MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Parsippany Cube Club has shaped a vibrant and unique community. Founded by local enthusiast and educator Anikait Sota, a Mountain Lakes High School student, this club has become a cornerstone of STEM and social engagement for kids in our town. The story of Parsippany Cube Club is one of community spirit and giving back.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Anikait Sota started teaching students through Zoom to share his passion for cubing. To alleviate the effects of the pandemic, Anikait charged a small fee, which was 100% donated to the Parsippany Food Pantry. These online meetings quickly gained popularity, bringing together individuals of all ages to learn and share the joy of solving the iconic puzzle.
The club’s mission is its commitment to giving back to the community. It donates to organizations such as the Parsippany Food Pantry, crucial in supporting local families and providing essential food supplies to those in need. The club’s contributions helped sustain the pantry during a challenging time and highlighted the importance of community-driven support. By donating the proceeds from their classes, the club ensured that their love for cubing had a broader, meaningful impact on their neighbors. They have raised over $11,250 for charities across New Jersey.
One of the most exciting aspects of the club is watching students improve their solving times. Many new members start with an average solve time of over 2 minutes, but with practice and guidance from more experienced cubers, they often see dramatic improvements. It’s not uncommon for dedicated members to reduce their solve times to under one minute within a few weeks. For example, take student Raj Kumar, who cut his time from 6 minutes to 30 seconds on the 3 x 3 to 26 seconds after five sessions. This progress is a testament to the club’s effective teaching methods and the supportive community it has fostered. The club teaches more than just the basic 3 x 3, having instructors teaching a variety of cubes such as the pyramids, skew, and 4 x 4.
As the club grows, plans are underway to expand its reach and impact. Future initiatives include partnering with local schools and community centers to introduce more young people to cubing. The club also aims to host more significant competitions, attracting participants from across the region.
Parsippany Cube Club is enrolling in a six-week summer program with limited spots this summer. Students will meet weekly to learn techniques, improve their solve times, or even learn the cube. The summer will end with the annual Summer Camp hosted from August 19-23 daily. Registration is now open and can be found by clicking here. For those interested in joining, the club welcomes new students with open arms. They also accept volunteers and teachers.
For more information, visit the club’s website (parsippanycubeclub.org) or email parsippanycubeclub@gmail.com. Join the Parsippany Cube Club today and become part of a community where every twist and turn leads to discoveries and lasting connections.
