Twenty students from central Arkansas learned the basics of computer programming using the video game Minecraft during a summer coding camp at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Benton Center.

Junior high and high school students from 11 schools in central Arkansas attended the camp June 20-24 at the UALR Benton Center.  

During the camp, students created elements and special effects for Minecraft using LearnToMod, a program that allows Minecraft players to create and share modifications to the game. LearnToMod is offered free to educators.

Camp instructors Bruce Bauer and Carole Ann Ramsey facilitated group discussions regarding computer coding and software design.

Under the direction of Program Coordinator Angela Paladino and the UALR Benton Center’s summer intern Tucker Partridge, students participated in team building exercises, physical activity, and a special presentation from Dan Ndombe, software developer at ACDI.

“Overall, this camp was a success,” UALR Benton Center Director Kim Jackson said. “The students enjoyed themselves, and the parents were pleased with what their children learned. Our Center will certainly be offering similar College Kids camps in the future.”

In addition to the coding camp, the UALR Benton Center is holding the Emerging Writers Workshop July 18-22 for students entering grades 9-12.

For more information, visit the website or contact the UALR Benton Center at 501.860.6003.

In the upper right photo, members of the summer coding camp, from left to right, are: Front Row: Ramsey Alhajjaj, Zack Jennings, Jacob Ivy, and Stuart Walker; Second Row: Cotton Ward, Ethan Blackford, Colbe Cortez, Ryan Wells, and Maya Henderson; Third Row: Supervisor Angela Paladino, Alex Lee, Andrew Mencer, Brodie Callicott, Mary Ashton, Selin Kartika, and Max Joseph; Back Row: Instructor Bruce Bauer, Matthew Bulthuis, Will Clay, Tucker Williams, Bishop Butler, J’Lun Herron, Instructor Carole Ann Ramsey, and Supervisor Tucker Partridge.