Things Youth/Teens Need to Bring with Them to a WordCamp Workshop

Things Youth/Teens Need to Bring with Them to a WordCamp Workshop
William Jackson, M.Ed. – MetaverseWP.com where we
address mobility and accessibility issues with metaverse
avatars and ingenuity.

Youth and Teen Workshop WC Europe 2023
William and Aida Jackson

William Jackson and Aida Correa Jackson were teachers
at the WordCamp Europe 2023 Workshop for Kids & Teens
in Athens, Greece. They are past teachers at WordCamps
in Jacksonville, Fl, Calgary, Canada, Miami, Florida, Orlando,
Florida, San Jose, Costa Rica, Managua, Nicaragua, and
virtually with WordCamp Central America.
Since 2022 they have supported African WordCamp
conferences by sponsoring over 100 youth, teens,
students, and teachers to attend WordCamps in Uganda,
Nigeria, and Kenya.

They have been members of the WordPress / WordCamp
communities since 2010 and 2018 respectively. Educators
with the World Metaverse Council and Sponsor Youth,
Kids, Teen Workshops Globally. The experiences they
have learned are posted in this writing from years of
being teachers from elementary education to higher
education.
There are essential things that are needed to help the
experience of attending a WordCamp and Kids / Youth /
Teens camp more enjoyable, fun, engaging, exciting and
worthwhile. The experiences have helped to
make the journey and experience positively memorable
for the youth and adults and beneficial even after to experience.

WordCamp Jacksonville 2018

User experiences are important even for the
youth, teens and young adults that will potentially
be attending. Their participation is just as important
as the adults, because the younger audiences are
the future of WordPress and WordCamp.
As technology changes, as the value and importance
of technological evolution influences WordPress
there is a need to be prepared with hardware, software,
resources, and items to help the experience exceed
expectations.

Potential items that maybe needed for any WordCamp,
it is suggested that the Organizers of any WC be
contacted to get specific information that may be
required. Each city, region, nation, and continent
may have specific requirements.

WP Meetup Jacksonville 2018

1. Enthusiastic parents that are making the trip possible.
Since they are paying for the experiences most of the time.
Parents never assume anything. Make sure you have all
travel and housing accommodations scheduled ahead of time.
Passports, birth certificates, Social Security Cards and all necessary documents. Make sure you have signed the media release forms
and if you do not want your child’s picture or video taken let the
Organizers know ahead of time.
2. A functional laptop or tablet that can access the wireless
network at the WC and have the necessary software.
3. Software that is web enabled with updated browser(s) to
access the software that will be used for WordPress.com
and Internet searching. Be sure licensed software is updated
and ready to be used.
4. Power cables to keep the devices charged with no
interruptions. I bring a 6-port power strip to use and share
(sharing is caring). If your overseas be sure to have a couple
of power plug adaptors because American plugs are not the
same as European plugs.
5. If using a laptop have available a mouse that works and will
connect and configured to the device. Make sure your
devices are clean, nothing is more embarrassing than mustard,
ketchup, candy, and other stains on your devices in front
of temporary strangers.

WordCamp Miami 2019

6. Be sure to bring extra pencil, pens, notebook to take
notes, write down usernames and passwords to new software.
7. Clothe wipes to keep devices clean or clean unexpected spills.
8. Personal water bottle to drink from or to refill to stay hydrated.
Try not to drink sugary drinks or energy drinks.
9. Comfortable walking shoes with socks that give support, comfort,
and allow feet to breath and stretch.
10. Comfortable clothing that is not tight, constraining, allow the
body to move fluidly with comfort and ease. Sitting comfortably
for several hours.

WordCamp Nairobi 2023

11. If bringing a Smartphone make sure it is fully
charged and have the charger available.
Check to see if Smartphone software is current
and updated.
12. Documentation with username and passwords
for emails to gain access to for registering,
verification for WordPress.com If already have a
WordPress.com account have a current
Username & Password written down.
Do not rely on your memory only.
13. Small snacks to help feel refreshed and
comfortable.
14. Personal medication that maybe needed
during workshop. If you have allergies, head-aches,
migraines, sinus issues and for girls check your
personal schedule for that time of the month or
other person issues.
15. Parents or guardians contact information for
emergencies.

WordCamp Nairobi Kenya 2023

16. Glasses, eye wear, jackets, or other clothing for
the conditions of the room.
17. Headphones for personal use during project
development. Some people like to listen to music or beats,
not everyone is like this so bring your headphones for privacy.
18. Enthusiasm and respect for what is being offered. This is
a Workshop not babysitting.
19. Respect all adults, they are volunteering their time to teach,
support and share experiences and knowledge. Parents will be
contacted if children are rude, disrespectful or mean.
20. Respect others when asking question, respect the learning
process and have patience for those new to WordPress.
Remember that everyone’s experiences and knowledge
are different.

GEARUP 2023

21. Expect to see youth and teens of different backgrounds.
There will be no bullying, name calling, cultural disrespect.
Keep hands and other body parts to yourself. Any potential
altercations parents will be requested to come retrieve their
children from a designated place.
22. Do not judge, stereotype, assume anything about anyone.
23. If you are diagnosed with a learning disability, challenge or
issue you are still very much welcomed. Notify the Organizers
ahead of time for extra support or encouragement.
24. Be patient, be aware, be active, be engaged and be friendly.
25. Be ready to make friends even if your shy, take the
opportunity to come out of your shell.

Twin Lake Academy Middle Sch

26. Be reminded that there maybe language
differences and you may have to use Google
translate to assist when speaking and sharing.
27. If you do not understand what the speaker
is saying don’t feel bad about asking them to
repeat themselves.
28. Put your phone down or away, turn off the
sound and focus on a unique opportunity to learn.
29. Make sure you have all your medications
that you need.

GEARUP 2023