Scouts logging on to computer coding

THEY’RE known for camping and tying knots but now the Scouts have started teaching computer coding to attract more to the movement.

Children from the age of six will learn to use a computer, code programmes, create graphics and build websites in a new partnership, launched this month.

They will be taught by Raspberry Pi Foundation, a tech company and world leader in bringing computing and digital education to young people.

It is the latest step in the Scouting Association’s plan to involve digital education and activities as part of their standard programme.

The charity hopes that the move into the digital world will make them even more attractive to a wider range of young people across the UK.

UK chief commissioner Tim Kidd said: “At the Scouts we are always looking to find new ways to help young people to gain skills for life. Partnering with Raspberry Pi is a fantastic opportunity for us to help develop an unexpected skill. I’m really hoping it encourages more young people and adults to give Scouting a go.”

The new activities will have a Scout theme, with children creating a digital campsite graphic for use in a game, offering directions in a compassthemed programme and even coding things that can help them with other Scouting badges.

The programme is to be rolled out to the 400,000 Scouts across the UK in the coming months.

Raspberry Pi believes it is vital for children to be computer literate in an increasingly technological world.

TheFoundation’s Ben Nuttall said: “I was a Scout from age six to 19, so am well aware of the good work they do. We wanted to bring the digital aspect into Scouting, not to take them away from their outdoor activities but to complement them.”