Magic, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. If you are reading this page then you probably want some of the magic of programming for the young people around you.

A ‘CoderDojo Champion‘, is anyone who cares enough to give it a go to bring a little magic to their community. Setting up a CoderDojo is a fast, fun and straightforward process just read on you will get there.

If you run into something you cannot figure out then email startup@coderdojo.com and relax, if your CoderDojo looks like inspiring chaos you probably got it right.

Also know that CoderDojos are free! Really FREE, free of charge, and there is no part of the global collaboration that wants to make money from you or the young people learning so there really is no catch.

The One Rule…

Be Cool!

The CoderDojo Promise…

Open Free Learning!

  • The CoderDojo Principles…
  • Our context is open, free, child-led, learning.
  • We are open source.
  • Child safety comes before everything except common sense.
  • Participation is always free of charge.
  • Playing and creating lead our learning and we share what we learn.
  • What works in an individual CoderDojo is shared, not enforced.
  • We collaborate and rely on each other.
  • Champions, mentors, parents and their kids are responsible for each other.

 

The three steps to starting a CoderDojo…

  1. Get a suitable space that can be opened a day a week without charges.
  2. Set a start date!
  3. Find two or more volunteer mentor coders to inspire and admire the kids.

That is really how simple it can be. The CoderDojo Founders alongside many volunteers, have worked very hard to make starting a CoderDojo simple.

Of course there are many people who will tell you it must be more difficult than this. So for them, we have put together detailed information on every aspect of running a CoderDojo from the legality & Liability, to the economic principles governing a CoderDojo team of Volunteers.

Here is a Video on why to start a CoderDojo:

Here is a pdf on starting a CoderDojo:

  Click to read PDF information booklet on how to start a CoderDojo

Here is a  mind map on starting a CoderDojo:


Click to enlarge

Here is an Audio Guide on starting a CoderDojo:

 

Some tips to running your CoderDojo:
Make sure all mentors use the “Grandmother method” instead of teaching a curriculum focus on admiring the productive stuff the kids do and achieve. Admiration and acknowledgement are the key to inspiration and create a learning context that is positive.

 As mentors encourage kids to ask each other for assistance and to google answers. Encourage the more advanced kids to step up to be mentors as quickly as you can. Mentoring from within ensures your CoderDojo’s sustainability.

 

Please Note:
Every CoderDojo is operated independently. Individual CoderDojos are not connected or affiliated in any way with each other.

This website only presents the opinions of the authors. Individual CoderDojos are not connected or affiliated in any way with the authors.

We do not endorse any CoderDojo or Individual taking on risk. Laws may vary between jurisdictions, and it may be appropriate to seek legal counsel.