Basic Coding = High Level Impact
The Stomping Ground staff are the best in the world. They make virtual programming possible and FUN!
What a ride the last few months have been. Prior to this I had spent approximately 2 hours on Zoom in my entire life, so if you had told me I’d help run and facilitate a virtual summer camp I would have certainly been a little nervous and unsure of myself. However, spending my quarantine days on Hometown Stomping Ground has proven to be the best medicine in staying positive and hopeful for what the future holds. Our campers are strong and insightful, and the energy they bring to each session reminds our team how lucky we are. As a staff member I am beyond excited we are continuing our online platform into the school year, and providing more meaningful experiences for our community.
One of my favorite memories from the past four seasons was running Basic Coding with my good friend, DaKwan. Most SG folks know DaKwan, he is wildly energetic, has superhero strength, he ran the Explorer Village for a few summers, and he is a true friend to anyone he meets. However, I am not sure you would know he is also a master website builder. His main focus for the last couple of years has been the internet, and his knowledge of coding is unsurpassed. We asked him to lead a weeklong for HTSG, and I think we all were a little unsure how the week would go.
Our Basic Coding option in action. Accessible for all ages and experiences!
We had never run Basic Coding before, would kids show up? Is coding an activity accessible to most kids? Is this a skill both kids and parents are looking for a way to practice? Well any worry and doubt was quickly eliminated from the very first session. The secret weapon to Stomping Ground’s coding course? DaKwan.
I remember I was running late to the Zoom session from doing work on camp’s new property. I texted DaKwan, and I was stressed because the first day is the most important day, first impressions are everything, right? Luckily enough I make it to our little office space, turn my computer on, open Zoom, and there I see DaKwan and three kids. And the kids are dying laughing and cackling, and I immediately thought “Am I in the wrong Zoom?” The laughter was sincere and it filled our virtual room, as DaKwan was entertaining everyone by trying to catch gummy bears in his mouth. I forgot DaKwan’s superpower is just being himself, and that authenticity makes everyone feel instantly welcome.
Catch DaKwan on Zoom again this Fall!
The session then began to start, and DaKwan helped folks get acquainted with the particular applications we would be using. He was patient as he helped each individual camper figure out their own specific problems. As we progressed through the hour, I saw the amazement on our campers faces as they made nonsensical letters and shapes format into basic code. Any indication of computers or web design being intimidating was immediately replaced by a safe and welcoming space, for any beginner level web person. As we wrapped up one of the activities I heard one camper’s mom exclaim, “Look at my baby coding!” DaKwan and I both smiled pretty big at that comment.
This moment encapsulates the atmosphere we are striving for when we launch the upcoming season of Hometown Stomping Ground After School. The skills our campers build on are unique including coding, crafts, and cooking. However, it is the social emotional skills we aim to focus on now more than ever. These few campers who experienced DaKwan’s class did not just learn how to build a website. Through this session they discovered a sense of mastery, community, independence, and decision making. And luckily enough, one of our parents even got to witness that first hand. That’s why we are continuing and reimagining this program for the fall.
DaKwan and I were able to revamp the Basic Coding weeklong that will happen in a few weeks, and push our offerings to a higher expectation our folks deserve. We are beyond excited for parents and campers to imagine endless possibilities from this upcoming After School program. So as we wrap up four very long, arduous seasons of virtual camp, it goes without saying I am grateful. For our staff like DaKwan who come at every activity with such energy and grace. I am thankful for our campers and parents who trust us for a few hours on Zoom each week.
Let’s keep it going into the fall season! See you online.