What’s good, everybody, it’s your boy, Charlie! I’m a Creator, Educator, and Community Leader from Chicopee, MA. I run after-school programs and try to create spaces that support those interested in games, such as Pokémon and Minecraft, among other interests. Starting this September, I’m refocusing on my goal of gathering resources to train my Pokémon. What I’ve discovered is that access to these games, along with the chance to practice and learn about Pokémon and their unique strengths, is what I’m striving to provide for the youth.
Many hacked Pokémon find their way to the public through online shops and trading services like Global Trades, Wonder Trades, and Pokémon HOME. To keep my collection genuine and avoid any risks of bans from tournaments, I prefer to catch all my Pokémon in the main series games or Pokémon GO. This way, I can enjoy the game confidently and responsibly.
Skills Beyond Gaming
When I ran the Pokémon Club at La Diaspora in Chicopee Center, I saw first-hand how much more kids gained from the experience than just playing the game. The two-hour club gave visitors a chance to trade cards, battle on the Nintendo Switch, and even win trading card packs — but what really stood out was the growth that happened along the way.
Every battle required patience and strategy, since players had to think about type matchups, moves, and timing. Trading cards turned into lessons in communication and negotiation, as kids learned how to explain their reasoning and make fair exchanges. Even when someone lost a match, they built resilience — returning the next week with a new plan and a stronger mindset.
What surprised me most was how many visitors found personal connections through the club. Sharing their favorite Pokémon and battling side by side helped build friendships and camaraderie. Kids who walked in as strangers often left as friends, carrying shared stories and memories. What might look like just catching and battling was actually teaching them how to problem-solve, think critically, and form meaningful relationships that lasted outside the club.
Responsible Play
One of the biggest lessons I try to model for the kids is the importance of playing responsibly. In the Pokémon community, there are a lot of shortcuts — hacked Pokémon, online shops, and trading services that make it easy to get powerful Pokémon without putting in the work. At first, these might seem harmless, but they detract from the true value of the experience.
For me, catching Pokémon in the main series games or through Pokémon GO is part of the journey. It teaches patience, effort, and pride in what you’ve earned. By keeping my collection genuine, I can also avoid risks like bans from tournaments, which reinforces the idea of integrity in play. When kids see that I value authenticity, it gives them permission to slow down, enjoy the grind, and celebrate the small victories that come with training and battling the right way.
Looking Ahead
My goal is to expand the Pokémon programs into larger community events, including small tournaments where kids can have a safe, fun, and educational experience. I’m also collecting resources like training guides and responsible play tips to support ongoing development outside of club hours. My aim is to create inclusive spaces where all kids can build confidence, friendships, and life skills through play. Also I plan to reapply for grants, such as the Chicopee Cultural Council grants, to help fund these initiatives.
Closing Call
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for joining me on this journey! Whether you’re a player, a parent, or someone who just loves seeing kids thrive, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What role has Pokémon (or gaming in general) played in your life? Drop a comment, share this post, or reach out if you’d like to connect. Let’s keep building a community where games inspire growth, responsibility, and real connections.