Refresh Annapolis Valley

05/09/2026

Dr. Jon Saklofske (English and Theatre), Dr. Natalie Swain (History and Classics), and Mike Beazley (Academic Librarian) have come together to create the Aca...

03/04/2026

Game jam time! 2 months, build your best Annapolis Valley themed videogame. Win $100

Calling all student coders! Are you ready to build the next big arcade hit? We are hosting a Game Jam where you get to create your very own video game using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. A Game Jam is a fun race to make a game based on a specific theme. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, we w...

09/17/2025

Left call! Just a few spots left for the 2025 youth Computer Science cohort.

Refresh Annapolis Valley offers Computer Science courses to small cohorts of youth learners over the academic year. The courses offered include: Creative Computing: An introductory Computer Science course for younger learners using the Scratch programming environment. Scratch Masters: Advanced cours...

08/23/2025

Here's a peek at some of the branding work I wrapped up with the Macdonald Museum recently.

My son and I are over the moon excited about their retro arcade workshop for kids happening tomorrow and Saturday. I know for a fact that there were still spots available when I dropped off laptops loaned from Lighthouse Computers for it this morning. Head over to the museum's page and sign those kiddos up. My son spent a year with the program's coordinator building the arcade that's been travelling the Valley. Maybe you've played it?

It's an amazing program hosted by Refresh Annapolis Valley. This workshop is supported by Gillespie Horticulture & Sanitation, Annapolis County and Allen's Home Building Centre.

Oh, and guess what? The workshop is totally free!

08/23/2025

Whether you’re lost in a corn maze, picking apples or blasting off into space — come test your skills on this "Youth-Built * Valley Inspired" Refresh Annapolis Valley Community Arcade! 🎮✨

Now at the Macdonald Museum through to August 28th.

08/12/2025

Retro Video Game Making 101 - Kid's Workshop - 14 and under
Step back into the golden age of arcades! In this hands-on kid's workshop, you’ll learn how to create your very own retro-inspired video game using MakeCode Arcade. As we build our first game together, we’ll also explore the history and charm of classic arcade hits from decades past. No experience required—just bring your creativity!
Sponsored in part by the County of Annapolis—thank you for helping make it happen!

08/08/2025

Our building recently had the pleasure of welcoming the Refresh Annapolis Valley Community Arcade. Have you come across it in the local community? It showcases games created by youth and influenced by the Annapolis Valley. Very impressive! Thanks Refresh Annapolis Valley 🕹 Refresh Annapolis Valley

07/16/2025

The community made arcade has landed for the week at Berwick. Come to and play some Valley youth made games!

05/01/2025

Had a blast showcasing kid created interactive story and video games at the New Minas Elementary School STEM fest!

02/17/2025

One spot left for our March Break retro game development bootcamp for youth

Build: Arcade is an introductory Computer Science course for Middle (grades 5 to 8) or High School learners. Using Makecode Arcade, we will build retro style video games. While exploring the early history of video games, we will learn the fundamentals of the Makecode Arcade game development engine.....