GameSchoolCon

FAQ

What is "Gameschooling?"

Gameschooling can be defined as using games for learning or education, and it often refers to using games specifically as a homeschool method or using games in/as homeschool curriculum. Simply put, Gameschooling means playing to learn.

Do I have to be a homeschooler to attend GameSchoolCon?

No, you do not have to be a homeschooler to attend GameSchoolCon! Gameschooling is for all families, and so is GameSchoolCon! We welcome families who are pursuing any educational path that works for their children.

Do I have to be a "Gameschooler" to attend GameSchoolCon?

You might be a Gameschooler already! If you and your kids ever learn through play, or if you're interested in bringing more FUN into your classroom, homeschool days, or weekends, GameSchoolCon is probably for you!

Where can I learn more about Gameschooling?

Start here!

When does GameSchoolCon start and end?

GameSchoolCon begins Thursday, February 15th at 5:00 PM and ends Sunday, February 18th 2024 at 5:00 PM.

What is GameSchoolCon's Covid Policy?

You can read GameSchoolCon's Covid Policy HERE.

How do I register for GameSchoolCon?

We will post registration info here.

Can I use my charter school funds to register?

At this time, you need to contact your charter school about authorization to purchase tickets for GameSchoolCon for your students/chaperones. Please feel welcome to ask your charter school to consider partnering with us!

What if I can't afford GameSchoolCon?

Please contact us. We set aside 10% of our tickets each con to provide scholarships to guests who would otherwise not be able to attend GameSchoolCon. Depending on your situation, we may ask you to join our Work Exchange Crew in exchange for your GameSchoolCon ticket.

Why are ticket sales limited?

We are so grateful for the gaming and gameschooling communities' enthusiasm for GameSchoolCon! We keep Gameschoolcon on the smaller side to promote an atmosphere of temporary community, rather than the huge, get-lost-in-the-crowd feeling that can accompany larger conventions. We have also heard from many of our neurodiverse community members that keeping GameSchoolCon small makes it more accessible and welcoming for their families. And our hotel can only accommodate so many bodies!

What if I couldn't get tickets and I really want to attend GameSchoolCon?
We have heard requests to make GameSchoolCon bigger so that more folks can attend. At this time, we are electing to keep GameSchoolCon on the smaller side (see above). If you weren't able to get tickets for THIS GameSchoolCon, mark your calendar for the registration dates for the NEXT GameSchoolCon, and we will see you soon!

How can I stay connected to GameSchoolCon news?

Please join our Mailing List (link below this FAQ) and like our Facebook page! You can also follow us on Instagram!

How can I stay connected to other GameSchoolCon community members?

Click the "Communty" tab above to join our Forum!

Where can I listen to the audio recordings from GameSchoolCon's panels?

Click the "Audio" tab above under "Community" to access our audio files! You must join GameSchoolCon's Community pages to access audio files, and they area available for you to listen to at no charge.

Where can I view photos from GameSchoolCon?

Click the "Photos" tab above under "Community" to access our photo albums. Albums are password-protected and available to community members only; the password is in the "Announcements" forum ;)

Can I a refund or transfer my registration to another person?

Sorry, all registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if you must miss GameSchoolCon due to illness or emergency, we may be able to transfer your tickets to the next GameSchoolCon if you contact us.

How do I sell my art/handmade crafts/used games at GameSchoolCon?

You can bring your art, handmade crafts, and used games to our Homegrown Artists Alley and Used Game Sale! There is no cost to you, and you do not have to sign up or pre-register. Just bring your items to sell between 5-10pm on Friday night, and be prepared to make your own change (and keep 100% of your earnings!) Sorry, due to hotel policy, no sales of food items.

Do I have to bring my own computer for video gaming?

Wonderful video game opportunities will be announced soon, and you'll have even more gaming opportunities if you BYOC.

Do we need to sign up ahead of time to participate in the activities at GameSchoolCon?

There is no need to sign up for most activities! Almost everything at GameSchoolCon is first-come, first-play.

However, Role Playing Games(RPG), Nerf Battles and Laser Tag will All have sign up sheets.

RPGs will be posted the morning of the RPG, outside of the room where it's being held.

Nerf Battles and Laser Tag sign-ups will be at the registration table in the GameSchoolCon lobby.

Is there an extra cost for any of the activities at GameSchoolCon?

All activities and events at GameSchoolCon, including special events such as the Family Dance Party, art workshops, and active games, are included in your ticket price. Of course, if you wish to purchase items at the Homegrown Artists' Alley and Used Game Sale, from the Merch table, or from the Exhibit Hall, you'll need to pay for those!

What should I bring to GameSchoolCon?

Snacks! Hotel nom-noms can be spendy. However please be aware that outside food and drink is not permitted in meeting rooms. You are welcome to consume outside food in common areas or in your hotel room.
Layers to stay comfy in cool hotel meeting rooms
A plan to unite family members if separated
A plan to take care of yourself or your loved ones if overstimulated
Refillable water bottles
Bathing suits (if you are a guest of the hotel)
Your laptop for video gaming
Your Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon decks
Games that you want to share with others
Curiosity about games you haven't played yet
Your art/handmade crafts to sell in the Homegrown Artists Alley and Used Game Sale on Friday night
Your used games to sell in the Homegrown Artists Alley and Used Game Sale on Friday night
Cash (small bills!) to shop in the Homegrown Artists Alley and Used Game Sale on Friday night
Funds to spend in the Exhibit hall on Saturday between 10am and 5pm or with the game designers who will be demoing their games
Your good luck and a few dollars to purchase raffle tickets for our Charity Raffle and to bid on items in our Silent Auction
Your Nerf blasters and protective eyewear for the Nerf battles
Something FAB to wear to the Family Dance Party
A few hours to volunteer or join the Work Exchange Crew
Adult supervision for children and teens

What is prohibited at GameSchoolCon?

Weapons of any kind including tasers, "decorative" knives, and sword canes.
Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or any other nasty form of bigotry.
Bullying, harassment, teasing - nope. GameSchoolCon strives to be a safer environment for all attendees.
Illegal drugs of any kind.
Underage drinking or marijuana use - this is a family conference and little kids look up to big kids. Wholesome partying only!
Misuse/destruction of hotel property.
Skateboards, rollerblades/skates, bikes, scooters - sorry, not indoors!

Can I wear my costume/cosplay at GameSchoolCon?

Yes! We love costumes and cosplay! Please make sure you consider these guidelines as you plan your outfit:

Cosplay weapons must be obviously fake and painted in safety colors. No realistic gun replicas, please.
No "decorative" knives or sword canes.
Costumes and street clothes must, at minimum, cover body parts usually covered by a bathing suit.
Please do not wear clothing or costumes decorated with sexual or violent imagery or language, including profanity.
Full masks and face coverings, as well as gruesome or horror-themed cosplay can be frightening for some guests, especially younger children. Please bear in mind that GameSchoolCon is a mixed-age group when planning your costume.

Should I bring the whole family?

Yes! GameSchoolCon is a family conference with fun and games for kids of all ages.

Is GameSchoolCon appropriate for single adults to attend?

GameSchoolCon is, above all, a family conference intended primarily for a homeschooling family audience (although families pursuing other education methods and styles are welcome, too!) So, generally speaking, kids must be accompanied by parents and caregivers and parents and caregivers must be accompanied by children.

Are dogs welcome at the hotel/conference?

Our hotel allows service animals only. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Is childcare provided? Can I drop off my teens?

We do not offer childcare and it is important that all children including teens are in the care of a paid, registered adult during the entire conference weekend. GameSchoolCon is not a drop off event. However, you can care for another adult's children or send your child/ren with another caregiver - just let us know who is responsible for whom when filling our your registration form.

Do I have to purchase my own GameSchoolCon pass if I'm bringing my teen?

Yes! All children including teens must be accompanied by a paid adult.

If I don't like a workshop, can I get a refund?

No refunds of registration or other fees will be made.

Do I have to stay at the hotel to attend GameSchoolCon?

Nope! Many folks choose to stay at the hotel, but others choose to drive in each day. If you're only planning to stay one day, we suggest Saturday night

Can I help?

Yes, please! Please visit the Volunteer tab above to lend a hand!

Help! I still have more questions!

No problem! Please fill out our contact form, below, and we will get right back to you.