Who Am I ?
I’m Kai Niittymaa, a parent of two students at Steve MacLean Public School. My eldest is in Grade 2, and my youngest just started kindergarten this year. The idea for this program came earlier this year, when I introduced my daughters to the world of board games and saw how much joy it brought them, and how quickly they were developing new skills through play.
I’ve played board games my entire life, starting with childhood classics like Uno, Chess, Sorry, and Candy Land. As a teenager, I spent countless summer afternoons battling through Risk, Monopoly, and Trivial Pursuit. Many years after university, some friends introduced me to a new generation of board games such as Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Small World. These games completely changed how I saw the hobby, and I was instantly hooked, again. Since then, my friend group has built up a large collection, and we still try to find time to gather around the table and play whenever we can.
I’m university-educated and have worked with children throughout my life: teaching Sunday school in my teens, serving as a camp counsellor during university, and coaching youth sports for many years. I love the challenge and reward of working with kids; every child is unique, and every moment with them is an opportunity to spark growth. Seeing that “light bulb” moment when something clicks is one of the best feelings there is, and I can’t wait to share that experience through the Board Game Clubhouse.
Our Misson
The Board Game Clubhouse exists to spark curiosity, connection, and confidence through play.
We utilize the world of modern board games to help kids develop essential life skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and resilience. All while discovering that learning and fun can go hand in hand.
What’s Next for The Board Game Clubhouse?
The future of the Board Game Clubhouse is all about growing the fun. We’re planning to expand our six-week programs into new schools, community centers and other community spaces. Eventually, we would like to offer courses year-round that let kids explore even more modern board games.
We hope to introduce one-off community events, family board-game nights, and special workshops that highlight specific skills like strategy, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
As our library grows, so will the experiences we can offer, everything from beginner-friendly introductions to deeper challenges for seasoned young gamers. Our goal is to build a welcoming, screen-free community where kids can learn, play, and connect, one game at a time.
Want to Help the Clubhouse Grow?
If you’re excited about what we’re building and want to be part of the journey, we’d love to connect. The Board Game Clubhouse is growing fast, and we’re always looking for people who share our passion for kids, community, and modern board games.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, game publisher, local business, or someone who just loves the hobby, there are plenty of ways to get involved: volunteering, donating games, offering expertise, or helping us bring the program to new schools.
Every bit of support helps us reach more kids, create more play-filled experiences, and build something truly special in our community. Let’s make this next chapter together!