PLAYROOM ACADEMY LAUNCHES
September 14, 2026
By Mike Primeau - Founder of The Playroom Experiment
Over the summer, we ran two test sessions built around Disney Lorcana, a trading card game that has become a big part of what we do at the Playroom. We wanted to see what would happen if we created a more structured opportunity for young people to learn the game, play together, and become part of a community around it.
The response was as great as we could have hoped for. More importantly, the young people who took part do not want it to end.
They want to see it continue.
As a result, we are introducing two different Playroom Academy programs, each designed with a different purpose and, we hope, a different role in a young person's gaming journey.
Playroom Academy Cadets
The first program is for students in Grades 3 and 4, who will identify as Playroom Academy Cadets.
Beginning in October, Cadets will meet monthly with our experienced gaming captains, who will guide the group through opportunities to learn, play modern-day games, and connect with other young players.
Parents can register their children now through our website.
The goal isn't simply to teach kids how to play a game. It's to give them a place where gaming can become a positive social experience—something they can look forward to, share with others, and continue developing over time.
CLICK HERE to register for Playroom Academy Cadets.
Playroom Academy Captains
The second program is Playroom Academy Captains, designed for students in Grade 5 and up.
This program is a little different.
Rather than simply attending a monthly event, Captains will become part of a more group-driven community. Families will connect through our community app called Mighty Networks, where we can communicate, share ideas, and RSVP for Academy gatherings.
The group will meet every other week, giving young people more opportunities to play together while also giving families the chance to discover new games and gaming experiences they can enjoy at home.
And that's an important part of what we're trying to accomplish.
Gaming can become a lifestyle choice. As our young people navigate different chapters in their lives, we want to give them gaming moments where they learn from one another, build confidence, take on leadership roles, and discover how these gaming experiences can be empowering.
If you have a child who is a student in Grade 5 or higher and wishes to explore our Playroom Academy Captains program, you can fill out our registration form here:
One thing I love about The Playroom Experiment is that we don't always know where an idea will lead.
We try something.
We watch what happens.
We listen to the kids and families involved.
And now, with Playroom Academy, we're building something bigger from what we learned.
That's the experiment every time in our "play lab".
