In the early days of Pixel Dreams, the founders envisioned the company as a place where professional and family life would be blended in positive and nourishing ways. The work environment would facilitate our team’s professional and personal development, as well as nurture our children’s ingenuity, curiosity and grit.
Raising I+A is the pillar we’ve built that ideal around. As part of those evolving efforts, Pixel Dreams has looked for different ways to express our vision of the organization as one that encourages personal growth.
One of those efforts has been hosting engaging bootcamps for kids. Building on the March Break and Summer editions of 2023, the March Break 2024 Bootcamp focused on real-world work experience, elevating educational initiatives, and providing our cadets with a platform for their evolution as future leaders.
For the 2024 edition of our March Break Kids Bootcamp, participants Sophie (9), and Philo (13), joined the Pixel Dreams team at the Toronto HQ.
From their first day, they reported directly to Trevor, PD’s Design Chief and Creative Director. Trevor assigned them tasks that are standard for interns or new hires.
A Shift in Experience
Unlike previous boot camps, which focused mainly on play and learning through structured activities, the 2024 Bootcamp made our cadets active participants in the workplace. They learned about setting goals, managing their time effectively, and being capable contributors in a team.
Learning Through Real Challenges
This journey began when Philo presented his idea for a video game to his father, Khalid.
Recognizing a valuable learning opportunity, our CEO proposed bringing the game into Pixel Dreams and giving it the resources of a company project. Philo set an ambitious but achievable deadline, providing structure and a clear goal for the March Break 2024 Bootcamp.
As they worked on the game, Philo and Sophie learned valuable lessons about collaboration and the dynamics of teamwork. Through the development process, our cadets saw how ideas evolve and improve with input from others, adapting the game and expanding it beyond its original concept.
Reflecting on the process, Philo noted the transformative power of teamwork, “It’s different when you’re part of a team. You adapt, and the project grows beyond your initial vision. Sophie’s experience was equally enlightening. She found joy and motivation in the supportive environment, leading her to excitedly proclaim, “I don’t understand why people don’t love work! I love work!”
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Work
At the end of the bootcamp, the showcase of our cadets final project demonstrated how much they had learned and grown. It was a testament to the potential and capabilities of young people when presented with real challenges and opportunities.
Trevor’s philosophy, inspired by the legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, emphasizes the value of investing in youth. “When you give young people a chance, you create a legacy of loyalty and innovation,” Trevor noted.
Most children look forward to March Break as a rest from school. At Pixel Dreams, it’s a stepping stone toward a future where work and learning are joyously intertwined.
