As members of the PolyKindred community, my husband Josh and I found ourselves at the World Boardgame Championships for the third consecutive year. While we’re not avid gamers ourselves, our community’s passion for board games has drawn us into this vibrant world. For us, it’s more about the experience – the fun, the swimming, the games, and the getaway.
This year held special significance. Despite facing numerous challenges, we made it here thanks to the kindness of our family. It’s a testament to the strength of our support network, a cornerstone of the PolyKindred philosophy.
Our adventure began in the “open gaming” area, where we hoped to learn a new game. We put up a sign requesting an experienced player to teach us, but after half an hour of waiting, we were still on our own. It felt like a flashback to elementary school, being the last ones picked for a team! We couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, wondering just how unappealing we must have seemed.
Undeterred, we attempted to decipher the game instructions ourselves. While well-written, the complexity was overwhelming. I’ve always preferred learning games from our community’s game master, Adam, who has a knack for making even the most intricate games feel accessible. His step-by-step guidance always leaves me feeling empowered to learn and strategize effectively.
Just as we were about to give up, a friend appeared and offered to teach us. His approach mirrored Adam’s – patient explanation, strategic insights, and breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks. Suddenly, the game that had seemed so daunting became enjoyable and straightforward.
This experience highlighted a crucial aspect of both gaming and life: the importance of effective teaching. Whether it’s a board game, photosynthesis, or the quadratic formula, a skilled instructor can transform the seemingly impossible into the achievable.
I realized that I don’t need to be a “gamer” to enjoy games. What I do need is a supportive community and patient teachers willing to meet me at my level. This is where our PolyKindred community, and particularly Adam Hurd, truly shines. Adam’s lifelong passion for sharing games with others exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity and shared joy that we value so deeply.
Our experience at the World Boardgame Championships reinforced a core PolyKindred belief: the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse skill sets within our community. As Josh and I fumbled through learning on our own, I gained a newfound appreciation for Adam’s talent in making games accessible and enjoyable for all.
In the end, it’s not about being the best gamer or mastering every rule. It’s about coming together, sharing experiences, and finding joy in our connections. That’s the true spirit of PolyKindred, and it’s what makes our community, much like a well-played board game, so rewarding.
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