# ProtoSpark — Free Coding Camp for Kids Worldwide **Free virtual coding camp · Ages 6–11 · 100% free · Open worldwide · No experience needed** ProtoSpark is a free, student-led nonprofit organization teaching children ages 6–11 to code through live virtual Scratch programming camps. Founded by high school students in 2024, ProtoSpark has taught 300+ students across multiple countries with 100+ hours of coding instruction — all at zero cost to families. ## What is ProtoSpark? ProtoSpark is one of the only fully free, student-run coding nonprofits offering structured computer science curriculum to elementary and middle school children worldwide. We teach Scratch programming, block-based coding, and computational thinking through interactive live sessions and a final capstone project every student builds themselves. No tuition. No fees. No prerequisites. Just coding. ## Mission Code should have no borders. Every child — regardless of country, language, or socioeconomic background — deserves access to quality computer science education. ProtoSpark organizes country-based chapters led by local volunteers who bridge language and time-zone gaps to bring free coding education to underserved communities globally. ## Impact - **300+** students taught coding - **100+** hours of live coding instruction delivered - **Multiple countries** across North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America - **100% free** — no cost ever charged to students or families ## Core Values - **Free & Accessible**: Fully free for every student. Curriculum translated into multiple languages. - **International Reach**: Country chapters organized and led by local volunteer leaders. - **Student-Led**: Founded and run entirely by high school students. - **Future-Ready Skills**: Teaches computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy — skills that go beyond coding. - **Project-Based Learning**: Every camper finishes with a real Scratch project they built. --- ## Summer Coding Camp 2026 **Free virtual Scratch coding camp — August 3–7, 2026** ProtoSpark's Summer Coding Camp 2026 is a free, 5-day live online program for kids ages 6–11. Students learn Scratch programming from the ground up — no prior experience needed — and complete a real capstone coding project by the end of the week. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Dates | August 3–7, 2026 | | Format | Free, virtual (live online sessions) | | Ages | 6–11 | | Cost | 100% free | | Curriculum | Scratch programming, block-based coding, game design, animation | | Outcome | Complete capstone Scratch project | | Prerequisites | None — total beginners welcome | | Registration | https://protospark.org/summer-camp.html | ### Age Groups - Ages 6–8 — beginner Scratch, sprites, motion, sound - Ages 9–11 — intermediate concepts, loops, conditionals, events - ### Who Can Attend? Any child ages 6–11, anywhere in the world. ProtoSpark specifically serves students in countries and communities with limited access to CS education. Sessions are fully online — no travel, no cost, no barriers. --- ## Volunteer Opportunities ProtoSpark is built entirely by volunteers. All roles are official positions within a registered U.S. nonprofit organization. ### Open Roles - **Chapter Leader** — Launch and manage your country's ProtoSpark chapter. Recruit students, run local outreach, coordinate with the global team. - **Coding Instructor / TA** — Teach or assist live Scratch sessions using ProtoSpark's ready-made curriculum. All experience levels welcome. - **Curriculum Translator** — Translate coding lessons and materials into your native language to expand global access. - **Outreach & Marketing** — Create social content, run campaigns, and spread the word about free coding education. - **Not sure yet** — Apply anyway. Tell us your skills and passion and we'll find the right fit. [Apply to volunteer →](https://protospark.org/volunteer.html) --- ## About the Organization | Field | Details | |-------|---------| | Organization | ProtoSpark | | Type | nonprofit organization (United States) | | Founded | 2024 | | Led by | High school students | | Focus | Free coding education for children ages 6–11 | | Curriculum | Scratch programming (MIT Media Lab) | | Reach | Multiple countries worldwide | | Email | contact@protospark.org | | Website | https://protospark.org | --- ## Site Pages | Page | URL | Description | |------|-----|-------------| | Home | https://protospark.org/ | Mission, impact, camp teaser, volunteer overview | | Summer Camp 2026 | https://protospark.org/summer-camp.html | Camp details, schedule, FAQ, and student registration | | Volunteer | https://protospark.org/volunteer.html | Volunteer roles, FAQ, and application form | | Our Team | https://protospark.org/team.html | Student founders and global leadership | --- ## Related Topics & Keywords free coding camp for kids, virtual coding camp, online coding camp 2026, Scratch programming for kids, block-based coding, kids computer science, free STEM camp, coding nonprofit, nonprofit coding organization, student-led nonprofit, free tech education, summer coding camp, kids coding ages 6-11, elementary coding, middle school coding, computational thinking, digital literacy, learn to code free, teach kids to code, volunteer coding instructor, coding for underserved youth, international coding camp, global coding education, free online coding camp, capstone project kids, project-based coding, Scratch MIT coding --- ## Disclaimer Scratch is developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. See scratch.mit.edu. ProtoSpark is an independent nonprofit and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with MIT, the MIT Media Lab, the Scratch Foundation, or the Scratch Team. The Scratch name and logo are trademarks of MIT.