Welcome to the LAZR Dojo Afterschool Enrichment Program at Art Based School
Hello Parents and Students, We're excited to welcome everyone starting next week! Our goal is simple: help students move from playing games to creating them.
To ensure the best experience, we have six weeks of structured lessons prepared, with two additional weeks ready in case projects need more time, your young creator moves quickly, or an unforeseen schedule change occurs.
Our Creative Toolkit
At LAZR Dojo, we embrace a holistic approach to creativity, blending traditional artistry with modern technology. We believe that great ideas often begin offline, with the simple act of putting pen to paper. So bring your big ideas — and even your favorite things — because inspiration can come from anywhere!
Paper & Planning
All students will be supplied with paper and writing tools to brainstorm and outline their concepts, building foundational design skills before diving into digital creation.
Illustration Techniques
Students will explore various illustration methods, from basic character development to environmental design, learning to translate imaginative ideas into compelling visuals.
Drawing Fundamentals
Our curriculum incorporates essential drawing principles, enhancing hand-eye coordination and visual perception — crucial skills that benefit both traditional and digital art forms.
Your First Creative Spark
Get ready to unleash your creativity! For your very first project at LAZR Dojo, we want to hear about your favorite things and games. These personal inspirations will be the foundation of your initial creations, making your learning experience truly unique.
Please email your favorite things and games as a message/email to [email protected] before your first session! If you don't send us anything, don't worry – we'll have default images and assets ready for you to jumpstart your creative journey.
What to Expect in Week One
The first week is designed as an assessment and discovery session. During this time we will learn about each student's interests, creative strengths, and the kinds of things they would like to build.
However, if your creator already knows what they want to make, we will start creating right away.
Students will also:
Meet & Greet
Meet their instructor and fellow creators
Explore the Tools
Explore the tools we will use during the program
Brainstorm
Begin brainstorming characters, worlds, or game ideas
Creative Challenge
Start a small creative challenge that helps us understand their creative style
This first session helps us understand who the artist is today and who they are becoming. Will getting their team mate ready for their awesome!
Program Details & Schedule
Join the LAZR Dojo Afterschool Program from March 16 to April 24. This 6-week program costs $210 and is open to students in grades 3rd through 8th. Parents can still sign up later if space is still avaviable. If you signed up for the wrong times then please let us know and we will change it, no problem!
North Campus
Mondays: Grades 3–5 | 2:45–3:45 PM
Wednesdays: Grades 6–8 | 2:45–3:45 PM
South Campus
Tuesdays: Grades 3–4 | 2:45–3:45 PM
Creative Tools Students May Explore
Throughout the program students will get exposure to tools such as:
🎨 Digital Art and Illustration (2d and 3d)
🧠 Character and Game Design
🕶 3D Art Creation in Virtual Reality
💻 Beginner-Friendly Game Creation and Coding
(how to think like a coder/programmer)
Students do not need to bring any equipment. All creative tools will be provided.
Skills We Build in Every Session
Each grade band works toward developing three important abilities:
Creative Confidence
Students learn to express their ideas while respecting the creativity of others.
Problem Solving
Students learn to experiment and work through challenges without complaints.
Digital Literacy
Students become comfortable using technology as a creative tool rather than something to fear.
Arrival Instructions
On your respective afterschool day:
1
Notify the Attendant
Please notify the afterschool attendant that your student is attending the LAZR Dojo Afterschool Enrichment Program.
2
Escorted to Workspace
Students will be escorted to our workspace.
If I finish setup early, I may come down to pick students up myself. Any one needing an invoice please send a request to [email protected] OUR EIN may not be enough!
Grand Finale Showcase 🎉
At the end of the program, we will host a special Grand Finale session where parents and friends are invited to attend for free.
Student Showcase
During this event, students will be able to showcase their creations and artwork. Their projects will be put on display for everyone to enjoy and celebrate.
Venue
The showcase will take place at the LAZR Dojo Studio and Ctrl V VR Arcade, giving students a chance to proudly present what they have built during the program.
It's a great opportunity for families to see just how far their young creators have come!
Who Is Leading the Program?
My name is Larry Stowe, owner of LAZR Studios and the Ctrl V VR Arcade in Winston-Salem.
I am a digital artist, game designer, and instructional designer who has spent many years teaching students how to turn creativity into real digital skills. My work focuses on helping students explore fields such as digital art, game design, virtual reality, and creative technology.
LAZR Dojo was created to help students move beyond consuming technology and begin creating with it.
I'm looking forward to working with your students and helping them discover their creative potential.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I am always at the arcade and studio!
Best regards,
Inside a LAZR Dojo Lesson
Each LAZR Dojo session is a dynamic journey of discovery and creation, designed to empower students with foundational digital art and design skills. We structure our lessons to encourage both independent exploration and collaborative learning, ensuring every young creator finds their unique path.
01
Concept Unveiling
We kick off each session by introducing a fresh creative concept or project challenge, sparking initial ideas and discussion among students.
02
Guided Exploration
Students dive into hands-on exploration of digital tools and techniques, with instructors providing personalized guidance and live demonstrations.
03
Creative Application
This is where ideas come to life! Students actively apply newly learned skills to their unique projects, fostering independent creation and problem-solving.
04
Refinement & Feedback
We encourage a cycle of self-reflection and constructive peer feedback, helping students refine their work and develop critical artistic judgment.
05
Share & Celebrate
Each session concludes with an opportunity to share progress or completed pieces, celebrating achievements and inspiring fellow creators.