Wow, Hive Community — it's been a while! Don't worry, I haven't been slacking. Since 2017, I've been pursuing the idea of creating something more substantial than just content — a space where gaming, Hive, and community converge. Between teaching at Chicopee Comp and running the afterschool program, the days get packed, but I'm feeling that creative spark again. A part of me just needed to catch up with life so that I could give everything I could to do this. BoyCharliePlays is back with upcoming gaming ideas, plans to use Hive in programming, and surprises linked to the One Strong Community Program.
Hive as a Foundation for Creative Community Growth
Over the past few years, I have explored the potential of the Hive blockchain as a vital part of my creative journey. Initially, my involvement was casual—creating small posts and challenges through my profile, voting on blogs with my @onestrong account, and playing platform games like @splinterlands and @dcity.
This experimentation enabled me to support others while staying loosely connected to the broader Hive ecosystem. Additionally, I collaborated with interns via the One Strong Community Program to develop an internship focused on creating content on Hive. Now, I am eager to expand these efforts by establishing a small network of profiles rooted in Western Massachusetts.
My goal is to leverage the Hive platform more deeply, fostering local creative expression and collaboration through small initiatives, the internship project, and the community it can help build.
What's the Plan?
Now that I've stated I'm transitioning from casual Hive participation to a more intentional strategy, the question arises: how do I bring this vision into action? The answer is by combining creativity, community, and structure. Hive has the potential to be more than just a platform where I post updates or vote on blogs—it can become the backbone of initiatives that provide kids, teens, and community members with opportunities to grow, express themselves, and see their creativity valued in new ways.
Here's how I plan to make that happen:
1. Creating Small Initiatives Like Pokémon Tournaments
One of the first steps is to build small but engaging initiatives that get young people excited to participate. Pokémon tournaments are a perfect example. These tournaments provide kids with an opportunity to play, compete, and connect with others, while also creating content around the experience. Participants will be encouraged to report on their games and share reflections through Hive accounts.
The beauty of this model is that it transforms a simple gaming event into something bigger. Not only are kids having fun, but they are also learning how to document, reflect, and publish their experiences in ways that earn real value on the blockchain. Over time, these posts can evolve into digital portfolios—showcasing not only their gaming skills but also their ability to share stories and connect with an online community.
2. Encouraging Posts Through the Minecraft Server
Another exciting initiative is tied to the One Strong Community Program's Minecraft server. Minecraft is already a creative sandbox where participants build, collaborate, and problem-solve together. By connecting that work to Hive, students can transform their in-game projects into meaningful content.
For example, suppose a group of participants builds a community structure in Minecraft. In that case, they can write posts or create videos about the process—how they designed it, who contributed, what challenges they faced, and what they learned along the way. These posts will be shared on Hive through their accounts, giving them both recognition and digital value for the work they've put into their creations.
This approach combines play with learning, helping students develop skills in communication, teamwork, and digital storytelling in the process.
3. Developing Grant Proposals for School-Based Activities
To expand these activities even further, I'm working on creating grant proposals that would allow One Strong Community to bring Hive-powered initiatives into schools during lunch periods. Imagine lunchtime Pokémon battles, Minecraft challenges, or other creative activities—where students not only participate but also share their experiences on Hive.
By securing grants, we can cover resources, staff time, and equipment needed to make these initiatives sustainable. More importantly, it gives students in Chicopee schools new ways to spend their free time constructively, building both community and digital literacy in the process.
These proposals aren't just about funding—they're about demonstrating to cultural organizations and community partners that Hive is a powerful tool for empowering youth voices and providing them with pathways to express themselves creatively.
4. Creating Grant Proposals to Support Internships
Another key component of the Plan is reviving the internship program associated with Hive. In the past, interns worked with One Strong Community to create content, manage the @onestrong account, and learn how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. This experience was invaluable for them, teaching skills like content creation, online professionalism, and community management.
By securing grant funding, I aim to revitalize this program and bring it back stronger than ever. Interns will once again be at the forefront of creating content, helping manage community engagement, and building their digital portfolios in the process. They'll not only gain technical skills, but also the confidence to see themselves as creators and leaders within a growing digital community.
Pulling It All Together
These action steps—Pokémon tournaments, Minecraft content, school-based activities, and internships—may seem small on their own, but together they form a robust ecosystem. Each initiative complements the others: tournaments and server activities offer fun, creative entry points; school-based programs expand reach and visibility; and internships develop long-term skills and leadership.
Hive is the thread that ties them all together. It provides participants with a platform to share, reflect, and derive value from their creativity. It turns games, school projects, and afterschool activities into meaningful digital experiences that prepare kids and teens for the future.
That's the plan to use Hive as a foundation for not only growing BoyCharliePlays and One Strong Community, but also for sparking creativity, building skills, and showing young people that their voices and ideas matter—both online and in the real world.
Balancing It All
Of course, none of this exists in a vacuum. I'm still working full-time at Chicopee Comp High School, running the afterschool program, and continuing to build BoyCharliePlays. Life is busy, and at times, it feels like I'm juggling too many things.
This blog isn't just a record of my journey; it's a heartfelt promise to myself and my community to bring these ideas to life. By openly sharing my process—no matter how messy it gets—I hope to stay accountable and truly follow through on what I set out to do. Hive isn't separate from my teaching or creative passions; it's a vital part of a bigger vision. It's becoming an excellent tool that connects my professional work, passions, and the community I care about, guiding me to move forward with purpose and honesty.
Till next time, friends!
It's been your boy Charlie. Make sure to follow, like, and share. I will see you all tomorrow.