OUR PROGRAMS
Healing and connection through play
Discover how our programs help Gold Star kids heal, grow, and connect through gaming, mentorship, and community.
Learn more about how each initiative turns play into purpose.
Mentorship
Making a lasting impact—one game at a time. Our mentors guide, encourage, and connect with military kids to help them rebuild confidence and find belonging.
Training Camps
Level up skills and self-esteem. Our summer camps combine teamwork, fun, and personal growth in a supportive environment built for learning and connection.
Gaming Events
Play with purpose. Compete, make new friends, and celebrate your loved one’s legacy while finding hope and joy through gaming.
Mentorships
Gold Star Gamers is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping military kids who’ve lost a loved one rediscover hope, healing, confidence, and connection through the power of play.
At the heart of our work is mentorship—pairing kids with military, professional, and college-age gamers who understand the value of teamwork, compassion, and community. These connections give children a sense of belonging, something to look forward to, and a reminder that they are never alone in their journey.
If you’re a gamer who wants to make a difference, we’d love to have you on our team.
Training Camps
Gold Star Gamers Training Camps give military kids ages 7–19 a space to grow, heal, and connect through gaming. Each camp helps participants build skills, confidence, and friendships while processing the loss of a parent or loved one in a healthy, supportive environment.
Led by experienced coaches and mentors, these camps also create opportunities for college-age gamers to earn money toward school while doing what they love—playing and teaching games that bring people together. Participants can join in person or virtually.
Ready to play, learn, and grow? Join us today.
Gaming Events
Our gaming events pair each child with an adult military volunteer, forming two-person teams that train together ahead of competition day—virtually or in person.
When the tournament begins, teams face off against others from the same branch of service. The winning teams from each branch then join forces with a professional gamer to form three-person squads, competing for prizes that are donated to Gold Star charities.
Each event lasts only a few hours, but the anticipation, teamwork, and preparation give participating kids something powerful—something to look forward to, to work toward, and to be proud of.
Join the fun—register today and be part of our next Gold Star Gamers event.
Qualifications
Child is between
7 – 18*
*Exceptions can be made
If they are divided by age,
exceptions can be made.
Parent / Guardian’s
permission to play
Child has lost a dad, mom, other significant family member, caretaker or loved one who served in one of the branches of the military (Reserves, Coast Guard and National Guard all qualify).
You and your child can commit to gaming practices in camp, with their assigned mentor, and event-day activities.