2009 In Review - First Overnight LAN Party of '09

Continuing from the end of 2009, I'll be posting some articles that were written over the past 12 months about the events and accomplishments of the EYC last year. I hope to post them in chronological order just to show all the awesome things youth have done down here at the centre.

The following was originally printed in the Essex Voice and Essex Free Press back in April:

Long Weekend LAN Party
By Marc Rocheleau

If youth weren’t outside despite warmer weather last week, the Essex Youth Centre (EYC) might be responsible.

Hosting their first overnight LAN party this year, EYC had youth in the community playing on their computers. On Thursday, April 23, members came together and tried their hand at several games from 3:30 p.m. until 9:30 the next morning.

“We try not to just play one game to keep it more fresh,” said EYC staff-member, Teddy Logronio. “The main game we were playing is Crossfire, which is a free download.”

Because of operating costs, EYC only has about two or three LAN parties a year. Most of them are scheduled during time off as a result, making the short week (due to a PA day on Friday) a perfect fit.

EYC recently installed new computers and over 20 members put them to the test on Thursday night. There was a noticeable difference and things ran smoothly.

“The computers we had before were over six-years-old,” said Logronio. “It was time for an upgrade. [The members] have all noticed a difference in speed for games and, even more importantly, web surfing and general computing.”

Meals during the event were only $1 for members and they didn’t all play computer games. With a Nintendo Wii at the centre, those not into computers got the opportunity to play Mario Kart and Guitar Hero. The only real challenge was staying awake.

“Some students try to steal a nap here and there,” said Logronio. “Others buy energy drinks. Others take breaks to cut down on fatigue but nothing helps more than a good night’s sleep the day before.”

Although it’s unclear when the next LAN party will be, Logronio is already planning on playing games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3. For now however, the few members who managed to stay up all night probably need some sleep.