Kids Code Camp 2023


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.  
Kids Code camp will be held in Person at 
Neumont College of Computer Science
143 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT
84111

Parking Downtown

We suggest City Creek Mall or the Regent Street parking lot behind the Eccles Theater.  There is NO street parking downtown on Saturdays.  You can also ride the train and walk down from City Creek.  We do NOT offer any parking validation or any reimbursement for parking.

Scratch 1 - Introduction to Scratch

Scratch 1 - Scratchy Goes on a Quest for the Golden Kitty

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:

    1. Learning how computers take instructions literally
    2. Learn basic terms like sprite, backdrop, sensing, etc.
    3. Learn basic concepts of programming, namely:
      • Looping
      • Branching
      • Math
      • Algorithms

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

Scratch 2 - Moonlander Game

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:

  1. Keyboard Input
  2. Game Sequencing
  3. Graphics Effects
  4. Variable Display
  5. Frame rate as applied to physics (gravity & thrust)

 

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

Scratch 3 - Super Scratchy

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

Unity 3d - Rocket Maze

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

JavaScript - Tetris

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!

Python Slither! Game

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 - Gorillas

Gorillas Screen Shot

MonoGame - Gorillas Game

Advanced Level - Ages 14+

Gorillas is a video game written in QBasic many years ago. The filename was "gorilla.bas". We will remake the game using C# and MonoGame. Two gorillas atop a city skyline take turns throwing bananas at each other! Adjust the angle and velocity of your throw to control the trajectory of your banana.

This class will teach MonoGame, sprites, text, transparency, animation, sound, random number generation, keyboard control.

Electronics - Arduino

Electronics - Arduino

Electronics - Arduino

Intermediate Level - Age 12+

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

Minecraft Education Edition

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!

Requirements

  1. Minecraft Education Edition, which can be downloaded here: https://education.minecraft.net/get-started 
  2. You need to have a valid school email to do this lesson

 

 

Register Here

Volunteer and Help Bring More to the Community

We need your help this year! Consider giving back to the community and help support this free event. The session content is already available for those willing to teach or assist with the various sessions. To get started, simply fill out the volunteer form (https://forms.gle/AEfDG5Rdaie6AaK6A). If you have something specific you're wanting to help with, then please let me know either in the Google form of via email. Please also invite your friends or colleagues to volunteer. 

Kids Code Camp 2023 Flyer

A Special Thanks to our Sponsors
Mindfire Tech           

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