SPIKE Prime Start: Build, Code, and Create

Parents: A beginner-friendly robotics camp where students explore engineering and coding through hands-on projects with LEGO SPIKE Prime. Campers in grades 1–3 learn how motors, sensors, and simple code work together as they build moving models and solve fun design challenges. The day is designed to be playful, supportive, and engaging, helping students build confidence with robotics while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Level Up options are included for older or more advanced campers in grades 4–6.

Kids: Start your robotics adventure with LEGO SPIKE Prime! Build awesome models, make them move with code, and explore how robots can spin, drive, lift, or react. You’ll get to build, test, and improve your creations like a real inventor.

Project Model

Campers create beginner-friendly SPIKE Prime builds and code simple robotic behaviors throughout the day. Students explore motors, movement, sensors, and basic logic while building hands-on projects that move and respond. Activities are designed for grades 1–3, with optional Level Up extensions that add more advanced building and coding challenges for grades 4–6.

Daily Structure

4 ninety-minute sessions per day (S1–S4)
Hands-on robotics building, coding, testing, and sharing
Differentiation built into each session with Try This First for grades 1–3 and Level Up for grades 4–6
Tools: LEGO SPIKE Prime, computer, coding interface, build guides

Start Your Robotics Journey

Outcomes: Learn how SPIKE Prime works, build simple models, and use beginner coding to make robots move and respond.

S1 Meet SPIKE Prime
Activities: Campers explore the SPIKE Prime hub, motors, sensors, and basic building pieces. Students learn how to connect parts, use simple coding blocks, and make a first model move.
Words: motor, sensor, code, hub, robot, movement.
Try This First: Build a simple model that spins or rolls with a motor.
Level Up: Change speed, direction, or timing using code.

S2 Build a Moving Robot
Activities: Create a beginner-friendly robotic build such as a vehicle, spinner, or lifter. Campers use code to control how their model moves and test different actions.
Try This First: Build one moving robot model with one main action.
Level Up: Add a second movement or a more complex sequence.

S3 Add Smart Features
Activities: Use a sensor to make the robot respond. Campers explore how a robot can react to touch, color, or distance and begin understanding how sensors help robots make decisions.
Try This First: Make the robot start or stop when a sensor is triggered.
Level Up: Use the sensor to trigger multiple actions or change how the robot behaves.

S4 Test, Improve, and Share
Activities: Campers improve their builds, test how well they work, and share what they made with the group. Students explain what their robot does and how the code helps it work.
Reflection: What does your robot do? What did you change to make it work better?
Level Up: Add an extra feature, combine movements, or create a mini challenge for your robot.

Why Families Love This

For Parents: Campers get a strong first experience with robotics, engineering, and coding in a format that is approachable, creative, and fun. The day supports persistence, curiosity, and problem-solving while giving students real experience with hands-on STEM tools.
For Campers: You get to build robots, code movement, and see your ideas come to life.

Inclusion & Confidence Builders

• Beginner-friendly projects designed for grades 1–3
• Level Up options available for grades 4–6
• Step-by-step guidance with room for creativity
• Testing and redesign as part of learning
• Sharing time to celebrate ideas and progress

Camp Essentials

Ages: Grades 1–3, with Level Up challenge options for grades 4–6
Times:

• Full-Day: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
• AM: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
• PM: 12:30 PM–5:00 PM

Location: 2171 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
What to Bring: Water bottle, lunch, and one or two light snacks
Video Gaming: Not allowed
Tech Provided: Computers and robotics kits (for in-camp use only; equipment stays with us)
Skill Level: Beginners welcome; no prior robotics or coding experience required
Dress Code: Comfortable clothes; indoor-friendly shoes
Contact: camps@yblueridgeboost.com • (434) 260‑0636
Allergies/Medical: Share details during registration; bring any necessary meds
Behavior & Safety: Kindness first; follow staff directions; careful use of robotics equipment required

Note: Camps listed for ages 6 to 12 may be divided into two groups by age.