circuit texture
Berkeley · April 18 Ages 13–18 Free

Build.
Hack.
Create.

A hardware hackathon for teen makers aged 13–18. Get a Raspberry Pi Pico W, a breadboard, and 2 hours to build something awesome — no experience needed.

Sign Me Up → Learn More Contact Us
When
Sat, April 18 · 10:45 AM
Where
Berkeley Public Library, West
Sponsor
Hack Club
Teen hardware hackathon
⏳ Countdown to Launch
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Electronics components
// 01 — About

What is Berkeley Build Guild?

The Berkeley Build Guild is a gathering of teen makers building cool hardware projects in a fast, friendly, creative sprint. Teams of 2–3 get a set of electronics supplies — including a programmable microcontroller — and 90 minutes to turn an idea into reality.

Whether you're a seasoned coder or have never touched a circuit board, you're welcome here. Come alone, bring a friend, or meet your team on the day. No experience required.

13–18
Age Range
2–3
Per Team
90m
Build Time
// 02 — Timeline

The Schedule

Saturday, April 18 · Doors open 10:40 AM

10:40 AM
Doors Open
Everyone arrives and gets settled
10:45 – 11:00 AM
Welcome & Materials
Introductions, rules, and distribution of electronics kits
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Build Time 🔨
Project brainstorming and building — the heart of the event!
12:30 – 12:50 PM
Optional Demos
Show off what you built — no pressure, but highly encouraged!
12:50 – 1:00 PM
Clean Up & Goodbye
Pack up, keep your materials, and celebrate what you made
// 03 — Kit

Your Free Kit

Each team receives these components — yours to keep after the event.

🎛️

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Programmable microcontroller with Wi-Fi, headers pre-soldered. Supports MicroPython & C++.

1× per team
🔌

400-Pin Breadboard

Full-size solderless prototyping board. Connect components without soldering — perfect for quick iteration.

1× per team
🔊

Mini Speaker

Compact speaker module for generating sound, music, or alerts from your project.

1× per team
📺

Mini OLED Screen

Tiny display for showing text, graphics, or real-time data from your project's sensors.

1× per team

✓ Required — At least one per team

  • → Laptop
  • → Laptop charger

+ Recommended extras

  • → USB-A to Micro-USB cable
  • → Additional electronics components
  • → Snacks (no food provided!)
// Proudly Sponsored By

Hack Club — Empowering Teen Makers

This event is sponsored by Hack Club, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering high school students to learn computer programming and build projects through community-driven programming challenges and sponsorship of in-person events around the world.

Visit Hack Club →
Hack Club community
// 04 — Questions

Got Questions?

No prior experience is required! This event is beginner-friendly, and you'll learn as you go. There will be guidance available, and teaming up helps a lot.

Yes! You don't need to come with a team. We'll help match you with teammates at the event. You may also come with a friend or find teammates on the day.

It's recommended to have a modern web browser. Depending on your language:

MicroPython (Recommended for beginners): Download Thonny IDE and install MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico.

C++ / VS Code: Download VS Code and get started with Raspberry Pi Pico-series.

C++ / Arduino IDE: Download Arduino IDE and install Pi Pico in Arduino IDE.

Yes! Teams are welcome to keep the materials provided and split them up as they wish after the event. Just make sure everyone on the team is satisfied with the arrangement.

Yes. There will be an adult present in the room and parents are welcome to sit in the main part of the library located just outside the room.

You can still join, but arriving on time is strongly recommended so you don't miss team formation and the introduction.

Yes. Everyone is expected to be respectful, inclusive, and supportive. This event follows the Hack Club Code of Conduct and Hack Club Safeguarding Policy to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

No — presenting is optional. You're welcome to share what you built, but there's no requirement. Demos run from 12:30–12:50 PM for those who want to participate.

Food is not guaranteed, so it's a good idea to bring your own snacks!

// 05 — Venue

Find Us

Berkeley Public Library

West Branch · Community Meeting Room

📍 1125 University Ave (at San Pablo), Berkeley, CA 94702
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2025
⏰ 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM (Doors open 10:40 AM)
Open in Maps →
// Ready to Build?

Let's Make
Something
Awesome.

Join us on April 18 at the Berkeley Public Library. All skill levels welcome. Free to attend. Materials provided.

Sign Me Up — It's Free →

Saturday · April 18 · 10:45 AM · Berkeley, CA