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How to Complete Webelos Game Design with Bitsbox

Kids can learn to code their own video games every month with Bitsbox, a fun subscription box. Great Webelos Game Design idea!

cub scouts learn how to code

Imagine your Scout completing the Webelos Game Design adventure by coding their own video game! Who wouldn't love doing that!

In this Bitsbox review, I'll share our experience with learning how to code using the Bitsbox subscription box. I'll also explain how your Cub Scout can use the box to complete the Webelos and Arrow of Light elective adventure, Game Design.

Check out these fun subscription boxes for kids who love the outdoors!

What is Bitsbox?

Bitsbox is a super fun way for kids to learn to code by allowing them to make their own apps.

kids using bitsbox

Each monthly subscription box introduces a new computer science concept. It is a sequential learning system, where each box builds on the concepts taught in the previous one.

Children learn to code by starting with simple apps, some with only two commands. The skills they learn build on each other, so the projects become a bit more complex as you go through them.

cub scout game design bitsbox

Video games, puzzles, drawing tools, music apps, and simulations are just a few of the types of apps your child can code.

Both boys and girls love Bitsbox. It works best for kids in the 6 – 12-year-old age range, but I had a blast playing with it too.

Depending on your child's skills and interest, both younger and older kids will enjoy making their own apps. If a child can read, they can learn to code with Bitsbox.

Grant is 11, and he had fun! He's a bit impatient, so he preferred the shorter apps because they took less time to type in. He also enjoyed creating his own apps.

How can Bitsbox help with the Webelos Game Design adventure?

Webelos_AoL Game Design

The requirements for Game Design are:

Do all of these:

  1. Decide on the elements for your game.
  2. List at least five of the online safety rules that you put into practice while using the Internet on your computer or smartphone. Skip this if your Cyber Chip is current.
  3. Create your game.
  4. Teach an adult or another Scout how to play your game.

The Webelos Game Design adventure doesn't require the Cub Scout to make an electronic game, but if they do, they should list five online safety rules. Use this as a good time to “recharge” their Cyber Chip, if necessary.

cub scouts learn coding

Scouts will then need to decide on the elements of their games. Their handbook describes them as:

  • Narrative/Story
  • Goals & Mechanics
  • Aesthetics
  • Medium

The story is often the most difficult part, but if they spend a little time looking at the “assets” they have available in Bitsbox, they will definitely get some great ideas!

Assets are backgrounds, images, colors, sounds, and songs as well as the commands needed to add these to the game and to make things happen in the game. Bitsbox adds new assets regularly.

Take a look at this video to see some of the assets they'll have to play with.

bitsbox asset review

As I was looking at the Bitsbox assets, I saw a Boy Scout stamp and a popcorn stamp, so I decided to make a game of the Boy Scout selling popcorn.

Our Scouts are much more imaginative than that, so I'm sure they'll come up with some incredible ideas.

webelos arrow of light game design adventure

One of Grant's favorite parts was being able to swap out stamps. For example, the Hal Animator project has Hal the Robot dancing. Grant thought it was hilarious to swap Hal for one of the zombies.

At the end of each project, there is a challenge that has kids changing up their game. In Hal Animator, kids are told about other moves that Hal can make and are encouraged to add these to their program.

I love this part because it isn't just copying what you see. In my opinion, that's where the real game design learning is.

After your Scout has coded the game app, they can have others play it in three ways:

  1. Play the game online right from the place where it was created
  2. Share the link to the game
  3. “Zap” it to a tablet or smartphone equipped with a QR reader (Free iPhone QR reader & Free Android QR reader)
bitsbox game

Grant loved zapping his game to Nana's tablet and my phone so that we could play the game he created!

How much does Bitsbox cost?

The company offers two types of subscriptions – Deluxe and Basic.

bitsbox review for kids

Deluxe Bitsbox

The Deluxe Bitsbox contains:

  • Super Cards – The Super Cards have the app projects printed on them. The projects ramp up every month to continue building your coding skills.
  • Bitsbox Binder -This beautiful binder keeps your stuff organized. You'll get a new one every few months.
  • Trading Cards – The smaller trading cards have bonus projects for your Scout to enjoy.
  • Stickers – The stickers match the apps on the Super Cards.
  • Temporary Tattoos – The cute tattoos show everyone that you're a coder.
  • Mystery Toy – The toy is related to the theme.

The Deluxe Bitsboxes are as low as $37.95 per month when you purchase a one-year subscription. A three-month subscription is $42.95 per month billed quarterly. Or you can purchase the monthly bill option for $44.95.  All of these boxes include free shipping.

Basic Bitsbox

Kids who subscribe to the Basic Bitsbox will receive:

  • Super Cards – The Super Cards have the app projects printed on them. The projects ramp up every month to continue building your coding skills.
  • Bitsbox Binder -This beautiful binder keeps your stuff organized. You'll get a new one every few months.

When you purchase a one-year subscription, the basic Bitsbox subscription is $24.95 a month with free shipping. The three-month subscription is $28.95 a month billed quarterly. A month-to-month subscription is $29.95.

My Bitsbox Game

bitsbox-screenshot-of-game

Want to see what I did in Bitsbox?  Click over to play my game!  It was super simple and didn't take me too long.

I was quite proud of it, but my boys thought it was “lame.”  🙂

Leave me a comment with a link to your Cub Scout's game made with Bitsbox!

Yours in Scouting,
Sherry

P.S.  Click over to find more fun ways to complete Webelos and Arrow of Light adventures!

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Wednesday 29th of November 2017

[…] Bitsbox is a GREAT gift for Cub Scouts. My son loved it! You can read our review here. […]

Sheila

Monday 5th of December 2016

Did you choose/announce a winner for the Bitsbox giveaway? I've looked and looked but can't find anything.

Gabrielle

Wednesday 23rd of November 2016

Parent of a bear, and very involved with the pack.

Jennifer Worm

Wednesday 23rd of November 2016

I am the Cubmasters wife, treasurer, Arrow of Light den leader and mom to a Tiger and Arrow of Light scout. This requirement kind of intimidates me- So I would love to win this one.

Jeff

Wednesday 23rd of November 2016

Great idea!