It looks like this thread has pretty much run it's course, thanks everyone for your input. I've always just seen the local gaming store as an under recognized source of peer group / socialization for GT kids and wanted to hear other's opinions on it as well.
A lot of those stores have need for volunteers to organize events. It's difficult for a store owner to know the in & outs of all the games they sell. If you've got some time it's a great way to provide some mentoring and positive influence to an interesting group of young people. Sadly, there are too many parents who use these stores as a baby sitting service. I encourage you to become involved. At the very least, please stop in, introduce yourself to the owner, and if you're leaving your child there for a period of time, leave an emergency phone number.
