YMCA Coding Programmers create their own games

North Brandon Family YMCA’s Coding Programmers Create Their Own Game

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There is a good chance most of us were not Coding in third grade or creating computer games in the fifth grade. Not so now. Welcome to the North Brandon Family YMCA Coding and Game Design for Kids & Teens program, where our junior developers recently created their own game and shared it with their parents.

Participants created their games over the course of three months using software such as Python and Blender. Many created obstacle courses using characters from Roblox, and the results were impressive!

North Brandon Family YMCA's Coding Programmers Create Their Own Game

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During the program, they learned back-end skills required in all major tech fields: coding, programming, modeling and design. The initiative mimics the development process major game developers use, and we are happy to share that it will also be offered as a Summer Camp option too.

“I like coding because I learn new things to code and get to make new friends. Blooket and Roblox are my favorite games,” shares Bianca Jimenez, 10, who is in the fifth grade.

Shea Scott, 8, is in the third grade and agrees.

“I like this class because I can always have an adventure. There are so many different things that give you the ability to explore and make games. We play Minecraft, Blooket and Unreal Engine.”

Maya Sisarran, Associate Program Director of Family Programming at the North Brandon Y, oversees Coding, which was launched last fall, and is proud of all the participants.

“The program is great! We average 20-30 kids per session and have the same kids who have been with us since the start of the program because they enjoy it. We are excited for Summer Camp coding offerings this season.”

“The kids were very proud to take what they learned in the three months and apply it to the game they made. The parents were surprised with their interest and how much they learned. The curriculum lasts all year. We have two teachers, one of whom focuses on our newcomers. So new kids can join at any time of the year, and they will still be able to catch up,” adds Maya.

Coding, Horse Camp, Sports Camp, Art Camp, Dance Camp, Swim Camp and much more are offered throughout the summer at our YMCA Summer Camps. You can visit: tampaymca.org to register for camp today!

*Presented by the YMCA