The future is bright for these computer coders

By Abby Morgan

During three days of Fall Break, 17 youth participated in our Coding Club, held at the Carnegie Museum. While we had 17 youth participants, only 9 youth had prior computer coding experience. However, by the end of club, all youth were hungry to learn more and try new things. When parents/guardians came to pick youth up at the end of each session, youth were excited to show and share what they had created to their parent/guardian. Many continued their work on their games at home and were excited to share their finished product the next day.

During Coding Club, youth learned basic video game coding concepts by making different types of games, including racing, platform, and launching. They were able to express their creativity and make each of their games unique. They learned problem-solving by not only creating their games but also have other youth in the club test out and play their games.

While many people think of the fair when they hear “4-H”, it is actually much more. 4-H focuses on the Mission Areas of Science, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement. It is the mission of Indiana 4-H Youth Development “to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world.” Coding Club strived to provide this real-life experience through a hands-on approach. Youth learned what computer science means and how it is used to solve every day problems. Many of them expressed interest in having a career in computer coding someday.

There are endless opportunities, such as Coding Club, that 4-H members can experience. I often say that there is something for everyone in the 4-H program. Don’t delay in joining such a great youth development program. 4-H enrollment is now open! To enroll in Montgomery County 4-H, please visit https://v2.4honline.com or visit the Montgomery County Extension office at 400 Parke Avenue, Crawfordsville. The program fee for enrolling in 4-H is $15 per child and mini 4-H (grades K-2) is free. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Abby Morgan at the Extension office at (765)364-6363 or e-mail [email protected].

Abby Morgan is the 4-H Youth Development Educator at the Montgomery County Purdue Extension Office. She can be reached at [email protected] or 765-364-6363.