On Saturday, February 15, members of the St. Thomas Computer Science Honor Society hosted coding camp sessions for 2nd-4th and 5th-8th graders. The camps provided elementary and middle school students opportunities to try out coding of various levels, exposing them to new concepts and highlighting the importance of STEM education.

“I really enjoy teaching kids how to code,” junior Honor Society officer Zachariah Hart said. “I feel like this camp is an excellent way to give back to my community and help advance the technological awareness of younger students.”

The members of the Computer Science Honor Society stressed the impact that these camps can have on younger kids, many of them acknowledging that they would have appreciated early exposure to coding and computer technology. These St. Thomas students now have the opportunity to serve their community in a meaningful and personal way.

“It’s fun teaching about something I am really passionate about, especially since it wasn’t available to me when I was a kid,” senior Keller Case shared.  

The Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS), managed by Communications and Technology teacher Deanna Woodlief, is an achievement-based organization. Students must take an AP computer course to apply, and their acceptance is contingent upon their GPA, Dean’s Office standing, and their responses to a Computer Science questionnaire. The St. Thomas Chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society strives to uphold the Mission of the school – Teach me: Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge – with an emphasis on the Honor Society’s Core Values – Equity, Service and Excellence. The organization regularly hosts seasonal coding camps and provides tutoring services for their fellow Eagles to fulfill their service-minded mission. The coding camps are a consistent favorite among Computer Science Honor Society members.

“Teaching the kids coding is very rewarding,” Hart said. “I like giving back to the community which has supported me as I learn. It’s also fun to introduce new technologies to kids who are eager to learn.”

For the 2nd-4th grade sessions, campers learned the basics of coding in Scratch, a coding language with a simple interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. Scratch is designed, developed, and moderated by the nonprofit Scratch Foundation, whose mission of prioritizing creative learning, valuing research and critical thought, and making learning accessible for all is similarly reflected in the values of the Basilian charism.

The 5th-8th grade campers learned the fundamentals of coding in Python, which is frequently cited as one of the most popular coding languages globally. The camp equipped students with foundational knowledge of the language, giving them hands-on experience and tangible skills to take with them further into their education.

“I loved watching each person make unique projects by the end of the day,” senior John Simoneaux, the organization’s president, said. “The chance to foster the kids’ curiosity and creativity is not something I take for granted.”