Volunteers

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.

Coding, creativity, and community spirit: The story of Code Club Wirral

Since 2017, Code Club Wirral has been sparking curiosity, creativity, and confidence among hundreds of young people on the Wirral in Cheshire. This star club runs every Thursday evening, when Wallasey Library transforms into a bustling hub of discovery and lines of code turn into games, animations, and laughter.

A man and a young girl sitting at a computer station in a library, both smiling. The girl is using a computer mouse while the man looks on supportively.

Led by volunteer John, the club welcomes around 15 young people and their parents/carers each week. Though the club advertises for ages 9 to 13, even younger children — some as young as five — have joined in with enthusiasm and help from a parent. 

Over the years, John estimates that around 800 young people have attended the sessions, not including those met through outreach at local MakeFests.

“We’ve seen children grow in skill and confidence, and parents too! Every session brings a new spark of creativity and it’s amazing to see families travel from across the Wirral — sometimes over seven miles — just to join us,” says John.

A volunteer standing behind two children working on a computer at Code Club Wirral, with a table displaying a water bottle and notes in a library setting.

From parent to leader: How it all began

John’s journey into Code Club started, fittingly, with his own children. “I first took them to a Code Club at Seacombe Library, run by a brilliant team of volunteers,” he recalls. “The projects and resources from Code Club were fantastic; they really clicked with the kids. That’s when I decided to volunteer myself.”

With encouragement from librarian Elaine, and with a group of dedicated volunteers, John launched Code Club Wirral at Wallasey Library in 2017, and it has grown steadily ever since.

“It’s amazing how something as simple as sharing a coding project can open up a whole world of learning and confidence,” John reflects.

A group of six Code Club volunteers standing in a library, wearing matching t-shirts, smiling and posing for a photo.

Libraries and learning: A perfect partnership

Wirral Libraries have played a key role in Code Club’s success.The partnership has flourished over the years, with libraries providing both the space and the spirit that make the sessions special.

“The libraries serve as vital community hubs,” John explains. “The IT suites are perfect for Code Club, and we’ve built great connections with other clubs, creators, and volunteers through the library network.”

For Emma, one of the librarians at Wallasey Library, Code Club fits seamlessly with the library’s mission:

“It supports our learning and engagement and digital strategies,” she says. “We’re developing skills in a young demographic — building confidence, learning, transferable skills, and employability.”

And it’s not just coding that draws people in. When the club is in session, the atmosphere is bustling and engaged. Young people and parents often end up exploring books, borrowing micro:bits, and signing up for other library competitions and events.

The impact on young people and their families

The impact of Code Club Wirral is felt deeply by those who attend. For Erin, eight, Code Club is a highlight of her week. “It’s fun, chilled and relaxing,” she says proudly. “My first project was Ghostbusters. I was really proud of it. I didn’t think I’d do that well!”

Parents notice the difference, too. Hannah, who brings her son and daughter to Code Club and has been attending for eight weeks, says: “I thought they’d need more help, but they’re doing things I couldn’t do. Watching them solve challenges on their own, it’s fantastic.”

These stories echo what makes Code Club so special: it’s not just about learning to code, but about building resilience, creativity, and independence, and all in a supportive, community-driven environment.

A young boy interacts with a computer while an adult, partly visible, observes him, both engaged in a coding session at a library.

A ripple effect across the Wirral

Since its first session in 2017, Code Club Wirral has done more than teach digital skills;  it’s built a network of collaboration and curiosity that extends far beyond the library walls.

The club’s influence can be felt in the community: from parents discovering their children’s hidden talents, to librarians expanding their digital outreach, to volunteers forming lasting partnerships.

John, the volunteer team and the Wirral Libraries team show how a simple idea like sharing coding with young people can grow into something powerful and lasting.

Want to start your own Code Club?

If you’ve been inspired by Wirral’s Code Club story, visit codeclub.org to learn how you can start a club in your community or library.