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 the 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 currently in 6 ^th–12 ^th grade aged 11-17 at the time of the event.

WHEN

Friday, February 24, 2023 - Sunday, February 26, 2023

WHERE

WVU Jackson's Mill

COST

$120. Register by December 24, 2022, and receive the early bird rate of $100.

REGISTRATION

This event has passed and registration has closed. Stay tuned for news and announcements on next year's Code Camp!

ADULT CHAPERONES

All adult chaperones must be fully vetted through WVU Extension Service and register for the event through ZSuite. The complete vetting process must be completed at least 15 days in advance of the event. Learn more information about the volunteer process.

Camp Details

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)
Maker Tech Festival

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-serve basis.

Beginner Workshops

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

Morning Workshops

Scratch: Youth will learn the basics of coding using a block-based coding language called Scratch (games, music, animation).
HTML/CSS (Web Development): Youth will learn the basics of coding using a block-based coding language called Scratch (games, music, animation).
JavaScript (App Lab): Youth will learn to design an app using App Lab. App Lab is a programming environment created by Code.org where you can make simple apps. Participants will code in JavaScript with either blocks or text, and then share their app.

Afternoon Workshops

Makey Makey: Youth will learn how to create musical instruments with a Makey Makey. Pairs well with the mornign Scratch Workshop!
Robotics: Youth will have fun building and programming a robot with Legos! Each team will program a preliminary workable robot while adding parts to create a working robot. Robots will complete an obstacle course and run competitions against other teams.
Spheros: Youth will learn how to program a Sphero using a block-based coding language to 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 Workshops

JavaScript (Game Lab): Youth will develop video games using JavaScript in GameLab. GameLab is a programming environment created by Code.org where you can make video games. Participants will code in JavaScript with either blocks or text, and then playtest their game.
Python: Youth will use text-based programming to create interactive programs to draw and play games.
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.

Afternoon Workshops

Micro:bit: Youth will create fun projects using the Micro:bit. Participants will code their Micro:bit using MakeCode, an online platform that uses JavaScript with either blocks or text.
Circuit Playground Express (CPX): Youth will learn how to use Circuit Playground Express, programming LEDs, buttons, sensors, etc. using drag-and-drop programming.

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 Workshop

C#: Youth will use C#, a text-based programming language, to create interactive programs to develop simple games.

Afternoon Workshop

Arduino: Youth will learn how to build simple circuits and code with an Arduino.

Sunday Workshop Descriptions

3D Printing: Youth will use block-based coding to learn fundamentals in CAD design and 3D print their own design to take home.
Line Dancing: Youth will learn line dancing algorithms and apply them in this fun active workshop.
History of Jackson's Mill: Youth will learn about the history of Jackson's Mill, and participate in hands on activities.
Cryptography and Geocache: Youth will learn about the history of Jackson's Mill, and participate in hands on activities.
Lego Building: Youth will have the opportunity to be lego masters and build structures using lego blocks.
E-Textiles: Youth will combine technology and textiles to create a sewable circuit.

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.