Camp Engage
Launching the virtual PD event that became Nearpod's tentpole
When schools shifted to virtual learning in 2020, educators were drowning in tools and starving for real, useful PD. Nearpod had the audience and the product — but no signature moment for the community to rally around. We needed to launch something that felt like a destination, not a webinar.
- 01
Designed Camp Engage from a blank page in 2020 — naming, brand, format, agenda, and the 'summer camp' creative concept.
- 02
Built the program around teachers teaching teachers — Demo Slams, peer-led sessions, and PioNears co-creating the agenda alongside Nearpod staff.
- 03
Layered in real community rituals: opening ceremony keynotes, happy hours, icebreakers, breakout rooms, and a campsite for cross-timezone connection.
- 04
Wired in product sneak peeks so attendees got first look at upcoming Nearpod and Flocabulary features — turning PD into a feedback loop for the product team.
- 05
Made it free, on-demand after the live week, and worth up to 15 PD credits — removing every barrier between an educator and showing up.
- →Camp Engage is still running today — a twice-yearly tentpole event for the Nearpod brand, six years after launch.
- →Each event draws 5,000+ educators from 150+ countries, with 30–50 sessions across beginner through advanced tracks.
- →Became the engine for Nearpod's PioNears ambassador program — the place where community members earn the spotlight in front of their peers.
“It was the BEST PD I have ever attended, and I've been teaching since 1993.”
“An awesome experience, just like being in a real camp! For an isolated nation, it was great to meet people from around the world. Definitely recommend.”
A look at Camp Engage in action.
