Giraffe Learning Center Inc

Hello everyone,
Giraffe Learning Center and Game Devs Interactive are excited to host our 2026 Scratch Game Jam, a three-session competition where students will design, code, test, and present an original game using the Scratch game engine.
Unlike a traditional coding class where everyone follows the same project, students will have the freedom to develop their own game concept and make their own decisions about gameplay, art, programming, and design, much like a hackathon. The goal is to give students an opportunity to apply their coding skills creatively while experiencing what it is like to develop a game under a deadline and collaborate within development constraints.
Although students may bring their own computers, devices will also be provided for development during the event.
<h2>Schedule</h2>
Session 1 — October 2 | 4:00–6:30 PM Team Formation + Game Development
The first 30 minutes will be used to introduce the Game Jam, explain the competition rules, and form teams. Teams will be organized by the instructors to create balanced groups and give students an opportunity to work with new people.
Students who strongly prefer to work independently may create a solo entry, although working in a team is highly encouraged.
After teams are formed, students will brainstorm their game ideas and begin development.
Session 2 — October 9 | 4:30–6:30 PM Game Development + Playtesting
Students will have the full session to continue coding their games, add features, troubleshoot problems, playtest, and polish their final submissions. All coding must be completed by the end of this session.
Session 3 — October 16 | 5:00–6:30 PM Game Showcase + Judging + Awards Ceremony
Students will present their completed games, play one another’s projects, and explain the ideas and programming behind what they created. Games will then be judged, and the Game Jam will conclude with an awards ceremony. Parents are encouraged to attend.
<h2>Competition Rules</h2>
Students will be automatically placed in a team of approximately 3–4 students. If a student would like to work independently, a parent must email <a href="mailto:gamedevsinteractive@gmail.com">gamedevsinteractive@gmail.com</a> before the Game Jam begins on October 2.
All games must be created in Scratch during the Game Jam. Students may use Scratch’s built-in sprites, sounds, and backgrounds, or they may design their own.
Each submission must be an original, playable game created by the student or team. Instructors will be available to answer questions and help students understand programming concepts, but instructors will not build games for participants.
Every member of a team is expected to contribute. Students may divide responsibilities based on their interests, including programming, game design, artwork, animation, sound, testing, and debugging. Students who repeatedly refuse to cooperate with their team or disrupt the event may be removed from the Game Jam.
Games must be appropriate for all audiences. Development will officially end when time is called at the conclusion of Session 2.
<h2>Awards</h2>
There will be three Game Jam awards:
<h3>Grand Prize: Best Overall Game</h3>
Awarded to the strongest overall game based on programming, creativity, gameplay, design, and execution.
The Grand Prize entry will receive:
<ul><li>$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card</li><li>Grand Prize Trophy</li><li>Certificate of Excellence in Computational Literacy &amp; Game Design</li></ul>
<h3>Most Creative Game</h3>
Awarded to the entry with the most original concept, mechanics, theme, or art.
Winners receive:
<ul><li>Mini Trophy</li><li>Certificate of Excellence in Computational Literacy &amp; Game Design</li></ul>
<h3>Best Technical Achievement</h3>
Awarded for particularly impressive programming, problem-solving, game mechanics, or use of Scratch.
Winners receive:
<ul><li>Mini Trophy</li><li>Certificate of Excellence in Computational Literacy &amp; Game Design</li></ul>
<h2>Registration</h2>
Registration Fee: $15 per student
Students register individually and do not need to have a team before registering. Teams will be formed at the beginning of the first session. Students may also choose to compete independently if requested before the event.
No prior Scratch experience is required, although students should come ready to create, experiment, collaborate, and solve problems.
Dates: October 2, October 9, and October 16, 2026 Game Development Sessions: October 2 and October 9 Final Showcase &amp; Awards Ceremony: October 16Registrate early by contacting Giraffe Learning Center through email or call:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.giraffelearning.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">giraffelearning.com/</a>
Best, Arya Sharma Founder, Game Devs Interactive <a href="https://gamedevsinteractiv.wixsite.com/game-devs-interative" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Founder of Game Devs Interactive</a> <a href="https://theoneandonlyaryasharma.my.canva.site/launch-pad" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Get to Know Me</a>

Local Event: 2026 Scratch Game Jam at Giraffe Learning Center

Alameda County

Fremont

California

2026 Scratch Game Jam at Giraffe Learning Center

Hello everyone,
Giraffe Learning Center and Game Devs Interactive are excited to host our 2026 Scratch Game Jam, a...

Arya Sharma

Fernando Haro

Bay Area

Newark

Union City

Santa Clara County

Milpitas

Michael Wittner

Pleasanton

San Mateo County

East Palo Alto

Mountain View

Menlo Park-Atherton

Dublin

Palo Alto

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Grab your friends, family and pups and head Downtown for one of Walnut Creek’s favorite fall traditions. Sip craft beer and wine in the Biergarten, dance along to live music, dig into delicious food, shop artisan vendors, bring the little ones to Kinder Platz and soak up the festive atmosphere all weekend long.

FEATURING:🎶 Live Music &amp; Dancing 🍺 Biergarten with Craft Beer &amp; Wine 🌭 Delicious Food 🛍️ Artisan Vendors 🎡 Kinder Platz Kids Zone 🥨 Plenty of Oktoberfest Fun!

GETTING HERE:
🚗 $10 Event Parking at 1111 Civic Drive 🚲 Free Bike Valet 🚆 Take BART to Walnut Creek Station
FREE ADMISSION • RSVP TODAY!✨ Admission is FREE! RSVP in advance to let us know you’re coming, then stop by the Info Booth during Oktoberfest to check in and pick up some Oktoberfest swag (while supplies last)!*
👉 RSVP &amp; CHECK OUT THE FULL OKTOBERFEST LINEUP »&nbsp;<a href="https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/events/oktoberfest?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_campaign=OKT2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">walnutcreekdowntown.com/oktoberfest</a>

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<ul><li>Elaine's Memorial Circle and symbolic "dove" release.</li><li>High-energy Bollywood Dance Warm-Up led by Shameem Z. and her daughter, Sana.</li><li>Superhero costume contest with prizes for best dressed individuals and teams (capes are encouraged!).</li><li>Community Expo featuring local businesses, nonprofits, and community services. Pro tip: bring a bag to collect fun and useful exhibitor giveaways!</li><li>Music, photo opportunities, and family-friendly fun.</li><li>A light breakfast including coffee, tea, and juice will be served.</li><li>Adult participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and finisher's medal.</li><li>Registrants are automatically entered to win amazing prizes.</li></ul>
Just for Patient and Survivors
<ul><li>HERS patients and breast cancer survivors receive 15% off registration with code <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2026/129852/hers-27th-annual-breast-cancer-walkrun-fundraiser-and-community-expo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HOPE15</a>.</li><li>Teams receive 10% off each team member's registration with code <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2026/129852/hers-27th-annual-breast-cancer-walkrun-fundraiser-and-community-expo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">TEAM10</a>.</li><li>Breast cancer survivors participating in Elaine's Memorial Circle will receive a complimentary pink superhero cape!</li><li>Ring a Bell: Stop by our Footprints and Survivors booths and ring a bell in honor of your survivorship or in memory of a loved one.</li></ul>
<a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2026/129852/hers-27th-annual-breast-cancer-walkrun-fundraiser-and-community-expo" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Be sure to register soon</a> because Early Bird pricing ends August 27th. Note that carpooling is recommended; the parking fee is $5.00 per car and is cashless (must pay with a credit or debit card).HERS is grateful for our generous sponsors including Legacy Sponsor Fremont Bank, Elite Sponsor Beverly Hagan, CPA, and Distance Sponsors Cargill, Poppy Bank, Republic Services, Star One Credit Union, UCSF Health, and Washington Health. For information regarding sponsorships, in-kind donations, and registration, call (510) 790-1911 x104 or email <a href="mailto:info@hersbcf.org" target="_blank">info@hersbcf.org</a>.

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Grab your friends, family and pups and head Downtown for one of Walnut Creek’s favorite fall traditions. Sip craft beer and wine in the Biergarten, dance along to live music, dig into delicious food, shop artisan vendors, bring the little ones to Kinder Platz and soak up the festive atmosphere all weekend long.
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GETTING HERE:
🚗 $10 Event Parking at 1111 Civic Drive 🚲 Free Bike Valet 🚆 Take BART to Walnut Creek Station
FREE ADMISSION • RSVP TODAY!
✨ Admission is FREE! RSVP in advance to let us know you’re coming, then stop by the Info Booth during Oktoberfest to check in and pick up some Oktoberfest swag (while supplies last)!*
👉 RSVP &amp; CHECK OUT THE FULL OKTOBERFEST LINEUP&nbsp;»<a href="https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/events/oktoberfest?utm_source=patch&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_campaign=OKT2026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">walnutcreekdowntown.com/oktoberfest</a>

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Posting Activity

2026 Scratch Game Jam at Giraffe Learning Center

OCT

2

9:00 AM

Giraffe Learning Center Inc, 1916 Driscoll Rd, Fremont, CA

Walnut Creek Oktoberfest: Prost to a Weekend of Brews, Brats & Bavarian Fun! 🥨🍻

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