San Diego, CA, USA
Building and programming a robot is the center of the week at Robotics Summer Camp at Canyon Crest Academy. Campers work with competition-style robotics systems, tackle hands-on engineering challenges, and learn how mechanical design and code work together. The program is organized in three levels for incoming first through ninth graders, so younger campers can start with simple machines and basic engineering while older groups move into more advanced robot design and programming. Campers also practice planning, teamwork, collaboration, and creative problem-solving as they turn ideas into working machines.
Each level uses a week-long format with guided instruction and plenty of time to build. Insight introduces physics and engineering concepts with VEX IQ kits and progresses toward a joystick-controlled robot. Curiosity adds mechanical design and programming as campers build robots for complex challenges. Opportunity uses more advanced VEX Robotics sets and larger-group projects for older students. Across the camp, counselors are available at a published four-to-one student-to-counselor ratio, giving campers access to help while leaving room to experiment independently.
The experience is not limited to the workshop. Recreational activities such as Dodgeball and Ultimate Frisbee add movement and social time, while snacks and lunch are included. Children who enjoy making things, solving problems, testing ideas, and learning by doing are likely to find a strong match here.
| Ages: | 6–15 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Sports: | Sports, Team Sports, Ultimate Frisbee |
| Technology: | Technology, Robotics, Engineering, STEM, Coding |
| Meals Type: | Provided |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM |
| Staff to Сamper Ratio: | 1:4 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
The program is divided into three grade-based levels. Insight is designed for incoming first through third graders and introduces basic physics and engineering through simple machines and VEX IQ robotics kits. Campers build step by step toward a robot they can control with a joystick. Curiosity, for incoming fourth through sixth graders, adds basic mechanical design and programming. Using VEX IQ sets, campers design, build, and program robots to complete increasingly complex challenges.
Opportunity serves incoming seventh through ninth graders. Campers work in larger groups and use more advanced VEX Robotics sets to create more complex robots, while the program remains accessible to beginners. Across the camp, students learn by building and testing rather than only watching demonstrations. Robotics tasks introduce motors, sensors, engineering decisions, and programming concepts, then give campers room to try different solutions.
Challenge-based work also creates opportunities for teamwork, planning, and creative problem-solving. Counselors are available to guide campers when they get stuck, while the program emphasizes enough independence for teams to develop their own ideas. The broader camp experience includes recreational breaks such as Dodgeball and Ultimate Frisbee, so the week mixes focused workshop time with movement and social activity.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Camper drop-off |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Build session |
| 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Snack |
| 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM | Build session |
| 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM | Lunch |
| 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM | Recreation |
| 1:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Build session |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Pickup window |
Snacks and lunch are included as part of the camp day.
A published four-to-one student-to-counselor ratio gives campers direct access to counselor help during activities. Each program is capped at 16 campers per week, supporting small program groups.
Team 3128 members take part as camp counselors, and alumni serve as head counselors. The camp publishes a four-to-one student-to-counselor ratio, giving campers ready access to guidance while they build and program robots. Counselors help students work through problems, translate ideas into functioning robot designs, and continue exploring solutions rather than simply completing projects for them.
Registration is handled online through the camp's linked registration form. Registration and all payments are due before the first day of the selected week. Each of the three program levels is offered during each published camp week, with a maximum of 16 places per program per week. When a program becomes full, families may join a wait list; available places are offered in registration order with time to respond and claim the opening. The camp is held on the Canyon Crest Academy campus.
Registration and all payments are due before the first day of the registered week. Refunds are issued through Canyon Crest Academy Foundation.
