HackShack, based in Miami, is a new venture that has been designed to inspire and introduce the next generation to coding, app development, video production, robotics and digital photography. The studio is the creation of Mike and Gina Hickey who had the vision to know and understand where things are headed and then boldly creating a place where children could come and fuel their enthusiasm as well as to get the hands-on experience they will need as the 21st century rumbles forward.
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When we thought about Hackshack," Mike and Gina said,
"we envisioned a digital sandbox where kids get together to be creative, be curious and to explore the world of coding, app making, design and robotics. We love getting kids excited about the tools they'll need to be future-ready and we're having a blast doing it."
HackShack is a place where kids play to code and code to learn. So, coding is at the core of the entire program. In robotics for example, kids learn fundamentals of code while playing and making robots perform commands and actions in real time.
The Hickeys consider design thinking as important as critical thinking, so the children are exposed to the basic elements of the creative process and design as well as digital photography, graphics and videography. For Mike and Gina, it’s all about sparking young imaginations to create and to give them the time and the tools to actually do it.
"Technology has changed everything," the Hickeys point out.
"It is pervasive, life changing and all consuming. For kids, devices are the ultimate form of entertainment. We know, just like all other parents, how much our girls love to play with their devices...so we are inspired to help them enjoy technology and to teach them how to control it; to influence it; to be productive while using it."
HackShack studio offers a variety of options for kids to join the sandbox.
HackLabs are where the children learn and develop skills over time. It is a comprehensive, long term program where they can feed their passion for technology by acquiring the knowledge and skill to complete long term projects.
HackCamps are in when school is out. At camp, it’s all about fun. It’s all about designing and building as well as playing with robots and modding Minecraft.
At HackShops kids get introduced to the concepts through play. They are immersive and short term and are designed for children with busy schedules.
The Hickeys come from backgrounds that have inspired them to create an immersive and creative atmosphere for learning what they believe the children need to learn to be prepared for the complexities of modern life. Mike was a team leader at a major design agency where he produced thousands of commercials. He also helped create the world’s first digital ad agency and developed a video game. Gina comes from the hotel industry where she did public relations and brand management for one of the world’s most recognizable hotel brands. She has stayed at over 100 hotels in her visits to more than 20 countries.
For the Hickeys, being busy parents, teachers and entrepreneurs is a passion that has always been with them. HackShack is where they want their children to come to learn, to create and to play and meet kids who are just like them. For the Hickeys,
“Our mission is to inspire curiosity and spark creativity through play.”
You can visit Hackshack online at
http://www.hackshackstudio.com
