The problem with most computer games and web portals for kids is that they keep kids glued to the computer, with no incentive to go outside and simply have fun. A new company, MokuZoku, aims to change all of that with a series of games that motivate kids to get out and play.
“MokuZoku is tackling a growing problem facing childhood development– too much time in front of computer and television screens, and not enough unstructured outdoor play. We’re revolutionizing how kids learn and play by creating an interactive world where online games motivate kids to get outside and learn about their environment. In doing so, we hope to stimulate a movement back to a simpler, healthier form of play and adventure that extends far beyond their computer. By partaking in our unique hybrid of online gaming and outdoor activity, children develop the connection with nature that is so essential to human mental and physical development.”
MokuZoku just launched, and some great things are still to come. An outdoor component will be added to the games, with outdoor gaming gear that provides an access code to the website, so kids can participate in outdoor challenges to earn MokuBerries. This piece is a key difference to other online kids games – one that gives an incentive to get out and play, by getting credit for outside activities.
Founders Joshua Baylin and Scott Pardo are also committed to giving back. The company donates 10% of its profits to the animals (and their habitats) featured in the MokuZoku games, and are forming partnerships with organizations and companies devoted to sustainability and social action, such as the Pollinator Partnership.
The company volunteers with World Camp, a non-profit organization utilizing education as a tool to empower children in impoverished communities around the world. They traveled to Malawi, Africa to feed over 2,000 schoolchildren and to teach them about issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition, gender equality, environmental awareness and human rights. MokuZoku also planted over 1,500 trees in Malawi, based on the points earned by kids playing the game (it added up to one tree planted for every two minutes that kids played the MokuZoku).
You can keep up with MokuZoku on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook to keep up with the latest developments on the site.
Derek,
Thanks for the post. We over at MokuZoku know that we have a long way to go before we’ve got the attention of kids and parents nationwide.
We’ve started building the infrastructure to handle some new types of online/offline adventures and we can’t wait to share them with you.
Should you want to make suggestions about things you’d like to see, we are always looking to hear what you have to say.
http://mokuzoku.uservoice.com/pages/19169-general
Thanks again and we’ll keep you posted on the next round of exciting stuff.
best, josh
Josh Baylin
CEO and Co-Founder
MokuZoku
josh@mokuzoku.com
Thanks very much for this post. We too think that the possibilities are endless and it’s important to teach kids about the environment by engaging them with it. It’s not good enough for kids to know that the rainforest is burning down, they need to know what it sounds like, smells like and feels like. We’re just getting going over at MokuZoku (been funded less than 10 months) but our mission is clear: A 1:1 online and outdoor gaming ratio. I’d welcome your comments as we’re trying to build the best site possible and the only way we’ll do so is your feedback!