Meet Thorfinn, a member of the award winning digital youth club “Everything Electronics” for 8 to 18 year olds.

“I joined on-line Everything Electronic when I moved into Aberdeenshire from Orkney just as lockdown started. I was so excited to find a group of people who would support my aspirations in coding, graphics and even my music production. I’ve learned so much and become so much more confident, and I look forward to learning more.”

Cromar Future Group is a small education charity based in Aberdeenshire which set up the youth club “Everything Electronics” with the motto “Develop skills whilst having fun”.

Founder, Lesley Ellis explained

“Our digital club is somewhat different to a normal Code Club as we run a range of activities both coding and digital art, all aimed at learning skills used in the digital industries.

“Lockdown was a bit of a blow as we loved meeting up, but we seamlessly moved the Club on-line. Thorfinn joined us and has twisted my arm and suggested that our on-line version could equally well be accessed by his Orkney friends.

“Young people in rural areas are often highly disadvantaged versus their urban counterparts who can access Code Clubs and Science Centres locally and easily get to them. If you live a mile from the nearest road, and have a very intermittent bus service,it’s not so easy.

“We had not tried an on-line format before the lock-down, but we like it and are committed to keeping it when we return to our physical club. We are in discussion with your library service about how we can support the coding and digital effort on Orkney generally.

“For youngsters new to coding or somewhat rusty, we are just about to start two five week “starter” coding courses using Scratch and you can choose to join us either on Saturday mornings from next Saturday (5^th) 9 to 10.30 am, or next Tuesday 8^th. 6 to 7.30 pm where you will learn to make your own artwork and characters and then animate a cartoon. After the school holidays, we will then integrate you into the main Club which meets from 6 to 7.30 pm on Monday nights.”

“Experienced youngsters can join us directly on Monday nights. There is no charge for our Club.

“So let us extend an invite to Orkney youngsters to come and have some fun with us, whether you love art or coding we have something for you. Bring your own project or do one of ours. We have a great programme planned from Viking sagas (Thorfinn’s influence!) through cybersecurity, coding challenges, soldering projects and competitions.”

To join, see our web-site www.futuregroup.org.uk and follow the links or contact us on info@futuregroup.org.uk. You can download an application form directly from the web-site.