Short Hills Scouts Host Coding Camp

MILLBURN, NJ - More than 50 students ranging from second to tenth grade recently spent four days at Millburn High School, learning how fun and easy it is to get involved in computer programming.

The coding camp was led by local high school freshman Tanish Tyagi as part of an initial phase of his Eagle Scout project and supported by younger sister, eighth grader Riya. Tanish and Riya respectively serve as Senior Patrol Leaders in BSA Scouting Troop 17 (boys) and Troop 19 (girls), both of which are based at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills. The camp included classes on web development and development of racing games, mazes, and other games.

“I attribute the success of this camp to the Scout program,” Tanish said. “Scouting afforded me the opportunity to attend National Youth Leadership Training for one week two summers ago. I learned many skills, and when I returned, I started to use them to better my troop and community. I have also learned other leadership skills and approaches from the dedicated Scout leadership team.”

Riya said coding should be fun, easy, and approachable. The Tyagi team said they believe that computer science will carry this world into the future, and want to make sure everybody has a chance to experience it.

“I have so much more to learn in coding,” Riya said. “I can’t wait to share it with everyone in our community.”

Tanish said the builders of technology must reflect the users of it, and people across all races, communities, and genders should be represented in the industry.

“This would create solutions that best serve all of us. According to the National Science Foundation, the ratio of boys to girls in STEM fields is three to one, and as per the Pew Research Center, African Americans and Hispanic make up only 16 percent of the STEM industry," Tanish said. "This is unacceptable and needs to change.”

The cost of the non-profit camp was $40 for the four-day session, and financial aid was also available.

“Tanish wanted to make sure anyone who was interested could attend this camp,” Riya said.

Tanish and Riya plan to host additional camps in the future. Those who are interested in learning more or contributing financially can visit www.hercomputing.com. Funds raised will be used to buy computers, sponsor teacher literacy in computer science, and fund after-school coding programs in communities under-represented in technology.

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