So this is on a public-accessible place.

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: Hacker Scouts notes
From: "bandit" <bandit@cruzio.com>
Date: Tue, 12 March, 2013 6:12 pm
To: "Samantha Cook" <sam@hackermoms.org>
members@quelab.net
Cc: bandit@cruzio.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

A set of (cryptic) notes from a conversation with Samantha Cook, one of
the "primary" Hacker Scouts guild organizers.

We are going to setup a hackerscouts@quelab.net mailing list. Email me
off-list if you want to be on the list. I don't want to spam this list,
but this message should give y'all an idea about the different options.

Their website: hacker-scouts.org

First, there are two "groups" or "activities". The first is Open Lab. This
is equivalent to a "last Saturday" event, ie focused on one or two general
things to do, no commitment beyond th event itself. We are going to do a
one-off the last weekend of April in this spirit, mainly to get a feel for
the community desire. This is also a good way to start. The parents are
involved during the event.

The second is a much more formal "guild". This would be starting a
specific group under the Hacker Scouts organization, and meets once a
week, parents drop the kids off. Kids do stuff to learn skills (they don't
know they are learning them), and after 3 months they have met enough
specific skills requirements to get a "hackerling" badge. They continue as
guild members, doing more complex projects.

Please note I am not suggesting we form a guild at this point. I don't
think it's feasible until (at a minimum) we are in a new space with a
larger membership.

Forming a guild may be a good way to start corporate sponsorship. Intel
might be interested in funding a guild as a perk for employee's kids, and
provide enough to also bring in the rest of the general community. Some of
the parents might also be willing to be "scout leaders" to help run the
guild. Please ponder this.

Also, there are several interested folks in Abq already. Samantha will
pass along our info to them. And - she gave me a contact of a guy in Las
Vegas NM where they have formed a guild.

If there is enough interest, I will start a Facebook thread.

... bandit

> Samantha:
>
> Some topics to prime the pump:
>
> 1. Do you have a specific contact at Parachute Factory in Las Vegas, NM,
> USA?

Mariano info@parachutefactory.org guild005@hacker-scouts.org

field trips?

national guild google hangout?

Maker Faire: have a table and do molds of HS robot head
MMF: guild presence.

>
> 2. What kind of patches do y'all have (I have seen one round, with the AMT
> logo). We are also thinking about the Adafruit patches for longer-term.

http://hacker-scouts.org/join

going away from AMT logo for HS - getting new badges.
using adafruit, but most suggested requirements ar adult level, so
modifying them. hackerling badge - takes about 3 months, basics of
electronics && soldering, laser cutter/etc, sewing/leather, each step
intro a new skill.

Have requirements, but don't focus on them - point is to intro to projects
that incorporate the skills, get badge as second-order effect
badges: programming intro, python, LED, soldering

big interest in robotics, so projects to teach skills. at end, they get
the badge

see badge tree - polled kids on what they wanted to do (projects)

Don't want the badges as the focus - want the kids to self-direct and have
fun. don't make requirements the main thing.

two programs: guild weekly, focused, older kids. constructive failure.
open lab - drop in, all ages, unstructured, twice a month, parents must be
there, can direct kids to the guild
some kids come to both.

guild weekly: parents don't stay, but sign waiver every time. Normal
liability should cover, In process: getting national liability insurance
for the space, and volunteers are held blameless.

Open labs: generally three things, including a soldering adafruit kit.
Working to keep costs down - material fees only. point is to open the
space for a focused activity, something to take home, have fun.

basic guidelines and expectations for guilds on their website. Gives warm
fuzzy to parents. Having built reputations.
1. add to documentation - post a blog & pictures of what is done on
monthly basis. document activities, metrics, for funding
2. inclusive
3. add to on-line database and contribute ideas and projects
4. each guild will get access to a nationa bank account for projects -
materials, not gas or bills
5. local "leader" agrees
6. get access to internal documentation, liability insurance
7. the "in charge" person gets background check.
8. common fundraising and fundraising programs for local companies
9. hackling initial fee $75/kid for first 3 months, then sliding scale
$10..20 / month after that
10. corporate sponsorship programs

weekly google hang-out meeting wed 7p pacific time. not mandatory, but
very useful && community building

already setup as reseller to adafruit, sparkfun, etc

see http://www.hacker-scouts.org/location - several interested folks in Abq

also HS will mark us on map as open lab site

>
> 3. a BOM for the judo-bots and some good pictures or crude cartoons?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Hydraulic-JudoBots/

Chris (guy) chris@hacker-scouts.org - has lots of experience

material fees under $10

>
> 4. know of a hackermoms in Abq (We keep looking/hoping, but nothing so
> far). I have read about your group, seen the pictures - cool!

none now

Eric?

share space with them?

>
> 5. Quelab is also part of Space Fed. Not sure how that helps yet, but good
> clearing house for ideas, kits, kit BOMs, etc
>
> 6. Startup issues

see # 2

>
> 7. what is involved in becoming a guild?
> - I want this to be a regular thing at Quelab, but a one-off is the
> general desire to see what the demand and effort is going to be like.

see #2

>
> 8. typical seed money (a member is putting up $200)
>
> 9. what am I missing?
>
>
> We have some good advertising contacts. There are a couple of articles on
> us:
> -
> http://hackaday.com/2012/08/07/southwest-tour-quelab-in-albuquerque-new-mexico/
> - http://alibi.com/feature/43885/article.html
> - and one in the Santa Fe New Mexican that is now off their server
>
> And check out our website quelab.net. Also on Facebook.
>
> thanks! ... bandit
>
>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>
>> 5. Hacker Scouts (bandit)
>> 6. Re: Hacker Scouts (bandit)
>> 7. Re: Hacker Scouts (Samantha Cook)
>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:15:49 -0600
>> From: "bandit" <bandit@cruzio.com>
>> To: discuss@lists.acemonstertoys.org
>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:22:48 -0600
>> From: "bandit" <bandit@cruzio.com>
>> To: "AMT General Discussion" <discuss@lists.acemonstertoys.org>
>> Cc: bandit@cruzio.com
>> Subject: Re: [AMTD] Hacker Scouts
>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 7
>> Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:24:47 -0700
>> From: Samantha Cook <sam@hackermoms.org>
>> To: AMT General Discussion <discuss@lists.acemonstertoys.org>
>> Subject: Re: [AMTD] Hacker Scouts
>> Message-ID:
>> <CANqT_TdY=V_06s=Y0tAjjNjNEmf0UzhuH2ROPPRJpritcWs=UQ@mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Hi Bandit, I will give you a call. Sam
>>
>> On Mon, Mar 11, 2013 at 2:22 PM, bandit <bandit@cruzio.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Forgot to mention - "we" are quelab.net, in Albuquerque.
>>>
>>> We had an organizational meeting last night, and have a core group of
>>> 4..5
>>> folks. The thought is to do a one-off with 10 kids to make sumobots,
>>> and
>>> give the kids a patch or a solder badge at the end of it. The kids
>>> would
>>> be asked to bring a jacket, backpack, hat, etc and sew the patch on
>>> right
>>> there. It would also allow us to see what the interest of the parents
>>> would be to make it on-going (I anticipate "Yes").
>>>
>>> Thanks ... bandit
>>>
>>>
>>> > Can someone in the Hacker Scouts organizing committee please call me?
>>> > 505-228-8197. I am the one-handed guy who visited a HS event last
>>> fall.
>>> We
>>> > are thinking about forming a guild, and have some questions.
>>> >
>>> > BTW, Noticed 005 is the new New Mexico hackerspace in Las Vegas, NM
>>> (USA).
>>> > They are going great guns. I could use their contact info too (or get
>>> of
>>> > my ass and find their email :^)
>>> >
>>> > Question: is the AMT guild 001? Looks like it is. Why didn't y'all
>>> start
>>> > with guild 000?
>>> >
>>> > We are also interested in the HS patches.
>>> >
>>> > Thanks ... bandit
>>> >
>>> >
>
>