Harley!
Banditos Gaming Member Spotlight: Harley!
Harley!
At Banditos Gaming, we love celebrating the unique individuals that bring our community to life. This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Harleym a tile installer from Cliffside Park, New Jersey, with a passion for board games and a competitive spirit that shines during game nights. Harley’s journey in gaming is as delightful as his fun-loving nature and his sweet birthday coincidence with National Cupcake Day!
Meet Harley
Hometown: Cliffside Park, NJ
Occupation/Field of Study: Tile Installer
Favorite Quote: “Going in one more round when you don’t think you can. That’s what makes all the difference in your life.” – Rocky Balboa
Fun Fact About Yourself: My birthday is on National Cupcake Day!
Getting into Gaming
Harley’s gaming adventure began in his childhood, playing classic games like chess and checkers. However, it was attending game nights hosted by Dave Eng at STAC that ignited his passion for a wider variety of board games. For Harley, gaming became a way to connect with friends and enjoy shared experiences that often lead to laughter and good-natured competition.
Favorite Games & Current Obsessions
Harley finds it impossible to pick a favorite type of game because, in his words, “all games are fun!” Nevertheless, he does have a special affection for Uno, claiming it as his all-time favorite because “my wife Sarah loses whenever we play!” Currently, he’s enjoying the diverse range of board games hosted by the enthusiastic members at Banditos Gaming, where every session promises new surprises and strategies.
Banditos Gaming Journey
Harley first heard about Banditos Gaming through Dave Eng, and his love for the community quickly blossomed. Though he can only attend events when his schedule allows, he relishes the chance to meet fellow gamers and be a part of a vibrant community that shares his passion.
One of Harley’s most memorable experiences at Banditos Gaming occurred at Rock Con, where he won a game chair. He also fondly recalls spending an entire Sunday playing Rising Sun with Chris Ramsey, solidifying his connections within the community. For Harley, Banditos Gaming keeps his brain active and gives him something to look forward to each week.
Building Community Through Games
Harley believes that games have the power to foster community development by bringing people together in cooperative settings. He notes, “It can bring people together when playing cooperative games and gives people a common goal to work towards.” He values the lessons learned from gaming mechanics that can be applied to new games, emphasizing how gaming experiences can improve one’s approach to challenges.
For newcomers to the gaming community, Harley offers a simple yet profound piece of advice: “Don’t get upset if it takes a couple of tries to understand a game and take it as a learning experience to better yourself when playing new games.”
Beyond the Games
When he’s not gaming, Harley enjoys staying active through soccer, running, and swimming. He also has a competitive streak, as he humorously states, “Win.” As a proud Guatemalan, Harley brings a unique perspective to the community, enriching the experiences of those around him.
Harley embodies the spirit of Banditos Gaming, where games are more than just entertainment—they are a way to connect, learn, and grow. We’re excited to have Harley as a valued member of our community and look forward to many more game nights with him!
About Banditos Gaming
Banditos Gaming is a registered 501(c)(3) social and educational non-profit organization dedicated to promoting play, community development, and learning through games. We believe in the transformative power of games to unite people, foster growth, and provide valuable educational experiences.
Our Mission:
Promote the activity of PLAY through games.
Encourage COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT through play.
Advocate for LEARNING through gameplay.
We host board games, card games, and tabletop games at various Panera Bread locations and other venues. Banditos Gaming is funded by memberships, donations, and revenue from affiliates and partners like Panera Bread.
Values Statement:
Safety: Prioritizing a secure and welcoming environment.
Fun: Ensuring all activities are enjoyable and engaging.
Happiness: Creating moments of joy and satisfaction.
Comfort: Providing a relaxed atmosphere for all participants.
Memberships:
Monthly Banditos Gaming Membership: $5.00 per month
Yearly Banditos Gaming Membership: $50.00 per year
Join us today and become a part of a community that values play, development, and learning. Your support helps us fund various charities, including Tabletop Alliance, Child's Play, UnboxEd Afterschool Program, Meeples for Peeples, and Board Games for the Better.
Support Our Mission: Please consider making a donation to support Banditos Gaming and help us continue to provide a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joy of games.
Through dedicated leaders like Fred Cabrera, Banditos Gaming continues to thrive as a beacon of community and fun. Join us in celebrating the joy of gaming and the power of play to bring people together.