outright for kids and teens and they're packed with strategy, creativity, and good old-fashioned teamwork.
LEARN, PLAY, LEVEL UP
After-School Enrichment
ages 7-15
Weekdays | 4:30 PM – 7 PM
Not every child dreams about sports camp.
Some kids thrive when they’re solving problems, building worlds, telling stories, painting miniatures, mastering strategy, or bonding over shared interests.
At Gatsby’s After-School Enrichment, kids unplug from screens and connect through strategy games, roleplaying adventures, teamwork, and imagination.
Board games and tabletop gaming help children develop:
✔ Critical thinking
✔ Communication skills
✔ Creativity
✔ Sportsmanship
✔ Confidence
✔ Friendships
Whether your child loves Magic, D&D, miniatures, strategy games, or simply wants a welcoming place to make friends, Gatsby’s offers a supportive environment where every kid can thrive.
Board Game Club
Mind Masters: (Grades 2-4) This problem-solving series is for children age 7 to 9 that have either completed Brain Benders or demonstrate an affinity for strategic thinking. We introduce these gamers to a wide range of game genres from ancient strategy to modern board games. Throughout the program players will explore deeper strategy elements and multidimensional thinking. As always, participants will also focus on issues of ‘good sportsmanship’ while simultaneously trying to outwit and out strategize their opponents. Games may include: 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, Boggle, Sushi Go!, Splendor, Dragonwood, Machi Koro, Ticket to Ride, Small World.
Strategy Specialists: (Grades 4-6) This problem-solving series is for children age 9 to 11 that have either completed Mind Masters or demonstrate an affinity for strategic thinking. We introduce these gamers to a wide range of game genres from ancient strategy to modern board games. Throughout the program players will explore deeper strategy elements and multidimensional thinking. As always, participants will also focus on issues of ‘good sportsmanship’ while simultaneously trying to outwit and out strategize their opponents. Games may include: 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Sushi Go!, Splendor, Dragonwood, Machi Koro, Ticket to Ride, Strat-o-matic.
TCG Club
Intro Card Strategy Specialists (Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering) This beginner class is for those interested in learning how to play the most popular trading card games. Students will learn the basics of Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, developing the strategy, deck building, and planning skills needed to play with others. No collection needed, students will learn with our decks and get a Magic deck to take home!
Intermediate Card Strategy Specialists (Magic: The Gathering): (Grades 5+) This intermediate card game program is for those who already know how to play Magic: The Gathering and want some instruction to up their game. A wide range of game categories are explored in a progressive curriculum with the intent of playing a variety of card mechanics, subject matter and strategies. Students will continue to develop their strategic thinking, planning and good sportsmanship as they play both competitive and cooperative games. Students will learn to build decks, play with pre-constructed decks, and draft decks.
D&D Club
Introduction to RPGs: (Grades 3+) This program will introduce players to the core concepts of tabletop role play and teach the rules of a few beginner-friendly game systems. Tabletop Roleplaying Games (RPGs) are narrative game systems that encourage cooperation, decision-making and creative thinking. RPG players are immersed in a shared story-telling experience as they work together to overcome obstacles and solve problems. Game systems may include: Hero Kids, No Thank You Evil!, Do: Pilgrims of the Flying Temple, Microscope, Dungeon Crawl Classics and Dungeons & Dragons.
Intermediate RPGs: (Grades 3+) Role players that have completed our introductory class are ready to set out on more in-depth adventures! We will explore a range of different RPGs in an effort to offer players a survey of popular RPG systems. Players will improve essential role-playing skills that include character development, embracing failure, and detailed narrative storytelling. All of our RPG classes stress cooperative decision making and good sportsmanship. Game systems may include Microscope, The Quiet Year, Dungeon Crawl Classics, Fiasco, Cypher System, Star Wars RPG, Dungeon World, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Advanced RPGs (LATE CREW): (Grade 6+) This advanced RPG club offers a more in depth and rewarding experience for participants who are ready for higher level campaigning. Our counselors will be offering more creative freedom, chances for independent exploration, and complex RPG story lines. Participants will be expected to work in a team, communicate effectively, and show curiosity towards the finer points of the game. In addition, group leadership (Game Master) opportunities will also be available for interested participants. Game systems may include Dungeon Crawl Classics, Cypher System, Star Wars RPG, FATE Core, Time Watch, Traveler and Dungeons & Dragons.
Tuition: $400
Camp held at Gatsby's Game Cafe, 1500 Old Country Rd at the Samanea New York Mall, 2nd Floor, Westbury, NY
Participants must be 7 years to 15 years old when the program starts.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
Our programs sneak in learning without making it feel like school. While kids are having fun, they’re also building real-life skills like strategy, sportsmanship, planning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Small group sizes mean lots of personal attention, and our cafe setting offers a safe, screen-free space where kids can unplug and interact face-to-face. We’re big on inclusivity, mutual respect, and making sure every kid feels like they belong at the table.