An Interview with the Owner of Last Place on Earth

We are thrilled to interview rockstar Brooklynite Whitney Wolfe, owner of popular board game cafe Last Place on Earth!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Manhattan, raised all over Queens and have been working in the North Brooklyn area for over 10 years now. Moved to Greenpoint roughly 3 years ago. As a child, all I wanted to do was create a place where my friends and I could do all the creative things we loved, from dancing to singing, to video editing and acting! I dove down the path of becoming a musician for countless years and also went to college for film. Aside from that, babysitting came naturally. Being an older sister with a six year difference, I quickly became the person the kids would gravitate towards. As for how the shop came into existence, it simply hit me one day, how much I wanted to have a space where folks can meet other like-minded people! I am more than happy to provide a place where imagination is flowing and teamwork is growing.

What is Last Place On Earth?

Last Place On Earth is so much more than the board game hub it may appear to be. We host all sorts of adult events, have games available for purchase and, of course, run truly unique kid clubs! When you enter, an explosion of colors will be ahead of you, with all the pretty pictures on all the board games and the warm fairy lights; this is what some would call a home away from home. Filled with laughter and conversation, we aim to build a strong community foundation here in Greenpoint, to offer a safe haven for those seeking to make long lasting friendships based on common grounds.

What inspired you to start an after-school kids club at Last Place on Earth?

Since opening the day before lockdown, our main goal with the space is to create a safe and welcoming 3rd place; a place where we can gather together and simply enjoy our time as we put our devices away and bond face to face, for folks of all ages. The idea was requested by many families, loving what the environment provided and hoped their children could experience something this special.

For what age groups is the kids club designed?

Each club is designed and divided into certain age groups. Our overall age groups are between 5 - 14; divided as so: Ages 5 - 7, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 10 - 14

What types of activities are included in the club?

Where do we begin?! The options are truly endless. In fact, a lot of the time, if parents or children have an interest in a certain topic, we will do our best to make it happen! From Dungeons & Dragons, CineMakers (Film Club), Improv + Theater, Chess, Game Creators, Fashion Designers, Pokemon, and of course, but not the last item: Board Game Club! We have teachers who have passions or specialize in said topics and give kids a taste into this large creative world. Show them what they are capable of with enthusiasm.

Where do you pick up from? And what days?

Everyday! PS 110, PS 34, PS 31, PS 132, & Brooklyn Arbor. We also are able to pick up from PS 84, St Stans & Cottonwood!

Can you describe a typical day at the kids club?

A typical day at Last Place is pretty straightforward! Pick up is available for no additional cost and once we arrive, we usually have about 30 minutes before, plenty of time for homework, snacks or taking it easy. At 3:30pm, we begin our scheduled programs. Pick up time is at 5:30pm - don't worry, we also provide extended time!

How do you ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all children?

Our teachers connect with students on a different level. As one of our kids stated, who is in 3 of our clubs a week, "I like it here because you talk to me like a person and treat me like one too." Sometimes we, as adults, forget that teaching a child is more than a job. We are learning from them as well. We may seem like the ones who know all because of the responsibility, but to show that we are here because we want to be, because we love sharing our time with kids who have chosen us, impacts them in a more fulfilling way. Being able to have real down to earth conversations and also being goofy when the time calls for it, gives children the opportunity to be open and honest with how they are feeling and know that the teachers are always there to support them. The level of respect is present because we return the respect back to the kids.

What are the benefits of children participating at Last Place?

Building confidence is our main drive. There is no better feeling, relating to my own thoughts when I was a child, to know that age doesn't matter. Creating something that you're able to call your own is more than possible. Not to mention, it will be supported by others who value that idea as much as you do. It's not about comparison or competition, we show children that there is individual value and combining everyone's value, can become a powerful force as a team! Everyone has a purpose and uniqueness that makes this world beautiful when united.

Are there any special events or themed days for families?

Absolutely! Family Fantasy Quest! Also known as Dungeon & Dragons for Families! Yup, that's right! You can play with your kids. Kids get to play for free! This happens roughly once a month and can fit 12 families, depending on the size of the family! This is also a perfect time to interact with our instructors, get to know them on a personal basis. We will be hosting more fun events in the future, just follow us on Instagram.

How can parents sign up their children for the after-school kids club?

Easy! We keep things pretty personal, to get to know the parents and show transparency, so everything is handled via email. However, if you want to learn about each program and be directed to our email right after, simply go to lastplacebk.com/kids

What are your future plans for the kids club at Last Place on Earth?

We aim to do all that we can, have as many creative subjects out there for the kids to explore! Kids should have access to anything that helps them release creative energy and drives them to explore the inner depth of themselves. Positivity, patience and passion will always be at Last Place On Earth.

What do parents say about the impact of the kids club on their children?

"My son, 11, has absolutely loved after school at Last Place On Earth. I think it feels almost like a second home to him - safe, comfortable, and a place of joy. The owner, Whitney, has created a magical space for imagining, creating, and being yourself. She just gets kids and really ‘sees’ each one individually. The staff are also great with kids - funny, kind and dedicated. It feels like family (Whitney’s mom is on hand also!). And the space is just so welcoming, cozy and relaxed. My son likes it so much he’ll be going until he ages out!" –Joanna Rodger

"I wish I could have gone to Last Place when I was a kid and we’ve been so glad to send our son for after school programs, holiday camps and summer camp! It is a magical and safe place for him to play, to be creative and collaborate with other kids and he never is bored or lonely. The programs keep in mind the logistics of working parents and are family friendly and flexible —-reasonable prices and safe, happy kids is a dream. My son has matured and become much more confident since he started attending Last Place and I feel so lucky he has a place where he feels so at home. Whitney is a great role model and now that our daughter is old enough she will start after school too. Definitely not just for boys!" –Jessie Schwartz

"Last Place on Earth is the most welcoming, warm, and truly loving environment our family has experienced in an afterschool program and summer camp. We found, thanks to the Improv class, that our shy son, who generally does not put himself out there, thrives in these exercises and is afforded a positive, fun and encouraging space to be himself and be funny. Our child is always in a great mood when we leave LPoE and we are grateful to have them in our community, providing a genuine asset for families." –Acacia Thompson

"Last Place On Earth is my son's favorite after school program by far. Whitney has created such a special community with a great selection of activities for imaginative, fun loving, and playful kids of all ages. All of the instructors are wonderful and passionate about their craft, and my son always comes home so excited to share his latest adventures with his D&D group or the latest board game that he's learned. I feel so lucky that I'm able to send my kid to such a warm and welcoming place, and I would highly recommend it as an after school option to anyone!" –Jennifer Suhr

"Last Place on Earth came to us as a beacon of hope in a stressful landscape of after-school options for my son. We have been fortunate to find a place that really sees someone like my son for who he is and values him. To have a place that elevates and celebrates gaming, fantasy, and creativity is important for our family, as it is a place where my son's interests (and my own) can be encouraged and developed in a supportive and friendly way. Whether it be board games (the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what LPOE has to offer) or Dungeons and Dragons or Improv, there is a rich array of options for kids who may not be the first to turn to more sports-oriented programming. Whitney and the other instructors' strength seems to be in working with children. They are not a gaming cafe that haphazardly offers programs for kids, they really seem to focus on the developmental approaches that work well for children at different age groups, as evidenced by their varied programming. I know my son is safe and happy there, which is really all I could ask for." –Daniel Hildreth