You're never too young to start learning how to program! Come online for a half-day of coding instruction for kids of all ages (5+) and abilities. There are two classes per session in topics like Scratch, Python, JavaScript, Unity 3D, Electronics, and more! In each class, we'll teach them how to write a fun game on that platform.
Scratch 1 - Scratchy Goes on a Quest for the Golden Kitty
Beginner Level - Ages 5+
Scratch is a great way to introduce children to programming. It has relatively few concepts that need to be mastered before they can begin exploring and creating by themselves. Most kids really love having this kind of platform to express their creativity.
In this lesson we're going to be teaching concepts of:
Each child should have their own computer. This will be all done online so no additional software is needed on the computer.
Scratch 2 - Moonlander Game
Easy Level - Scratch 1 Required -Ages 6+
Build the classic Moon Lander game using Scratch!
In this lesson we're going to be teaching concepts of:
Each child should have their own computer. This will be all done online so no additional software is needed on the computer.
Scratch 3 - Super Scratchy
Easy Level - Scratch 1 & 2 Required - Ages 8+
Building upon what you learned in Scratch 1 and 2, we're going to build a really cool `Super Scratchy` Game! We'll learn about PreFabs, Clones, Collision Detection, Random Number Generation, and more!
Each child should have their own computer. This will be all done online so no additional software is needed on the computer.
Unity 3d - Rocket Maze
Advanced Level - Unity Download Required - Ages 12+
Unity is one of the best game development engines out there. Though it can seem daunting at first, it's easy to master a few basic concepts that we go over in the lesson. We will be giving you everything you need to build your first original game. If you're brave enough you won't want to miss this.
Each child should have their own computer with unity installed and plenty of open memory space. To download unity go here and download unity hub. Once that is installed go to the installs tab and install the latest version of unity. The presenter will use 2019.2.1f1 but it doesn't really matter what version you use.
JavaScript - Tetris
Beginner Level - Ages 10+
Have you ever thought about how the web works and how to create the sites and tools we use every day? JavaScript is the language that powers the internet and can be used for many different kinds of applications. In this session, we will be creating a Tetris clone that works very similarly to the original. We will cover the basics of programming (including things like variables and functions) as well as some of the more advanced pieces of a web page.
Come learn how to create a game with one of the most used languages in the world.
Python Slither! Game
Beginner Level - Age 10+
Slither! is a simplified version of the classic video game by various names, such as Nibbles and Snake. Guide your hungry snake through the mazes to find the food without bumping into walls or biting yourself. He grows with every meal, so watch out!
MonoGame - Ultimate Fiction
Advanced Level - Ages 14+
Ultimate Fiction is a simple RPG inspired by Final Fantasy. Travel the world seeking treasure, battling monsters, casting spells, obtaining powerful items and becoming stronger one victory at a time.
This RPG demonstrates sprites, tile maps, music, sound, keyboard control, text I/O, and multi-scene game design.
Electronics - Arduino
Intermediate Level - Age 10+
Arduinos are really tiny, very inexpensive computers. In this session we'll show you how to integrate with electronic circuits, program a few basic examples, and finish with the classic Simon game.
Minecraft Education Edition
Beginner Level - Ages 6+
For this section of Kids Code Camp, we will be learning about coding principles using the popular game Minecraft. Students may already be familiar with this system, as it is a tool used by many educators to teach coding principles. We will start from the beginning, though, so no one will be left out.
We will start by getting to know how to use the Agent in Minecraft to automate work for us, and we will move on to more complicated examples like building structures. We will also use some classic programming challenges to build things like pyramids in Minecraft.
This should be an exciting program for students as it will allow them to create and build in a world in which they are likely already used to playing. So, come join the fun!
A one-hour class for up to 30 kids.
Kids will need to bring their own laptops.
For this class, they will learn how to control the movements of a robot and then they will program it to create an artwork.
A one-hour class for up to 50 kids, (can be repeated throughout the day).
This is a make-and-take (The kids make something and get to take it home with them).
For this class, the kids will learn about "Computational Thinking" which is one of the underlying concepts that programming is based on.
The tools and materials will be provided by 4-H and so there will be no cost to participate in this class.
This is a bag of activities that the kids can do outdoors with their families. This also covers computational thinking.
A short introduction (10 minutes) is all that is needed for this activity.
4-H will cover the cost of the supplies needed for this.
The Kids Code Camp 2022 Call for Volunteers is now open! We are looking for every level of availability and willingness to help pull off this annual event again this year. If you or someone you know is technically inclined and can help out with the kids, we could use your help. We need to fill in-person positions in registration, classroom helpers and instructors as well as online classroom helpers during Zoom calls. Instructors will be teaching both in-person and online via Zoom so we need helpers to take up the slack! We also need a volunteer to put together a JavaScript game and class lesson. They can make their own game or take over a lesson from a previous year.
You can sign-up to volunteer here (https://forms.gle/PWaLbrhi2GR1rc9h9)