Our Programs
Camel City Game Jam
Classroom Connections
Industry Site Visits
The Camel City Game Jam is our annual flagship event. Students work as teams over 48 hours to create a complete game. The event features development professionals from around the country while showcasing local industry and innovation.
Industry Site Visits
Classroom Connections
Industry Site Visits
Students get the opportunity to experience careers in innovative technology first-hand by working directly with local companies. Employers are able to guide and inspire students while creating a pipeline for future professionals.
Classroom Connections
Classroom Connections
Classroom Connections
We collaborate with leading-edge technology companies, forging partnerships to bring industry knowledge and resources into classrooms, inspiring students to pursue their dreams and create meaningful career connections.
Our Vision
At Camel City Student Innovation, our vision is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community that empowers high school students in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina to unlock their full potential through next-generation technology. We envision a future where creativity, innovation, and educational growth converge to create transformative experiences. Through immersive events like the Camel City Student Game Jam and our student support initiatives, we aim to showcase student achievements, foster collaboration, and forge meaningful connections with industry professionals.
By providing invaluable opportunities, expert mentorship, and a platform to showcase their talents, we aspire to inspire the next generation of technological pioneers. We envision a landscape where students not only develop essential career skills but also gain exposure to diverse applications in fields such as interactive media, medical virtualization, and communication.
We strive to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal access to opportunities for underprivileged students. Together, we envision a future where students are equipped with the tools and experiences to navigate a rapidly evolving world, fueling their personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and pursuit of innovative solutions.
Our Approach
We take a student-centered approach to empower and inspire high school students in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina through game design and technology. Our approach is built on immersive experiences, expert mentorship, and fostering a supportive community.
We provide students with hands-on opportunities to conceptualize, design, and develop to foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Expert mentors guide and inspire students throughout their journey, equipping them with industry insights and technical expertise to navigate the ever-changing technological landscape.
We believe in the power of community and collaboration. By connecting students with industry professionals, potential employers, and a diverse network of peers, we create a supportive environment that promotes growth, learning, and the exchange of ideas. We prioritize inclusivity and strive to ensure that underprivileged students have equal access to resources and opportunities, creating a level playing field for all.
Through our student-centered approach, we aim to unleash the full potential of young minds, fuel their passion for innovation, and equip them with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the world of game design and technology. Together, we are building a community where students can realize their dreams, embrace their creativity, and make a lasting impact in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Volunteer Army
Student Support
Student Support
This would be impossible without a group of dedicated volunteers, united by their passion and commitment, that selflessly contribute their time and skills to make a positive impact in their community.
Student Support
Student Support
Student Support
Of course, we can't forget the unstoppable team of student supporters that provides invaluable assistance and guidance in empowering fellow students in their career journey and personal growth.
Our Team
Remi Eidson-Rodgers, Board Chair
Remi Eidson-Rodgers, Board Chair
Remi Eidson-Rodgers, Board Chair
Remi tends to stay busy. He has worked in marketing and team development for over 20 years, managing and consulting with multi-million dollar companies to build successful brands and engage teams.
He has also been a youth leader for well over a decade. These days, he teaches game theory, player psychology, and level design to award-winnin
Remi tends to stay busy. He has worked in marketing and team development for over 20 years, managing and consulting with multi-million dollar companies to build successful brands and engage teams.
He has also been a youth leader for well over a decade. These days, he teaches game theory, player psychology, and level design to award-winning high school students. He received his MA in Technology Education from NC A&T and his BA in IT Management from Western Governors.
He believes that life is a grand adventure and lives for those moments when a student achieves something they thought was impossible.
Stephan Duga, Vice Chair
Remi Eidson-Rodgers, Board Chair
Remi Eidson-Rodgers, Board Chair
Stephan is an educator who's been on a Latin-teaching journey for most of his career. A few years ago, he took a detour into Creative Media and Game Design, something he's been tinkering with since he was a kid. He's passionate about understanding how we learn and using the way we learn to play to enhance education. He firmly believes tha
Stephan is an educator who's been on a Latin-teaching journey for most of his career. A few years ago, he took a detour into Creative Media and Game Design, something he's been tinkering with since he was a kid. He's passionate about understanding how we learn and using the way we learn to play to enhance education. He firmly believes that game design should be open to everyone, and the more diverse minds we have shaping games, the cooler they become.
Susan Burk, Treasurer
Remi Eidson-Rodgers, Board Chair
Josh Tan, Resource Development Chair
Susan is an exercise scientist by day, game enthusiast by night. She's particularly interested in functional movement and training to support the activities that we engage in every day. On top of that, she's a gaming enthusiast at heart. In fact, she's done focused study into the physical therapy needs of gamers and game designers, mergin
Susan is an exercise scientist by day, game enthusiast by night. She's particularly interested in functional movement and training to support the activities that we engage in every day. On top of that, she's a gaming enthusiast at heart. In fact, she's done focused study into the physical therapy needs of gamers and game designers, merging her love for games with her dedication to health and wellness. With Susan on board, we're bridging the gap between fitness and gaming in a way that's both exciting and therapeutic.
Josh Tan, Resource Development Chair
Josh Tan, Resource Development Chair
Josh Tan, Resource Development Chair
Josh is a Systems Manager for Radiology and the Translational Imaging Program, as well as a computer programmer, hardware engineer, and an imaging informatics specialist. He specializes in VR/AR/MR/XR, Medical 3D printing, AI, emerging and immersive technologies.
He is a member of the Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Innovation Council and was
Josh is a Systems Manager for Radiology and the Translational Imaging Program, as well as a computer programmer, hardware engineer, and an imaging informatics specialist. He specializes in VR/AR/MR/XR, Medical 3D printing, AI, emerging and immersive technologies.
He is a member of the Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Innovation Council and was an original founder of the Forsyth County Robot Run, a student-oriented programming competition that has run successfully for over a decade. He is passionate about connecting students to the technology of the future through workplace connections and access to advanced systems
Monte Ervin, Communications Chair
Josh Tan, Resource Development Chair
Monte Ervin, Communications Chair
Monta has a rich tapestry of over 20 years in education. She currently serves as the Magnet Coordinator at Atkins High School, where she has been for 12 years. Her journey includes roles as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and athletic study hall coordinator. Monta's teaching footprint extends across Forsyth, Guildford, and Spotsylvani
Monta has a rich tapestry of over 20 years in education. She currently serves as the Magnet Coordinator at Atkins High School, where she has been for 12 years. Her journey includes roles as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and athletic study hall coordinator. Monta's teaching footprint extends across Forsyth, Guildford, and Spotsylvania Counties. Her true passion lies in kindling students' fascination for STEM , motivating them to pursue fulfilling careers in this ever-evolving realm.
Marcus Neal, Facilities Chair
Josh Tan, Resource Development Chair
Monte Ervin, Communications Chair
A native of Nashville, North Carolina, Marcus graduated from Northern Nash Senior High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1994 and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies from Gardner-Webb University in 2012. He is presently emplo
A native of Nashville, North Carolina, Marcus graduated from Northern Nash Senior High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 1994 and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies from Gardner-Webb University in 2012. He is presently employed at Simon G. Atkins High School as the Career Development Coordinator.
Before gaining employment in Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools in 2005, he taught middle school and high school business courses in Nash County and Weldon City Schools. His community involvement includes serving on the Camel City Student Innovation Board of Directors, President of the Forsyth County Sunday School Union, and filling a deaconship role at Phillips Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. He is married to Tanya, and they have four children: Louis, Alexia, Miles, and Zion. When not involved with youth at home, work, or church, he is likely to be on a baseball field umpiring a baseball game. His passion is helping young people use their God-given ability to be the best productive citizen they can be in this ever-changing global society.