articles

Take Your Kids Game to the Next Level This Summer with NXT Up Esports

$30 off Gaming Summer Camps when using the discount code “MACARONI” #ad #sponsored

By Amanda Hollifield, Publisher Mom, tricities.macaronikid.com March 30, 2021

Teamwork, community, leadership, and communication are skills a parent doesn't usually associate with video gaming, especially this mama of 13- and 9-year-old kids who loves their video games. Now throw in safe and fun and you have NXT UP Esports, a program that aims to teach all of these life skills and help kids learn the art of video gaming with a community of kids.

NXT UP Esports has taken video gaming to a whole new level by creating live video competitions. Gone are the days your kiddos have to sit ALONE in their rooms with their gaming console and video games. Even high schools and colleges have included esports into their student-athlete scholarship programs. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Lees-McRae College are two local colleges that offer scholarships to their esports student-athlete program. 

NXT UP Esports' goal is to develop and teach youth the fundamentals of various video games,  but through a shared app and a coach, the gaming is structured, safe, and fun!   

So, let me be the first to admit, encouraging my already gaming-obsessed son to do this program concerned me. I know how much he loves gaming, especially when he can game online with his friends. Another factor for me was if he is going to spend time doing something (gaming), I want him to do it well. Yes, I'm a competitor at heart. NXT UP Esports, through its coach-led programs, helps kids learn in-game skills on how to better play their game. In the world of sports, many parents spend money, time, and resources for their child(ren) to develop their sports skills with travel teams, skill development programs, and more. NXT UP Esports is that and more for those kids wanting to develop their gaming skills, and for parents a sense of security and mind that their kids are in a controlled environment and receiving a great gaming experience (and learning)!

As a parent, I appreciated:

  • the communication from the NXT UP staff and coaches through email reminders, especially being invited and included in their first online meeting,
  • their communication with the kids during practice and live tournaments (no profanity is allowed), 
  • the online community of a team atmosphere, and
  • Jackson developing and strengthening his in-game Fortnite skills and strategy.    


Jackson's first meeting with his coach and teammates

With two practice sessions each week and tournaments every Friday night, the 10-week program was manageable for our busy family. There were times after practice sessions that Jackson would still be online playing with his NXT UP "gaming friends" from all over the country.

I love the idea of having a quality-trained coach that is consistent with Jackson each practice and tournament. Coach Luke says, "coaching has always been a passion of mine especially when the players are so excited about the game. Seeing the kids improve their gaming is cool but it's awesome to see how they open up and become more social over the course of the program. I think the kids' favorite part is knowing they're playing with other kids their age. It's a really fun community to be a part of."  

My son, Jackson, is 9 years old and has played Fortnite since Season 2, Chapter 2. He used his Nintendo Switch to play Fortnite during the 10-week program along with the Discord app on his tablet. Jackson said of his experience that the program was "really fun" and he liked all the kids who were in his online group. He developed a good relationship with his online coach, Luke. I asked Jackson, what in-game skills he learned and he mentioned peace controlling and water falling, which I'm assuming are important in the game of Fortnite.   Jackson really looked forward to the tournaments, and his competitive spirit showed too!  

Want to find out more and find a fun summer camp option for your kiddos? NEXT UP is offering several summer camp options for kids of all ages and skills. Each camp is coached by trained, high-level coaches who have all passed third-party background checks before working with the kids. 

Each summer camp is specific to one game: Fortnite, League of Legends, or Minecraft. Camps are all VIRTUAL: players connect with their teammates and coach through the game and Discord, a digital communication app that NXT UP Esports uses to maintain safe and clear communication. Kids will make friends and socialize safely all online! 

Players can participate in the programs by playing on the following platforms:

Fortnite: Computer, Xbox, Playstation, or Nintendo Switch.
Minecraft: Computer (Java version of the game)
League of Legends: Computer

Gaming Summer Camps are each one week long, five days a week for four hours each day starting at 9am PST / 12pm EST. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of the limited-time CertifiKID discount!

Registration is regularly $219, but for a limited time, CertifiKID is offering a discount of $30 off when you use the discount code “MACARONI” at checkout. Sign up with a friend to receive our group discount for an extra $10 off each!

Important Dates:

June 14 - June 18: League of Legends
June 21 - June 25: Fortnite
July 12 - July 16: Minecraft
July 19 - July 23: Fortnite
July 26 - July 30: League of Legends
August 2 - August 6: Fortnite

Registration closes one week before each camp starts

 What's Included:

  • 20 hours of instruction (that’s less than $8/hour!)
  • Custom camp t-shirt
  • Individual and team activities
  • Camp tournament
  • Coaching from high-level players
  • $30 off Gaming Summer Camps when using the discount code “CERTIFIKID.” Standard price is $219, CertifiKID discount is $189 (14% off). Additional group discount of $10 off when signing up with a friend. 

Use the discount code “CERTIFIKID” at checkout. Email info@nxtupesports.com to get the group discount when you sign up with a friend. 

Follow NXT UP Esports socially on:

FacebookInstagram, and Twitter @NXTUPESPORTS


I received a free camp session for my child to facilitate this review, but all opinions are my own.