Youth Tech Day, an anual event by Best Buy Canada’s Geek Squad Academy, encourages kids aged 10 to 16 to explore their passion for technology through dynamic, hands-on workshops. This event helps prepare young minds for a tech-driven future with an exciting day of discovery, learning, and fun. From coding robots to composing digital music, participants gain exposure to the skills and tools that could shape their future careers, all while nurturing their creativity and sparking curiosity.
This year, the event took place on Saturday, September 7th in Vancouver. Here are some of the highlights.
A day of learning and exploration
I volunteered at the event and arrived early to help with setup. However, the real excitement began once the kids began arriving. You could feel the energy building as they lined up for registration, eager to dive into the world of robotics, coding, and digital music—three core workshops designed for hands-on learning.
Their excitement was palpable as they explored the range of activities and booths set up for them. Along with the workshops, Youth Tech Day featured interactive booths from major tech companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, Instax, and Samsung.
Robotics workshop: Building the future, one code at a time
In the robotics workshop, participants learned to code and control iRobots. The children’s faces lit up as they watched their robots follow the commands they had programmed. This workshop was more than a lesson in robotics; it introduced them to problem-solving and creative thinking. The hands-on experience made the children feel like budding innovators. Their excitement showed that these skills would stay with them long after the event.
Hayer Geby, a Store Leader at Best Buy, mentioned how important it was to introduce children to technology early: “We’re working with tech that may evolve rapidly, but the skills they are learning today will be useful in the future, no matter what changes.”
Coding exploration: From concepts to creations
In the coding workshop, participants got a hands-on introduction to game development. Kids had the opportunity to design and program their own mini-games. The tools they used may have seemed advanced at first, but they became second nature by the end of the workshop. They quickly realized that coding is about more than just logic—it’s also a form of creativity. It was fascinating to watch their ideas come to life on the screen.
Jen Knight, Senior Specialist of External Communications, captured the essence of the workshop perfectly: “Coding is such an essential skill, and events like these give kids the chance to see how they can build things and express themselves using technology.”
The enthusiasm was contagious as the kids turned what could have been a daunting task into a day of learning and fun.
Digital music discovery: Creating beats, sparking creativity
For music enthusiasts, the digital music workshop was a highlight. Participants used iPads and the GarageBand app to compose their own tracks. They layered beats, experimented with melodies, and created their own songs. It was an exciting opportunity that showcased how technology can be a platform for self-expression.
Karen Arsenault, Manager of Community Corporate Communications, summed up the experience well: “We’re not just teaching kids how to use technology; we’re showing them how they can use it to express their creativity.”
The workshop beautifully bridged the gap between tech and art, showing participants that technology can be a tool for innovation and artistic expression.
Exploring the booths: A playground of possibilities on youth tech day
While the workshops were the event’s main attraction, the vendor booths around the venue provided an exciting extra dimension. These interactive spaces allowed kids to explore the latest gadgets and tech innovations in a fun and engaging environment.
Microsoft booth
One of the most popular booths was Microsoft’s, where kids eagerly played Minecraft on the new Microsoft Surface laptops with Snapdragon processors. The booth was always bustling, with kids deeply engaged in building virtual worlds. It was an opportunity to explore how technology can be a tool for creative innovation.
Fujifilm Instax mini booth
At the Instax Mini booth, kids had a great time trying out the latest instant cameras. They snapped photos with friends and captured memories of the day. There was something special about watching them hold physical prints of their photos just moments after taking them. This added a tactile element to an otherwise digital experience, and the kids couldn’t get enough.
Nintendo booth
The Nintendo booth was another hit, offering the chance to try out Nintendo Switch consoles. Whether they were racing in Mario Kart or battling it out in Super smash bros, the booth was buzzing with competitive energy. Laughter, excitement, and some friendly rivalries filled the air, making it a favourite spot for the kids.
Skullcandy booth
Over at the Skullcandy booth, kids tested out wireless headphones and earbuds, diving into the world of high-quality sound. They played with different audio settings, experiencing how tech can enhance the way they listen to music. It was a fantastic way to demonstrate how tech can transform everyday activities, like listening to music, into something extraordinary.
Samsung booth
The Samsung booth showcased their latest smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Seeing participants interact with these cutting-edge devices was incredible. It offered a glimpse into the next generation of smart technology.
Live PC build with Linus Tech Tips
One of the standout moments was the live PC build hosted by Linus Tech Tips. Watching a high-performance PC come together right before their eyes was an unforgettable experience for the kids—and for me. Linus explained each step of the process in an engaging and accessible way. By the end, many of the kids were inspired to try building their own PCs in the future.
A day full of inspiration and new possibilities
The essence of Youth Tech Day lies in its ability to spark curiosity and showcase the endless possibilities that technology offers. As kids moved from one workshop to the next, the energy was contagious. Each activity was designed not only to teach a new skill but also to expand their understanding of what technology can achieve.
What made the event truly memorable was its perfect blend of education and fun. Kids actively engaged in hands-on activities with robots, coding platforms, and digital music software, creating real-world experiences that went beyond traditional classroom learning. The focus on problem-solving—such as coding robots and designing games—challenged them to think critically and allowed for dynamic interactions with technology. For many, it was their first opportunity to engage with tech in such an immersive way, transforming abstract concepts into tangible tools and skills.
Polly Tracey, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer summed it up perfectly: “The future of jobs is tech-driven, and events like Youth Tech Day help inspire kids to see technology as more than just something they use, but something they can create with.”
If you know a young tech enthusiast, learn more about GeekSquad Academy at BestBuy.ca—you might just inspire the next great innovator.
Table of Contents
- A day of learning and exploration
- Robotics workshop: Building the future, one code at a time
- Coding exploration: From concepts to creations
- Digital music discovery: Creating beats, sparking creativity
- Exploring the booths: A playground of possibilities on youth tech day
- A day full of inspiration and new possibilities
