The Randolph-Macon College campus is buzzing in real-life and also now in stunning and thoughtful detail in the popular video game Minecraft, thanks to RMC students who participated in this January’s STAYCATION. The one-week programming during the break between January term and Spring semester offered opportunities for social, learning, and service activities.  

“When we first started talking about [the Minecraft campus], I never imagined it would turn out to be so impressive or how many different people would join in and help!” said Jacob Baker ‘22 (Philosophy and Environmental Studies), who was part of the early planning conversations with the Minecraft event sponsor RMC Chaplain Kendra Grimes.

At first, the students thought they would focus on building an online version of Fountain Plaza in the virtual world then use the rest of their STAYCATION time to enjoy playing Minecraft competitively in that setting. But as the students worked alongside several alumni, faculty, and staff (and even a few of their children), creative building became the focus and a true campus emerged! In less than a week, the group built the fountain, Brock Commons, Mary Branch Hall, Peele Hall, Duncan Memorial Church, and many outdoor features such as the sand volleyball courts, the Ashland train tracks, the bricked patio in front of Blackwell Auditorium.

Participants delighted in the details, such as a detailed dorm room in Mary Branch Hall or smoke rising from the fire pit behind the Commons. The student who created the interior of the first floor of Brock Commons was sure to include the office of Barclay DuPriest, manager of the Campus Store.

Minecraft has emerged as a major destination for creative content from gamers and welcomes a community of more than 120 million players worldwide. The survival game allows adventurers to compete in and experience virtual worlds, but also create them in a simple digital sandbox.

Participants in the RMC project aimed to be as accurate as possible in their choices of materials, colors and design, but also took some fun liberties. Only in Minecraft Macon, for example, does the fountain include a laser beam emanating from the center, flashing RMC’s own lemon and black colors into the sky. 

Hannah Gargus ’22 (Political Science) commented, “I am impressed by skills that our group has, and what we have created so far. I feel that although our Minecraft Macon is almost identical to the real one, we still are putting our own spin on it. I feel that even after only building with everyone for a few days, I feel very welcomed. We are just a group of people having fun and being creative. I love it!”

“Although the space is being used for gaming and competition, the strongest energy remains behind efforts to continue building and creating unique details that are important to our community,” Rev. Kendra Grimes explained.  Her original concept was a Minecraft model of campus to be used for future special programming, like a virtual prayer walk. “Whether the original virtual prayer walk idea ever comes to fruition, I’m delighted with the outcome of the project and love connecting with new people and working together on a common, creative goal.  As we design and build, we are sharing stories about the people, places, and memories connected to our beloved campus.  And those in the community who are skilled in Minecraft are offering guidance and support to those of us who are new to the game. I feel welcomed into their circle!”     

Wren Wilson ’23 (Psychology and Philosophy) echoed this sentiment. “I’ve had such an amazing time working with other students and faculty to make this little slice of campus for people to enjoy,” she said. “It’s really brought me closer to some of my favorite faculty members, and it’s helped me feel a renewed sense of school pride. I hope that the school, alumni and community will be able to enjoy this recreation of RMC along with us.”

Assistant Dean of Students Dr. James McGhee summed up his thoughts on the experience.  “STAYCATION was envisioned as an opportunity to do outstanding and unusual things. Rev. Grimes and her amazing team of faculty, staff, and students are building a wonderful virtual campus. It is a truly awe-inspiring testament to the talents and tenacity of our community to be able to travel campus in a virtual world which is so faithful to the original and whimsically unique at the same time.”