Robot Challenge Summer Camp (07/06/26 - 07/17/26 )

Robot Challenge Summer Camp

Robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are rapidly shaping the future of nearly every high-growth career—from engineering and healthcare to manufacturing, logistics, and software. The demand for these skills continues to outpace the number of students prepared to meet it. Our Robot Challenge Summer Camp is designed to give students a hands-on, engaging introduction to robotics and problem-solving, helping them explore these skills early and build confidence for the future.

This two-week camp introduces students between 7th grade and 12th grade to the core elements of robotics, including building, coding, CAD, physical design, fabrication, and robot assembly. Students also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Participants won’t just learn concepts—they will design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real robots in a collaborative environment. Whether a student is curious about STEM, exploring future competition teams, or simply needs a productive and engaging way to channel their energy during the summer, this camp offers a meaningful and fun learning experience.

Don’t worry if your student has never had any experience with robotics. In these sessions, we begin with the basics and gradually work up to larger challenges. Students are often surprised by how quickly they gain confidence—and amazed by how much they learn in just two weeks.

Session Dates

• Session 1: Begins the week of June 15
• Session 2: Begins the week of July 6

Each session runs for two weeks and is designed for students who are new to robotics or want to explore hands-on STEM learning before committing to a competition team.

Advanced Robot Challenge Camp

• Begins the week of July 27

The Advanced Robot Challenge Camp session is offered for students who are ready to go deeper. Prior participation in a robotics class or camp, experience on a FTC or FRC robotics team, or a coach recommendation is required. This session is ideal for students preparing for competitive robotics or looking to further strengthen their technical and problem-solving skills.

Additional Details:

• The program will be on-site next to the workshop where 22 robotics teams meet, build, and practice their robots.
• This summer day camp is ideal for students in grades 7-12; coding experience is optional and not required.
• This class is supported by peer instructors who are also robotics competition team members with experience to share for learning opportunities beyond this camp.

Requirements

• Computer required for all participants. Contact QCRA before the session if a loaner computer is needed.
• Low-cost, refurbished computers are available for purchase from E2D (https://www.e-2-d.org/)

Transportation Policy

• QCRA does not offer transportation at this time. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for transporting students to the facility and for seeing that the student gets safely to and from the classroom.

Food Policy

• Participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch. Program staff may accept food deliveries when necessary. Only water is permitted during class activities. Snacks and other beverages may be consumed in designated areas only and are not permitted while working on robots, computers, or other equipment.

Photo & Video Policy

• Video monitoring is in use within the facility for the safety and security of staff and participants. Photographs and video may also be taken during program activities for documentation and promotional purposes. Registration constitutes acknowledgment and consent by families and participants to the use of video monitoring and to the use of photographs or video recordings that may include participants.

Program Behavior & Participation Policy

• Students are expected to follow instructor directions, comply with program rules, and treat instructors, staff, volunteers, and peers with respect. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to, horseplay, running, disruptive conduct that interferes with instruction, or disrespectful behavior toward instructors or staff.
• The program enforces a three-notification discipline policy. Upon the third notification, the student will be removed from the program. No refunds or credits will be issued for removal due to behavior. Severe or unsafe behavior may result in immediate removal.
• By registering for this program, families and participants acknowledge and agree to follow the Program Behavior & Participation Policy.

More Questions?

For questions regarding this event, please feel free to reach out to us via email at stemprogram@queencityrobotics.org.

For additional information about QCRA and what we do, please visit our website!

Financial Support – Campership Program

We are actively working to secure funding to provide campership support and increase access for students who may otherwise be unable to participate. Campership availability is dependent on funding received and may vary by program. Updates will be shared as funding becomes available.

Families experiencing financial hardship, including students attending a Title I school or those facing other financial challenges, may request consideration for campership support by emailing STEMprogram@queencityrobotics.org. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, subject to available funding. If support is approved, families will receive a promo code to apply a discount during registration. Documentation may be requested and can include proof of participation in government assistance programs (such as WIC, Medicaid, or Section 8) or verification that household income falls below Mecklenburg County’s median household income*. Please include the student’s attending school when submitting a request.

To stay informed about future campership availability and program updates, families are encouraged to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, or subscribe to our newsletter at queencityrobotics.org.

*We adopt the number from the US Census Data from 2017-2021 for the Median Household income of Mecklenburg County, which is $73,124.