Bloomfield Hills Summer Camp Sessions

Full Day

Technology and Adventure Classes

9:00 - 5:00

Ages 7 to 12

Robotics

Rock Climbing

Sumo: Ages 7-9

Campers use the LEGO Mindstorms NXT computer controlled robots to design and build their own Sumo Battle Bots. LEGO Mindstorms is a special set of LEGO that includes motors gears, sensor, a robot brain and tons of LEGO technic pieces.

In the ultimate test of the arena, Robots battle in a 4 ft. diameter ring until one is pushed out. Campers are introduced to "outcomes driven" design. Through repeatedly trying their ideas in the arena they develop new strategies. Both mechanical (speed vs. power) and software (smart vs. simple) innovations are tested and refined.

This class is great for both beginners and returning students. No experience with LEGO Mindstorms programming and building is required. Campers who have taken this course can take it again and again to improve their design and programming skills in order to make the ultimate SUMO-bot.

In addition to the robotics activities campers are trained in knot tying and safety because they take two afternoon field trips to rock climbing. As with all our programs we go outside several times a day for inclusive group games and confidence building activities.

Sumo & Rock Climbing: Ages 7-9

Experienced Sumo: Ages 8-10

Campers that have experience with the LEGO Mindstorms NXT computer controlled robots and/or campers who have taken our Sumo courses will review the basics and be introduced to some new tricks.

Taking Sumo to a whole new level, they will learn how to program a sumo bot to battle using switches, logic blocks and other possible programming from both the common and complete pallet.

In addition to the robotics activities campers are trained in knot tying and safety because they take two afternoon field trips to rock climbing. As with all our programs we go outside several times a day for inclusive group games and confidence building activities.

Experienced Sumo & Rock Climbing: Ages 8-10

Mindstorms Star Wars Adventure: Ages 8-11

Experience LEGO Mindstorms NXT robots in a whole new way, Podracer style! Campers will design, build and program their robots with one goal in mind: to be the fastest ever to compete in the Boonta Eve Classic! This is a cutthroat racing competition and campers will need to understand what designs make for a faster Podracer.

Building isn't everything though, they need to make their podracer efficient. This is where programming comes into the picture. Using multiple light sensors and learning complex programming icons such as nested loops, switches, logic blocks and data hubs, students will program their Podracer to follow the line marking the racetrack. The track courses get more and more challenging as they incorporate sharper turns and even right angles.

Racing is not all that we will do. The race track will be a sand colored canvas shaped into a desert scene. Like a small scale movie set. The robots, as Podracers will be equipped with video cameras that will that will capture the race as seen through the Podracers eyes. Campers can bring their own Star Wars LEGO to set up the scene for a movie that the campers will make and keep.

In addition to the robotics activities campers are trained in knot tying and safety because they take two afternoon field trips to rock climbing. As with all our programs we go outside several times a day for inclusive group games and confidence building activities.

Mindstorms Star Wars Adventure & Rock Climbing: Ages 8-11

BugBots and JunkBots: Ages 10-12

Bugs are one of mother nature's best designs. Whether it is the lucky lady bug, scary spider or the creepy crawly cockroach, these bugs make great inspiration for designing robots. During this week campers will take apart recycled computers and design, build and take home their own bugbots and junkbots.

Campers start by learning how computer parts are assembled by taking them apart with "finesse not force." We teach them about the electronic components inside the computers like LEDs, resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, motors, gears and sensors. Next campers salvage parts to build their own robots.

Campers have several example designs to guide them, such as spinning robots, vibrating bristle bots, wheeled Bugbots and complex walking designs that are made by adding LEGO parts for legs. Robots can be light controlled, feeler controlled or crazy uncontrollable. Best of all, you get to take your bug-bots home with you! How sweet is that!

In addition to the robotics activities campers are trained in knot tying and safety because they take two afternoon field trips to rock climbing. As with all our programs we go outside several times a day for inclusive group games and confidence building activities.

BugBots and JunkBots & Rock Climbing: Ages 10-12