In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights of our latest Hive Community Call. It’s an open call, so anyone is welcome to join us. They happen on the first Tuesday of every month at 2pm ET. Post a comment below and we’re happy to share call-in details.

We kicked things off with a quick recap of our recent Summer Code Party. Overall, we had a great turnout from Hive NYC members who had the opportunity to co-learn with youth. There was a casual, informal vibe, but participants were intensely engaged with the projects. The “make a sport” activity led by Institute of Play was a big hit. And we all made some new friends! We’re planning some other, similar events so stay tuned for details.

Michael Bernstein from PenPal News joined us to talk about an exciting project that connects teens across the country via conversations about hot election topics. Several opportunities for Hive members to participate in this and other projects are outlined here.

A reminder to follow us on Facebook! It’s a direct pipeline to learning about events, programs and other opportunities offered by our members. We just completed our first Facebook ad campaign and added 300 teens from across NYC – help us get to 1,000!

Rafi Santo shared details about the current research project he’s working on. He’s on a fact-finding mission that will help inform the network and The New York Community Trust about future research initiatives tied to Hive. He’s interested in learning what research practices organizations are already putting to use, as well as what forms of research would be helpful moving forward, and what the most effective structure would be to allow research to happen. If you’re interested in connecting with him, you can email him directly.

The Hive NYC Street Squad (aka our high school interns) are beefing up their webmaking skills with Thimble projects, and will soon be ready to show off their prowess with other Hive youth. Zainab, Wilson and Eddie come to us from MOUSE and NYSCI, and if you’re interested in having them visit your org to hack with your youth this summer, please get in touch and we’ll set something up!

• The Global Kids-New York Public Library program, NYC Haunts, is coming to a close. A video is forthcoming so you can see it in action!
• Global Kids is also working with Brooklyn Public Library on Race to the White House, a two-week, civic geocaching summer camp where youth will be co-developing games around electoral issues. They’re planning a culminating event on August 3rd, so if you’re interested in attending, shoot a note here. The program is also part of a pilot with the National Summer Learning Association. They’re working closely with a teaching fellow to help bring state standards into the project and then use the experience to inform classroom practices in the fall.
• The Hive badging program is moving full-steam ahead. Beta training is underway and current participants include The New York Public Library, YMCA of Greater New York, The POINT CDC, Coopher-Hewitt National Design Museum and Global Kids. Also, check out Barry’s reading and commentary of Franklin Wants a Badge-interesting insight that explores themes that come up in the discussion about digital badges for lifelong learning.
• The Institute of Play’s week-long Mobile Quest Summer Camp (learn game design in Chelsea) is starting July 23rd, and they have available spots for rising 6th and 7th graders. Register here if you’re interested!