4-H Code Camp | Extension | West Virginia University

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What Is Code Camp?

Smartphone apps, robots, video games, movies – the world runs on code. Software jobs are predicted to grow 34 percent in the next few years, making coding and app development the world's most in-demand skills.

During 4-H Code Camp, campers will work on fun hands-on projects while learning how computer science can be topics like drones, cyber security, and computer animation. Classes are for new coders with no experience, as well as intermediate and advanced coders.

WHO

West Virginia youth ages 12 to 17 as of September 30, 2025 and 6th to 12th grades

WHEN

Friday, February 21, 2025 - Sunday, February 23, 2025

WHERE

WVU Jackson's Mill

COST

$150

SCHOLARSHIPS

Campers will be eligible for one (1) weekend and one (1) week-long state supported campership within the calendar year (Jan-Dec). Campers who request additional state supported scholarship money will have their request held as pending until all other first-time requests are reviewed.

Additional camperships will be granted on a case by case basis as funding is available. For more information and frequently asked questions about our State Camperships, tap the button below!

State Campership FAQs

Camp Details

Registration Information
Tentative Schedule
Workshop Information
Notes and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Camp Directors

Registration Information

Registration will open on December 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and will close on February 4, 2025 at 11:55 p.m. or until classes are filled. Spots are limited for Code Camp. Payment must be made by February 5, 2025. If payment is not made by February 5, 2025, your registration will be canceled and your spot will be given to the next person on the waitlist.

Registration will be handled through the 4-H ZSuite Online System.

External Registration (No ZSuite Account)

View All WV 4-H State Camps

Adult Volunteers

All adult volunteers must be fully vetted through WVU Extension and register for the event through ZSuite, our online registration system. The complete vetting process must be completed at least 15 days in advance of the event. Learn about the volunteer process.

If you are interested in volunteering for this state camp, please contact the Camp Directors.

Refund Policy

Refunds can be requested 2 weeks prior to the event and will be granted in full. Refund requests made after the 2 week deadline will be granted on a case by case basis and will incur a $55 processing fee

Refunds can take up to 4 weeks to be processed and will be issued directly on your card. Refunds for check payments will required requesters to register as a vendor with West Virginia University to receive a check payment. Refunds can also be issued in credit towards another state event.

To request a refund, please contact Nancy Yates.

Tentative Schedule

Friday

6 p.m. Camper Registration - WV Building
Welcome Assembly

Saturday

7:30 a.m. Rise and Shine
8 a.m. Breakfast
Career Panel
Workshop 1
12 p.m. Lunch
Workshop 2
5:30 p.m. Dinner
Campfire Program (Council Circle)

Sunday

7:30 a.m. Rise and Shine
8 a.m. Breakfast
Sunday Morning Workshops
11 a.m. Closing Assembly
11:30 a.m. Report to Cabins for Parent Pickup

Workshops

Workshops are divided into three categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. New coders with little or no computer science experience should not sign up for classes listed as intermediate or advanced. Once participants choose their experience level, they will pick two workshops.

The workshops are broken down into two types (coding and physical computing). Participants should choose one of each. Each workshop has a description and lists any needed background experience. Each workshop has a limited number of participants, and preferences will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Camp workshops rotate from year to year. Previous camp workshops have included classes on Web Development, Robotics, Arduino, Scratch Programming, Introduction to Python, App Development, MakeyMakey, Java, C#, 3D printing, and Drones, among others.

Beginner Workshops

Background Needed for Beginner Workshops: None.
These workshops are designed for new coders with no or limited experience.

Morning

Scratch: Youth will learn the basics of coding using a block-based coding language called Scratch (games, music, animation).
Web Development: Youth will use web development languages HTML and CSS to build a simple webpage.

Afternoon

Makey Makey: Youth will learn how to create musical instruments with a Makey Makey. Pairs well with the mornign Scratch Workshop!
Robotics: Youth will join small teams to build and program a lego robot that will complete an obstacle course.

Intermediate Workshops

Background Needed for Intermediate Workshops: Participants in these workshops must have prior coding experience (either block-based or text-based) and be familiar with basic coding logic like loops, variables, and functions.

Morning

Robotics: Youth will join small teams to build and program a lego robot that will complete an obstacle course.
Micro:bit: Youth will develop a fun project by coding a Micro:bit microprocessor using MakeCode, an online platform that uses JavaScript with either blocks or text.
Drones: Youth will form teams to program drones to fly through an aerial obstacle course.

Afternoon

Next Level Scratch: Youth with prior experience using scratch will explore some of the more advanced concepts of coding in scratch by creating variables and utilizing broadcast capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab: Youth will explore artificial intelligence and machine learning through activity modules in Code.org. Participants will use JavaScript and AppLab with either blocks or text.
Java Script Game Lab: Youth will develop a simple video game in JavaScript through the programming environment Game Lab developed by Code.org.

Advanced Workshops

Background Needed for Advanced Workshops: Participants registering for these workshops must have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of coding already (e.g., loops, variables, and conditional statements). It is also recommended that they have prior experience with a text-based coding language (i.e., Java, Python, C++, R, JavaScript, etc.).

Morning

Python: Youth will usePython, a text-based programming language, to create interactive programs to draw and play games.

Afternoon

Arduino: Youth will learn how to build a simple prototyping electronic project using the arduino microprocessor.

Sunday Morning Workshops

Lego: Youth will have the opportunity to be lego masters and build structures using lego blocks.
History of Jackson's Mill: Youth will learn about the history of Jackson's Mill, and participate in hands on activities.
Folk Dancing: Youth will learn folk dancing algorithms and apply them in this fun active workshop.
Geo Spatial: Youth will learn the basics of geospatial technology by hunting for geocache locations.
Lasercutter Jewelry: Youth will design and print simple jewelry pieces using Computer Assisted Design and the Glowforge Laser Cutter located in the STEAM Building maker space.
Board Games: Youth will look at playing boardgames through the Computer Science lens of algorithms and loops.
Outdoor Recreation: Youth will explore outdoor recreation activities through the lens of computer science.
Useless Machines: Youth will use technology to create a useless machine.

Notes & FAQs

The event registration fee includes two nights of lodging, meals during the event, and event equipment/supplies.
Youth participants sleep in cabins with bunk-style twin beds. Participants are clustered with other youth of the same age and gender. The cabins are supervised by trained and vetted 4-H volunteers and Extension professionals.
The cabins will be stocked with bed linens (sheets, pillows, and blankets). You do not need to bring bed linens. You are welcome to bring your own linens, sleeping bag, blankets, etc. You will need to bring your own toiletries and a bath towel.
Meals that are included are Friday evening snacks, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and Sunday breakfast. Eat dinner before arriving for check-in.
Camp clothing must be comfortable and adaptable to varied weather conditions. Camp clothing needs to be functional…not fashionable.