Code Campfire: Building Community, Building Skills | Stories From The Hackery

In this episode of Stories from the Hackery, we learn about Code Campfire, a new community initiative founded by NSS grad Preston Robbins. Joined by Lynn Samuelson, they discuss how Code Campfire supports Nashville Software School graduates and other juniors in tech with projects, mock interviews, and gamified job search tactics. Preston shares how the idea came to life from a simple need for peer support, while Lynn dives into how hands-on projects are equipping participants with the practical experience to keep their skills sharp. We also discuss Code Campfire's weekly sessions, where mock interviews, resume reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions keep participants engaged and building connections.
Whether you’re a recent bootcamp grad or an experienced tech professional looking to give back, Code Campfire is the place to grow your community and your skills. Tune in to learn how you can join in.
00:00 Introduction to Stories from the Hackery
01:50 Meet the Guests: Preston Robbins and Lynn Samuelson
05:57 What is Code Campfire?
09:57 Challenges and Iterations
15:02 The Importance of Projects
20:13 Project Structure and Roles
25:23 Projects Beyond Tier 1
31:25 Gamification of the Job Search
33:03 How to Get Involved with Code Campfire
41:18 Final Thoughts and Technology Guilty Pleasures
Links from the show:
Nashville Software School: https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com
Code Campfire: https://codecampfire.org