What is CoderDojo?
CoderDojo is an open source, volunteer-led movement orientated around running free not-for-profit coding clubs (Dojos) for young people. Since CoderDojo is an open source movement, each Dojo is different and completely autonomous! Dojos are set up, run by and led by volunteers.
At a Dojo, young people between 7 and 17 learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and much more. In addition to learning to code, members meet like minded people, show off what they’ve been working on and so on. CoderDojo makes development and learning to code a fun, sociable and awesome experience. CoderDojo also puts a strong emphasis on open source and free software, and has a strong network of members and volunteers globally.
When does StockportDojo run?
StockportDojo runs every 3rd Sunday of the month. We start at 11am and finish at 3pm.
Although we’re happy for people to drop in and leave at any time during the session, to get the best out of a session please try to give yourself as much time as you can. We also tend to make any announcements at the start of the session, so if you turn up part way through, please check with a mentor in case you missed anything important.
Where is StockportDojo?
StockportDojo is based in Startpoint – a community coffee shop in Woodley.
What will I need to bring?
The only thing you really need to bring is your imagination!
Aside from that, a few other things will be helpful:
- A Laptop – if you have your own laptop please bring it with you (don’t forget to charge it!). If you don’t have one, we can lend you one but please let us know beforehand so we can make sure we have one ready for you.
- An Adult – if you’re under 12 years old you’ll need to bring an adult with you, who will need to stay for the session (who knows, they might learn a thing or two themselves).
- Lunch money – the coffee shop won’t be open but there will be a special Dojo menu available.
If you have your own Raspberry Pi feel free to bring it along – that way you can carry on the fun at home! Please remember your power supply, keyboard, SD card etc.
What else can I do to get ready?
Although you don’t need that much to come along and get coding, it might make things go a bit more smoothly if you can set up a couple of things beforehand. Don’t worry if you get stuck, getting started is always the hardest bit and the Ninjas and Mentors at the dojo will be able to get you over most hurdles.
Some software you can install:
- Scratch – Scratch is an easy to use graphical programming language you can use to make games and animations. We use Scratch 1.4 which you can download for free from the scratch website
- Minecraft – If you’re interested in coding for Minecraft, it would be useful to buy a Minecraft account beforehand. If you prefer not to, you can try Minecraft on the Raspberry Pi for free.
If you want to code in Minecraft on your own laptop, you might want to try the steps in this installation guide (by Mcr Dojo). If you find any of this tricky, then just bring your laptop along to the dojo and one of the Ninjas or Mentors will help you get set up.
Online resources
We have collected resources, produced by community members, partners and the Foundation itself, that can help you in setting up and running your Dojo.
The collection includes guidelines on how to mentor, a look at how a typical Dojo runs, flyers to recruit Mentors or explain CoderDojo to parents, as well as educational material, exercises and project ideas to give to the Ninjas at your Dojo.
You can find these resources here: https://coderdojo.com/resources/
