Morden youth got their first chance at coding thanks to a new computer science camp last week. Codemakers, offered to students age 13-15, is an outreach program through WISE Kid-Netic Energy, a not-for-profit organization located in the Faculty of Engineering building at the University of Manitoba.

Formed in 1990, WISE's (Women in Science and Engineering) mission is to give Manitoba youth a chance to become inspired and empowered through science, engineering, and technology.

"Normally in Winnipeg, we have an all girls Codemaker camp," explains camp instructor Jenica Woitowicz. "Since we're trying it out in Morden we decided to make it co-ed."

Woitowicz and her partner Allison, are students at the University of Manitoba studying Computer Science.

Other communities were visited throughout the summer bringing Codemakers to cities that wouldn't have the opportunity regularly; Thompson, Dauphin, Morden, with Flin Flon and Steinbach on the way.

Codemakers introduces students to coding

Engineer at U of M and a member of the WISE office Nusraat Masood, explains Codemakers offers students an engaging introduction to coding.

"If your kid already knows how to code I'm sure they'll have a good time, but it's meant for someone who wants to dip their toe in the water," Masood says.

Masood also reassures parents that the kids won't be hunched over a computer all day, the camp also participates in a number of outdoor activities.

Woitowicz understands that many parents might not know what computer science is and how it applies to the real word.

Woitowicz explains that computer science is growing and a huge part of the world's future, creating new jobs and opportunities.

"One of the most sought after minors is Computer Science. You can work it into Excel, you can work it into a program call Mat Lab for calculations, you can use it to build a website."

A part of the camp is programming code into robots, camper Rowan Froese says he loved working with the machines.

Froese plans to become a mechanic when he grows up.

Codemakers gives students a unique opportunity to learn more about the industry and begin their journey into computer science.

One of the objectives was to code a robot to navigate through a maze