Battle Bots Builder Camp

Overview: Gear up for an action-packed week of building, coding, and friendly competition! In this hands-on STEM camp, participants dive into robotics with the VEX IQ platform—designing, building, and programming their own battle‑ready robots. No prior experience required.

What You'll Learn

• Building Skills: Robust chassis design, gearing, mechanisms (claws, lifters, drivetrains).
• Coding Fundamentals: Block‑based and text‑based programming, sensors, and strategy logic.
• Team Collaboration: Brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Competition Strategy: Match planning, reliability, and on‑the‑fly adjustments.

Daily Structure

Each day features four 1.5‑hour sessions (with short breaks between):

1. Session 1 — Kickoff & Concept: Daily goals, mini‑lesson, and setup.
2. Session 2 — Guided Build/Coding: Step‑by‑step progress toward a milestone.
3. Session 3 — Challenge & Iteration: Test, troubleshoot, and improve.
4. Session 4 — Polish & Share: Refine, document, and demo.

Day 1 — Foundations: Drive, Build, and Basics

1. Kickoff & Safety: Camp goals, tool safety, intro to VEX IQ parts and controllers.
2. Chassis Build 1: Start a stable, square chassis; wheels, motors, and bracing.
3. Drive Calibration: Pair controller; test drivetrain; tune gearing for speed vs. torque.
4. Coding Intro: Block‑based programming; basic forward/turn routines and stops.

Outcome: A reliable rolling robot base that drives straight and turns consistently.

Day 2 — Mechanisms and Sensors

1. Mechanism Concepts: Claws, lifters, and linkages; torque vs. speed tradeoffs.
2. Build 2 — Manipulator: Add and brace a claw or lifter; route cables cleanly.
3. Sensors 101: Touch, color, gyro, and distance; when and why to use each.
4. Sensor Coding: Line up, detect objects, and run a pickup/score routine.

Outcome: Robot can grasp or lift objects and use at least one sensor to align or trigger actions.

Day 3 — Strategy and Autonomous Routines

1. Field & Game Review: Objectives, scoring, and constraints for battle challenges.
2. Autonomous Basics: Plan a sequence; use gyro for straight/turn accuracy.
3. Routine Chaining: Combine navigate → pick up → score → return steps.
4. Testing & Debugging: Logs, checkpoints, and quick fixes for drift and slip.

Outcome: A consistent short autonomous run that completes a defined task.

Day 4 — Driver Skills, Reliability, and Match Play

1. Driver Controls: Map buttons/axes; slow mode; quick‑swap presets.
2. Reliability Upgrades: Reinforce frame, reduce friction, guard cables.
3. Scrimmage Drills: Head‑to‑head practice with time limits and reset rules.
4. Iteration Sprint: Tune code and mechanism based on scrimmage feedback.

Outcome: Robot handles smoothly under pressure and survives bumps; team has a match plan.

Day 5 — Final Polish and Showcase Competition

1. Bug Hunt: Final checks—battery, alignment jigs, fasteners, and sensor calibration.
2. Performance Tuning: Optimize speeds, add safeguards, and refine controls.
3. Qualification Matches: Short seeding rounds with score tracking.
4. Showcase Finals: Friendly bracket, awards, and highlight reels.

Outcome: A battle‑ready robot and a confident team presentation at the showcase.

Camp Highlights

• Build and compete in friendly “Battle Bot” challenges.
• Use sensors and motors to outmaneuver opponents.
• Develop teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity.
• Celebrate at a final showcase for family and friends.

Camp Essentials

• Ages: 9 to 13 years old.
• Dates: Monday, 6/22/2026 to Friday, 6/26/2026
• 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@blueridgeboost.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