Name: Submerged: FLL Explore Camp-6/29/2026 - 7/3/2026 | Ages 6-7 | Blue Ridge Boost
SKU: SUMMER26-SUBMERGED-EXPLORE-26
Price: 509.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Submerged: FLL Explore Camp

Dive & Discover: 5-Day FLL Explore Camp — SUBMERGED Season (Grades 1–3, Individual Teams)

Parents: A hands-on STEM camp aligned to FIRST LEGO League Explore’s SUBMERGED theme. Each child (or pair) builds and programs their own small LEGO model with a motor/sensor, researches an underwater problem, and creates a simple Show Me poster by Day 5. Short, scaffolded sessions build curiosity, teamwork, and early engineering habits.

Kids: Become undersea explorers! Build a mini ocean machine, make it move with code, and share your idea to help sea creatures or people under the waves.

Project Model

Each student (or team of 2) creates a personal SUBMERGED mini‑model: a small underwater helper (e.g., reef cleaner, mini ROV, kelp farmer). Daily features stack into a complete Explore project: model, simple motorized motion, a sensor reaction, and a Show Me poster.

Daily Structure

4 one‑hour sessions per day (S1–S4)
Individual teams with short 5‑minute neighbor check‑ins for ideas
Differentiation: “Try This First” + “Level Up” tasks each session
Materials: LEGO Explore‑level kit (e.g., LEGO Education SPIKE Essential or WeDo 2.0), at least 1 motor + 1 sensor per team, tablet/laptop with coding app, printables for the Show Me poster

Day 1: Dive In — Theme, Design Thinking, and Safe Building

Outcomes: Understand SUBMERGED theme; brainstorm ocean challenges; build stable bases; practice safe tool and part handling.

S1 Welcome + Ocean Challenges
Activities: Theme intro (habitats, ROVs, kelp farms, cleanup); pick a problem to explore; sketch 2–3 ideas. Words: problem, solution, prototype.
S2 Strong Starts
Activities: Build a stable undersea “seafloor base” platform; test strength and balance with gentle shake tests.
S3 Mechanism Basics
Activities: Explore gears and linkages; attach a motor mount location (no wiring yet); try a simple spinner or arm.
S4 Share + Plan
Activities: 1‑minute micro‑pitch: “My underwater helper will…” Decide tomorrow’s build goals.

Level Up (advanced):

Add gear reduction for slower, stronger motion.
Build a compact frame with triangles or bracing.
Design two interchangeable tool heads (brush vs. grabber).

Day 2: Motion Underwater — Motors, Sequencing, and Loops

Outcomes: Connect a motor; program start/stop; use sequences and simple loops to create repeatable motion.

S1 Motor Setup
Activities: Connect motor to hub; test “on start” spin; adjust speed and direction. Safety check: cables and strain relief.
S2 Sequencing a Task
Activities: Create a 3‑step routine (e.g., approach, brush, back up). Add pauses; tune durations.
S3 Loops for Efficiency
Activities: Repeat the routine 3×; discuss when loops help; record a short video of the best run.
S4 Reflect + Logbook
Activities: Engineering log: What changed? What will we test tomorrow?

Level Up (advanced):

Use a variable for run time and test short/medium/long cycles.
Add a second motion (e.g., small arm lift) between steps.
Create a “maintenance mode” program for quick tool swaps.

Day 3: Sense the Sea — Sensors, Events, and Simple Decisions

Outcomes: Use one sensor (color/light or distance); trigger actions on events; introduce if/else decisions.

S1 Sensor Try‑outs
Activities: Read sensor values; show them on screen; learn thresholds (near/far or light/dark).
S2 Event to Action
Activities: On button press or sensor event, start the routine; stop if obstacle detected.
S3 If/Else Choices
Activities: If near obstacle → reverse; else → continue brushing or sampling. Tune thresholds.
S4 Test + Peer Feedback
Activities: 2‑minute neighbor test; collect one “glow” and one “grow” note.

Level Up (advanced):

Use two sensor states (e.g., detect dark cave vs. bright reef) to switch routines.
Add a simple status indicator (hub light color or sound) for modes.
Log detection counts in a variable and display at the end of a run.

Day 4: Story and Showcase — Model Details and Poster

Outcomes: Add themed details; organize code; begin a simple Show Me poster with the problem, solution, and learning.

S1 Themed Build Pass
Activities: Add ocean details (kelp, coral colors, cave arch); ensure motion paths are clear and safe.
S2 Code Clean‑up
Activities: Name programs clearly; add icons or comments; create Start and Stop buttons.
S3 Show Me Poster Start
Activities: Fill sections: Our Team Name, Our Problem, Our Solution Model, How It Moves, What We Tested.
S4 Rehearsal
Activities: 60‑second practice share using the poster; checklist review for tomorrow.

Level Up (advanced):

Add a labeled diagram of your mechanism (arrows for motion).
Include a simple before/after: “reef with trash” → “reef cleaned.”
Create a short photo strip of your iterations on the poster.

Day 5: Expo Day — Final Test and Sharing

Outcomes: Complete a working model, run a reliable program, and present a clear story with a Show Me poster.

S1 Final Fixes
Activities: Tighten loose parts; retest sensor thresholds; tape down a clear “sea path.”
S2 Performance Run
Activities: Run the full routine 3 times; record best run; note results on the poster.
S3 Showcase Prep
Activities: Polish poster titles and photos; assign presenter roles (Builder, Coder, Speaker—even for solo, rotate).
S4 Family/Peer Showcase
Activities: 2‑minute demo per team: problem → model → code → learning. Celebrate with badges (Creative Engineer, Sensor Savvy, Teamwork Star).

Level Up (advanced):

Mode selector: add a “harbor mode” (slow careful) and “reef mode” (gentle brush) button.
Simple data: tally obstacles detected or items “collected” and announce the count.
Transportable base: quick‑detach battery/hub mount for easy setup at showcase tables.

Why Families Love This

For Parents: Direct alignment to FLL Explore habits—ask, imagine, create, test, improve, share—plus a tangible model and poster in 5 days.
For Kids: Build a moving ocean machine, make it smart with a sensor, and tell your undersea story!

Optional Stretch Goals (any day)

Mini‑ROV claw: add a simple grabber linkage that opens/closes.
Buoy beacons: build two “buoys” that light up in different modes.
Mission mats: tape a simple “reef map” with zones to visit in order.

Camp Essentials

Ages: 6 to 7 years old.
Dates: Monday, 6/29/2026 to Friday, 7/3/2026
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 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; internet safety rules apply

Note: The camps listed as ages 6 to 12 will be divided by age into two groups.