Code Clubs are FREE weekly after-school coding clubs for 8 - 12 year olds. Children learn to create games, animations and websites using our specially created resources.

Help us inspire the next generation of digital citizens by establishing a Code Club !

STEP 1: CHECK WHAT YOU NEED TO RUN A CODE CLUB

There are 3 essential elements to starting a Code Club:

A CLUB VENUE which is a secure space to host the club with an internet connection and computers. A virtual space with participants connecting from home is also an option! Code Clubs are often run in public libraries, community centres, schools but can also be hosted in private settings for private groups, like homeschoolers or a group of friends.

A CODE CLUB LEADER is in charge of creating and running the Code Club.

• The profile of our Code Club leaders is quite diverse. Some are staff from youth-serving organizations (school teacher, librarian) while others are passionate volunteers from the community (a parent, a grand-parent, a university student).
• You do NOT need previous coding knowledge to establish a Code Club. Our free PROJECTS and other online resources will guide you step by step in how to lead each weekly session.
• You should have time to facilitate one Code Club Term (6 to 8 week) of weekly one-hour sessions or find volunteers to run the sessions.
• It is highly recommended that two adults are present to manage the group and for safeguarding. An external volunteer should never be left alone with the children.
• As part of our safeguarding policy to work with children, you must provide Digital Moment with a Police Background Check that includes a Vulnerable Sector Check.

YOUTH PARTICIPANTS to attend weekly sessions.

• The suggested age to participate is 8 to 12 years old. However younger and older children can also have fun learning with Code Club.
• Kids need to have permission from their parents.
• There are no minimum or maximum group size requirements. However, an ideal size with one facilitator is between 10-15 participants.
• You are not allowed to charge for your club. Code Club is always free for children to attend.

STEP 2: REGISTER OR WATCH AN INFORMATION SESSION

If you are interested in starting a Code Club and you meet the requirement from step 1, the next step is to REGISTER to attend one of our information sessions or to WATCH a short recording of this session where we will:

• Guide you through the simple administrative and safeguarding procedures to set-up your Code Club.
• Share tips for a successful Code Club resources to find volunteers
• Walk you through our key free resources and projects
• Invite you to further complementary free training.
• Be there to answer your questions.

REGISTER WATCH

If you can't attend one of our information sessions, CONTACT US to schedule a one-on-one session.

STEP 3: OFFICIALLY REGISTER YOUR CLUB

Once you have been onboarded by our team, you will be able to REGISTER YOUR CODE CLUB to access coding projects, lesson plans for your Code Club and the kids!

STEP 4: LAUNCH AND PROMOTE YOUR CLUB

If you are running a public Code Club, encourage the families in your local community to sign up.

At registration, you can indicate that you are willing to be contacted and your Club will appear in the Find a Venue database.

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OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES

Code Club Canada’s role

• Help you with your onboarding as a new Code Club leader and the different administrative steps.
• Provide free projects for the children, which are step by step guides for creating games, animations and websites.
• Offer a program of additional training sessions with fun ressources to use in your club.
• Help whenever you need us at info@codeclub.ca
• We are unable to find volunteers to help you run your Code Clubs. However, we can support you with tips and tricks to find local volunteers in your community.

Key Code Cub Leaders' responsibilities

• Ensure that all the children who come to the club have appropriate permission from a parent/guardian to attend.
• Check that your physical venue has appropriate insurance to cover the volunteer and the club.
• Ensure that there is appropriate IT equipment, wifi and software.
• Only use volunteers who have provided a police security check, in line with Code Club‘s safeguarding policy.