There's code behind all the technology we rely on and girls can get hands-on experience learning to code at a five-day camp through Girl Scouts of Colorado and FAST Enterprises hosted at CSU-Spur in Denver July 8-12.
This one-week camp is designed for Girl Scouts entering the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, and is valued at $450, but FAST Enterprises covers the cost as part of their commitment to increasing the number of women in tech. A $25 commitment fee is required at registration in order to reduce no-shows. This fee can be waived in cases of financial hardship.
Campers will participate in a variety of educational coding games and activities led by experienced female software developers from FAST Enterprises.
Girls will get plenty of hands-on practice building and customizing three different Android apps during the week and they get to meet women working in various technology-focused professions and learn about the diverse opportunities available to women who code.
Meet Geneva and Mary, campers who attended last year's Camp Code:
Geneva B., high school freshman, Girl Scout Senior
What was the coolest thing for you about Camp Code for Girls?
Being able to build my overall skills and knowledge about coding, as well as exploring the different careers that these skills would allow me to follow.
Why do you think it’s important for girls to try hands-on STEM activities?
Because it’s fun! They're good skills to have and you can do some really cool stuff with them.
Any advice for other girls wanting to learn more about coding and technology?
Most high schools have robotics teams, which are amazing resources and opportunities. I am really into theater and I know the students that do all the lighting and sound for the shows. They work a lot with electronics and computers to make the magic of theatre possible. Additionally, I participate in Model United Nations (MUN) and there are often specialized councils specifically discussing technological advances. So, there a lot of crossovers, especially in high school, between technology/coding and many other opportunities and passions and I would highly recommend exploring these crossovers with your own passions. When you participate in any of these, the skills and connections you build are really awesome.
What are you plans for the future?
Actually, I plan on joining my school’s robotics team next year to learn more about coding. I will also continue theatre and MUN because I enjoy them. As of college, I have no clue. But, I hope to make a difference in the world one way or another! (Cheesy, but sincere.)
Mary H., high school freshman, Girl Scout Senior
What was the coolest thing for you about Camp Code for Girls?
The coolest thing for me about Camp Code for Girls was learning more about coding and deepening my coding skills.
Why do you think it’s important for girls to try hands-on STEM activities? I think that it is important for girls to try hands-on STEM activities because trying STEM activities can broaden our horizons and expose us to new and interesting fields of study.
Any advice for other girls wanting to learn more about coding and technology? My advice for other girls who want to learn more about coding and technology would be to try your best when you encounter something that you’ve never done before, and to keep on persevering, even when things get tough.
What are you plans for the future? My future plans are to continue to explore STEM through Girl Scout programs and through my school.