Robot Camp: Not Your Ordinary Summer Vacation
All across Virginia, hundreds of children are participating in Summer Robotics Camps hosted by schools, community organizations, and churches. This is a great way to spend a hot summer vacation and a great way to prepare for future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
I recently spent an evening at one of these camps and came away totally amazed at the accomplishments of this motivated group of young people.
Juliann Eberheim, a coach for the FIRST Robotics Team named “Three Dudes with Attitude,” is also the instructor for a Robotics Camp at the Center for Creative Arts in Glen Allen, Virginia. Juliann, with her team of four middle and high school boys and one girl, mentor and encourage a group of middle school campers on everything they need to know to design, build and program a working robot.
Most children who come to camp have never built a robot or even seen all of the parts involved. By the end of the first day, they have had fun, made new friends, and built their first robot. Next, they learn how to program their robot to complete various maneuvers on a specially designed course. Juliann says, “The kids don’t even realize they are learning computer programming. To them, they are dragging blocks down on the computer screen. They drag the blocks and behind the scenes it is creating the logic to let the motor run.” The campers are learning the logic of computer programming and building knowledge and skills that will advance them in the 21st century workforce. Talk about summer fun that makes a difference!
I spoke with Rich, a member of the "Three Dudes with Attitude" team, and he believes knowing how to build and program a robot will help students get into college. Rich, a rising 11th grader who wants to earn a degree in Biomedical Engineering, currently has a part-time job working with a local technology company.
The team also helps to start new FIRST Robotics teams. I asked Swapnil, another member of the team, why he liked mentoring others and he said, “I learn how to deal with people. It shows me how people have different ways of thinking.”
Robotics programs are excellent opportunities for young people to learn patience, perseverance and creative problem solving. Pattie Cook, Executive Director of VirginiaFIRST shared her thoughts on the importance of programs such as this for our children.
Early and continual exposure to science, technology,
engineering and math related hands-on problem solving activities such as
this camp - and participating on a FIRST Team- provide youth
the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real world situations.
They have the opportunity to work with mentors who share technical and
life skills which are important as students move up the academic
ladder and into the workplace of the future.”
Young people who participate in Robotics programs are given the opportunity to strengthen their communication skills and learn how to work as a team - all skills needed to be successful in their future careers.
If you would like to learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs in your area, or if you would like to start or mentor a team, visit VirginiaFIRST.org.
If you are interested in learning more about FIRST LEGO League, visit vadcfll.org.
THANK YOU for presenting this story!! FIRST sponsors robotic programs for ages 9- high school. It is an excellent learning opportunity and character development opportunity. In my family of four, we have a combined 25 years with FIRST programs and have no plans to stop soon.
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