2016 RoboCamp FAQ
What are the operating hours for RoboCamp?
9am until 3pm daily. Drop off can be as early as 8:30am, but campers MUST be picked up promptly at 3pm.
What are the available session dates?
Session 1 : July 25th - July 29th
Session 2: August 1st - August 5th
Where will RoboCamp be held?
Christopher Newport University, Luter Hall, Room 258
How much is camp tuition?
$250.
How do I register my child for the camp?
Register your child at RoboCamp Registration AND pay camp tuition of $250 via one of the following payment options:
1. Triple Helix Paypal
2. Check made payable to the “Triple Helix”.
Make sure to include your address and phone number on the check. Mail payment to:
Triple Helix - RoboCamp
ATTN: Nate Laverdure
874 Belvoir Circle
Newport News, VA
Will lunch be provided?
No. Campers must bring their own lunch each day.
What kind of robotics kits will be used?
The popular Vex IQ Super kits will be used for RoboCamp 2016.
What will campers learn?
The campers will work in teams of two in order to be able to accomplish the tasks required to complete their challenges. The campers will quickly learn that the challenges cannot be accomplished unless they work together. Campers will learn fundamental robot design, construction, and programming techniques, and will have the chance to explore their own creativity by customizing their robot designs to most effectively accomplish the challenges. An emphasis will be placed on sensor technology, and how sensors can permit a robot to interact with its environment and make decisions based on sensory input.
What will campers be doing?
Campers will have the opportunity to design, construct, and program their robots to accomplish a series of mini-challenges. The first 3 days of camp are focused on "mini-challenges". The last 2 days of the camp culminates in the main challenge, which is also a fun and friendly competition amongst the campers to identify the Champion!
Who are the camp counselors?
The camp will be led by Wendy Bretton, who holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science and who has coached FIRST Lego League teams for 4 years. Of those 4 years, her teams advanced to the VA/DC Championship tournament 3 times. In 2013, her team placed 2nd at the VA/DC Championship tournament and was invited to compete in the FLL North American Open Championship for robotics at LegoLand in Carlsbad, CA. Mrs. Bretton will be assisted by Menchville High School Robotics Team members, as junior counselors. There will be a least 4:1 camper to jr. counselor ratio.
What are the benefits for the junior counselors?
Counselors will have access to challenging new opportunities to exercise their nascent leadership and communication skills. Participation in this outreach activity will strengthen their eligibility for the Dean's List Award, which celebrates outstanding student leaders. They'll also learn aspects of robot design that are easily transferable to the world of the FIRST Robotics Competition. They'll help make Triple Helix a healthier organization by strengthening its ties to the local community and generating new income, which will provide longer-term benefits because they'll be a part of a stronger team.