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Volunteering at Code Club: What you need to know to get started

Thinking about volunteering for the first time? Many people look for opportunities to support young people in schools, libraries, or youth programmes, but aren’t sure where to start.

Whether you want to help young people, gain experience, or give back to your community, volunteering at Code Club is a great way to both make a difference and build your own skills.

What is Code Club?

Code Club is a global community of free coding clubs for young people. Code Clubs are organised by educators and volunteers, and run in schools, libraries, and other community venues. Using free step-by-step learning materials provided by Code Club, young people create their own games, animations, and much more in a fun, supportive environment.

The activities are designed to help young people learn coding from the very beginning, and include projects involving a range of programming languages, as well as activities that do not require computers. Educators and volunteers facilitate the sessions and offer support as young people learn, but they do not need any programming experience themselves to get started.

Why volunteer at Code Club?

Volunteering with young people gives you the chance to make a direct impact on future generations — all while building your own skills.

You do not need any technical skills or teaching experience to start or volunteer at a Code Club. Communication skills, patience, and enthusiasm are much more important than formal experience.

“Finding out how to do something by searching online, asking other coders and the mentors is part of the Code Club experience (and the experience of being a professional programmer!). The main thing is not to be afraid to admit you don’t know something. Although this can be alarming at first, I’ve found the coders are happy to be told that I’ll look at it over the next week and report back. And that they should do the same so we can compare notes. And if they know how to do something that you don’t, they absolutely love explaining it to you!” 

– Claire Quigley, club mentor at a Code Club that runs in a library in Glasgow, Scotland

Volunteering at Code Club can also open doors. For some people, it becomes a pathway into teaching, youth work, or other education roles. For others, it’s simply a meaningful way to support young people in their local community and share their skills and experience, whilst building their own valuable transferable skills.

A child with red hair and a blue jacket smiling at a laptop, while an adult man with glasses and blond hair leans in, pointing at the screen. The setting appears to be a classroom or learning environment.

Do you need any qualifications?

You don’t need any formal qualifications to volunteer with Code Club. Volunteers come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and some are completely new to coding or working with young people. 

We asked Claire what she would say to someone who does not see themselves as ‘technical enough’ but is curious about getting involved:

“The majority of library staff didn’t have any background in programming. They are simply happy to learn as they go along and help the children make their ideas come to life. In fact, one of these ‘non-technical’ staff ran a very popular and successful club and supported a team of coders to develop a project that [was chosen as a judges’ favourite] at Coolest Projects.”

Code Club provides step-by-step resources, so your role is to support and encourage young people as they learn. You will usually need a background check, but we provide guidance to help you organise this. We also provide free safeguarding training, to help you ensure a safe learning environment and make sure you feel confident in your role.

If you would like to develop your technical skills, there are also free training courses available to help you.

How to get started

If you are thinking about getting started with Code Club, a good first step is to look locally. Many clubs running in libraries, community spaces, and schools are often looking for volunteers.

You can find a nearby club using the Code Club website, or  if there isn’t one in your local area, you could start your own. Most clubs run for just an hour or two each week, making it easy to fit around your schedule. A small, regular commitment is all that’s needed to make a real difference.

Volunteering at Code Club is open to people aged 16 and over. If you are younger than 16, it’s still worth reaching out to your local club, as some clubs offer opportunities to get involved as a youth mentor.

A woman and a child smiling and holding colorful signs that say 'Join the club' and 'Be cool' in a bright, modern workspace with a laptop in front of them.

Whether you are helping at an existing club or starting your own, we provide everything you need to feel confident supporting young creators. Taking that first step into volunteering might feel like a big one — but starting small can quickly lead to something meaningful. 

If you would like to find out more about what mentoring looks like and the different ways you can get involved, visit the Code Club mentor page to explore guidance, training, and next steps.

Can I start a Code Club? Here’s what you need to know

It’s a common question we hear from teachers, parents, and volunteers around the world: Can I start a Code Club? The answer is simple: yes, you can.

If you’re excited about helping young people turn their ideas into games, animations, and websites, you already have the spark that makes a great Code Club mentor. Starting a Code Club isn’t about being a professional programmer. It’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive space where young people can explore, experiment, and build their confidence.

Children learning at computers in a classroom setting, with an instructor guiding them; text overlay says 'Join the club'.

Who can start a Code Club?

One of the best things about Code Club is that it’s community-powered. Clubs are started by classroom teachers, librarians, youth workers, university students, parents, and industry volunteers. Some leaders have technical backgrounds. Many don’t.

What they share isn’t expert knowledge — it’s enthusiasm and commitment.

“I started running a Code Club when my son was seven because I wanted to understand what this whole programming and coding world was about. I’m not a coder, but I realised I didn’t need to know everything.” – Rachael Coultart, Stevenage, UK

Young people don’t need an expert at the front of the room. They need encouragement, patience, and someone who believes in them.

What do you need to start a Code Club?

Starting a Code Club is often much simpler than people expect. At its heart, you need a safe space, a regular meeting time, and access to computers or tablets. Many clubs run in schools, libraries, and community centres. Some start small — just a handful of creators and a couple of devices — and grow over time.

Consistency matters more than scale. Meeting once a week, or once or twice a month helps build routine and momentum. Over time, the club becomes something young people look forward to — a space that feels different from a typical lesson, where creativity and fun is encouraged.

“Since starting Code Club, I’ve seen students discover strengths they don’t always show at school. Quiet students became leaders, and new partnerships turned into friendships. It showed me how vital it is to create opportunities where all students can succeed and belong.” – Stephanie MacPhail, Bloomington, USA

A man and a young girl engage in a learning activity at a table in a library, surrounded by bookshelves filled with children's books.

Do you need to be a coding expert?

It’s completely natural to wonder if you know enough. Code Clubs thrive when mentors bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives to encourage young creators. We provide free resources such as project guides, certificates, and posters, and we offer support through online workshops, community events, and an online help desk.

Saying, “Let’s work it out together”, shows young people that not knowing is part of learning. When something doesn’t work the first time, it becomes an opportunity to practise resilience. Code Club leaders are there to guide and encourage creators through the process, not provide instant answers.

“The mistakes and the debugging — we learned together. That shared process, sticking with projects week after week and figuring things out side by side, has been really powerful.” – Rachael Coultart, Stevenage, UK

Why start a Code Club in your community?

Starting a Code Club is about more than teaching coding skills. It’s about empowering young people to become creative thinkers and resilient learners 

When young people realise they can design their own games, build their own websites, and bring their ideas to life, something shifts. For many creators, Code Club is the first time they see themselves as someone who can code.

“It makes me proud to know that I’ve made something because I used to think: I’m never going to be able to do that!… I like making games, creating stories. I’m working with the Raspberry Pi today because it looks fun.” – Alex (10), CoderDojo, Barbican Library

These moments are why so many volunteers decide to start a Code Club and stay with us.

A young student in a green school uniform proudly points at a computer screen displaying a coding interface, showcasing a project he created.

How to get started with Code Club

If you’re considering starting a Code Club, begin with a few simple steps. Choose a venue, decide on a regular time, and think about the age group you’d like to support. Once you open your doors, keep the focus on making the space welcoming, inclusive, and creative.

You don’t need everything figured out before you start. Many leaders say the hardest part was simply taking that first step.

So, can you start a Code Club?

Yes!

Start small. Keep it consistent. Celebrate every success. Get started and run a Code Club in your community. 

Spooky sprites, creative coders, and growing confidence: A Code Club story from Maine

At Veazie Community School in Veazie, Maine (USA), Code Club is more than an after-school activity — it’s a creative space where young people explore, experiment, and grow into confident makers.

Code Club mentor Adrián Arias Palomo has been running the club for several years, and along the way has seen everything from spooky Scratch projects to former club members heading off to college with coding skills they still use today.

A group of children and an adult pose together in front of a screen displaying 'VCS CODE CLUB.' The children, showing various hairstyles and playful expressions, participate in a coding club activity.

Projects that spark excitement

Some projects just click — and for Adrián’s club, timing and theme can make a big difference.

“The Scratch Ghostbusters project is always a hit around Halloween,” Adrián says. “I’m consistently impressed by how motivated creators become when the theme is spooky.”

The project’s success isn’t just about ghosts and ghouls, though; its open-ended nature gives creators plenty of room to express themselves. By choosing their own sprites and customising how their projects behave, learners can make something that feels truly their own.

Creators often also have varied making styles and preferences, and Adrián has seen this variety play out in his club sessions too. For example, a version of the Mandala Scratch project proved especially popular with young people who enjoy more artistic, visual work.

Two children with green hair sitting in a library on blue couches, each using a laptop. Shelves of books are visible in the background.

When young people surprise you

Ask any Code Club mentor, and they will tell you that some of the best moments happen unexpectedly. Adrián experiences those sorts of moments regularly.

“They are constantly surprising me with their creativity,” he says.

One standout example came while creators were recreating the classic Google Chrome Dino game using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. One creator decided to redesign the sprites to make their own unique and creative version of the game. You can try it yourself here.

And in Adrián’s experience, the surprises don’t stop when young people leave the club.

“I’ve also been pleasantly surprised when young people who are no longer in Code Club share games and projects they’ve continued to work on independently,” Adrián explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow into confident, independent coders.”

With the Code Club having been established at the school for several years now, some of Adrián’s earliest creators have finished their schooling and are now in higher education or work. For Adrián, seeing that long-term impact has been one of the most meaningful parts of running the club.

Lessons learned along the way

One of Adrián’s biggest takeaways is the importance of listening.

“Giving young people more agency and a voice in what they want to learn truly pays off,” he says.

By tailoring learning to young people’s interests, the club has expanded its range of activities, covering more projects and technologies. Learners have explored physical computing with micro:bit and Circuit Playground Express, experimented with interactive storytelling using Bitsy, and dived into puzzle game design with PuzzleScript.

That flexibility has benefited everyone — including Adrián himself.

“I have learned a lot along the way!” he adds.

Support from the wider school community has also had a big impact. Adrián is quick to acknowledge the role of a flexible, encouraging environment.

“I’m very fortunate to work in a small, supportive school that values this kind of flexibility. A special shout-out to Principal Timothy Tweedie and librarian Martha Shannon for their support and for allowing us to use such a wonderful space.”

Two children in a library sitting on a blue couch; one is reading a book while the other uses a laptop, with large windows showing snow outside.

Whether it’s spooky Scratch games, fun pixel dinosaurs, or creators continuing to code long after they have left the club, Adrián’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given space, support, and a voice in their learning.

Want to start your own Code Club?

If you have been inspired by Veazie Community School, learn how you can start a club in your community today.