Get lost this winter.
explore
sometimes...
...when you limit yourself
you find yourself...
...the most
free.
from only...
...a handful of
packages...
...bananas
tools...
you create something...
wonderful.
Welcome to Wonderland, Hack Club’s winter hackathon in Boston.
Here, we are surrounded by Wonderland’s knicks and knacks, the various tools and parts that fell down the rabbit hole. As you survey the land, you see the many projects hackers have made before you, all constructed from the very items that came with you.
Some of you may be used to events where the only prompt is to make. Some of you may be familiar with building projects that try to “win.” Wonderland isn’t like that.
In the heart of Boston, we challenge you and your team to take the rabbit hole’s random assortment of parts—chests—and turn them into something that’s truly wonderful.
Only when we limit ourselves do we become truly free.
Boston, MA from the evening of Friday, February 23th to the morning of Sunday, February 25th.
The first thing every project needs is a clear, well-thought-out plan. Right???
When we start a project, we often start by figuring out the "right" way to start, or the “right” tools to use. We research Python vs Typescript, ATTiny vs ATMega. More often than not, we lose the very thing we started with: excitement about our idea!
But what if you don’t have every tool in the world? What if you can’t use the right tool for the job? What if all you have is the stuff within arm’s reach? Only when you’re limited do you find yourself truly free — free to just start making.
Introducing Chests — Wonderland's mystery boxes of knicks and knacks. From a Python horoscope library to a rubber duck, your job will be to find a way to make a project with them.
We’re super excited to announce that Wonderland will be located at the WPS Institute in Newton, MA. Wonderland is free of charge to attend, so we want to make sure you can make it out! If you’re not from the Boston area, no problem. You’ve got options.
Want more info about how to get to our venue?
A limited number of travel grants to partially cover flight costs are available. Our registration form will ask for your approximate location, and we’ll use that information to get back to you on what grants are available.
Find more info about flight grants here.
Boston is lucky to be a center of public transit. If you live in the Northeast, you can likely get to Boston via bus or train. With the Hack Club Gas Fund, we’ll even reimburse some of the costs!
Amtrak has a few routes stopping in Boston’s South Station. Check out the Amtrak site for more information.
If you’d like to take a bus, check out services like Ourbus or Flixbus for affordable bus service to Boston.
If you’re driving to Boston, we’ll reimburse gas too! Using the Hack Club Gas Fund, we’ll cover the mileage you cover. Fill out the form on the gas fund site to get details about reimbursement.
If you have any more questions, reach out on #wonderland on the Hack Club Slack, or shoot us an email at wonderland@hackclub.com.
If you're eighteen or under, yes! If you're over 18 but still in high school, shoot us an email at wonderland@hackclub.com.
Hackathons are for everybody!
A hackathon is an event where people can get together and create! Don't worry, we're not doing any computer hacking. Wonderland isn’t like your typical hackathon, though. You’re not required to do any coding at Wonderland.
We welcome hackers from all backgrounds and skill levels. All you need is the attitude to make something! Wonderland is a place for beginners and experienced makers alike!
Nothing! We’ll have meals, snacks, and beverages onsite at the event, as well as swag and fun mini-events. We also have a limited number of travel stipends for students who need help getting to Boston. Check out the Travel section for more details.
Your laptop, chargers, toiletries, sleeping bags, a refillable water bottle, and the spirit of an explorer!
On the night of the event we will have a designated gender-seperated and supervised sleeping area in the venue with lowlights and minimal sound for you to rest. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag!
No! Unlike most hackathons, you’ll be placed into a team ahead of time. We’ll assemble groups we anticipate will work well together, and you’ll get to know each other throughout the weekend. Don’t worry, you won’t be evaluated based on your experience. Using our patented team-maker formula 9000™️, we’ll find teams with vibes that match!
Reach out to us! We’re happy to talk to them. Wonderland will be supervised by a background checked staff and overseen by 24/7 security staff. Tell them to email us at wonderland@hackclub.com, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!
They can also check out our Parents FAQ for some common questions.
Reach out on #wonderland on the Hack Club Slack, or email us wonderland@hackclub.com. We're always ready to answer all your questions!
