Skip to content
Hack Club Games for Change
Hack Club Haven

Bethesda

Game jam for teens 13-18Saturday, Nov 14 · Bethesda

Amenity Center
Contact us: [email protected]

find an event near you

What is a game jam?

It’s a social coding event where you make a video game with friends + free food!

Learn & Build

  • Attendees hanging out together
  • A group of teens working at a shared table

meet new people and form lifelong relationships

Make Friends

  • A spread of snacks and merch
  • Attendees holding up their prizes

can’t say no to free snacks :)

Free Food & Prizes

Don’t game jams sound awesome?

This November, YOU can join the world's largest teen game jam. Yes, you! It doesn’t matter if you have years of experience, or just learned what they are today.

You’ll join thousands of teens making games from all around the world. Don't consider yourself a game dev? No problem - we have tons of workshops for you to make your game!

This is your chance to learn something new, meet new friends, andgo on an incredible adventure together!

Here is how you can join a game jam this November!

(Don't worry, we'll guide you through each step)

What happens on the day?

Saturday

  1. 8:00 am doors open + breakfast
  2. 8:30 am opening remarks
  3. 9:00 am icebreaker game
  4. 9:30 am groups + brainstorm game
  5. 10:00 am workshop
  6. 11:00 am game-making
  7. 12:30 pm lunch
  8. 1:00 pm more coding time
  9. 3:30 pm shipping
  10. 4:30 pm gallery walk a
  11. 5:00 pm gallery walk b
  12. 5:30 pm voting
  13. 6:00 pm dinner
  14. 7:00 pm awards
  15. 7:30 pm closing remarks
  16. 8:00 pm end of event

Hack Club has helped teens organize hundreds of events woldwide!Check out some of our past events ~

We take safety seriously. You can see our parent guide here, or they can reach out to us at [email protected] for questions.

FAQ

  • Am I eligible?

    If you’re age 13-18, you’re eligible! No prior experience required. If you are older, we are looking for volunteers, so email us at [email protected] if you are interested!

  • Is this free?

    Yes! Hack Club is a nonprofit helping teens build technical projects at no cost.

  • But I’ve never coded before!

    Perfect! Game jams are designed for beginners. You’ll have workshops, mentors, and teammates to help you every step of the way.

  • What if my parents are concerned?

    We’re here to help! You can see our parent guide here, or they can reach out to us at [email protected] for questions.

  • I still have questions!

    Join #haven-help on Slack or reach out to us at [email protected]!

  • What will we be doing?

    If you come to the event, you will be creating a game in a group of 1-3 people. There will be opportunities for prizes, along with free snacks and meals for all participants.

  • Where will the event take place?

    Our venue is the Ascend Amenity Center at 5425 Wisconsin Ave, within The Collection

  • When will the hackathon be?

    Our hackathon will take place Saturday November 14th from 8am to 8pm with lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks provided at no cost.

  • Why should I come?

    Our event is a place for teenagers to learn game development skills, meet other people with similar interests, and is completely free, so no risk involved with signing up!

  • Can I join an organizing team?

    It depends. Many cities have organizing teams that you can reach out to join. However, Bethesda Haven is not looking for more organizers, but we would love for you to come to our event!