Students entering grades 6 through 8 will learn how to build and code robots from scratch in this immersive robotics summer camp. Explore engineering, programming, and problem-solving through hands-on projects and VEX robotics challenges designed specifically for middle schoolers.
Program at a Glance
- Grade Level: Rising 6-8 (Grade after summer)
- Duration: 6 days
- Format: Commuter or Residential
- Topics: Robotics and Engineering
In our hands-on robotics summer camp for middle school students, campers will learn the foundations of robot mechanics. During this one-week robotics summer camp, students will build and program a fully functioning robot while learning about sensors, motors, and controllers, as well as adjacent science topics, such as engineering and chemistry. The robotics camp also includes guest speakers and an excursion to a local science venue.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the science and engineering process of robot mechanics, exploring topics including programming, wiring, communications systems, built power, and electrical circuits.
- Build a working robot from scratch using the VEX5 robotics platform.
- Develop design thinking skills through brainstorming, constructing, and testing.
- Participate in terrain and transportation robotics challenges and design a final robotics sports competition.
- Sharpen problem-solving and leadership skills through interactive workshops and experiments.
FAQs
What robotics platform do students use?
Our robotics summer camp utilizes VEX V5, the world’s premier classroom robotics platform. This VEX robotics summer camp teaches middle school students to build and program customizable robots using real motors, sensors, controllers, and engineering components.
Is this robotics camp beginner-friendly?
Yes. Our robotics summer camp for middle school students is designed to support a wide range of experience levels, from beginners to returning students. No prior coding or robotics experience is required.
Does this camp include recreational activities or field trips?
Yes! Students who attend our middle school robotics camp participate in recreational activities and have the chance to attend an excursion to a local science venue.
Testimonials
Hear what students are saying about our public speaking classes for kids!
"My daughter has been to three Education Unlimited summer camps on college campuses, and they were all fantastic. She built… a robot and did other science projects, plus went swimming and on field trips to San Francisco, all while being supervised by female adults in science careers.”
–Marilyn D.
“I could not say enough good things about the team. The teachers and camp leaders are stellar. They know how to help the kids come together quickly and form bonds that help them have fun and do good work at the same time.”
–Nathalie S.
We offer three options for our robotics summer camps for rising 6th - 8th graders:
- Day Camper: Day Campers check in Sunday with dinner provided after check-in and then enjoy curriculum Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. Meals are not provided with Day Camp Tuition - campers can bring a sack lunch or can purchase our optional Lunch package for $40 (includes lunch in the dining hall Monday-Friday).
- Extended Day: Extended Day Campers check in Sunday with dinner provided after check-in and then enjoy curriculum and recreation Monday - Friday from 9am to 9pm, with lunch and dinner provided in the dining hall.
- Overnight: Overnight campers check in before dinner on Sunday and check out at 5pm on Friday. All meals and shared dorm accommodations are provided.
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotics 6th-8th | 6 - 8 | Stanford University | Jul 26, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | Enroll | |
| Robotics 6th-8th | 6 - 8 | Stanford University | Aug 2, 2026 | Aug 7, 2026 | Enroll |
Price Options for Robotics 6th-8th
| Day Camp | $2,095 |
| Extended Day Camp | $2,495 |
| Overnight Camp | $2,985 |
Price Options for Robotics 6th-8th
| Day Camp | $2,095 |
| Extended Day Camp | $2,495 |
| Overnight Camp | $2,985 |
Sample Schedule Science Camps |
|
|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Overnight campers - wake up! |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast in the dining hall (overnight campers) |
| 9-9:15 am | Extended day camper check-in |
| 9:00 am | Camp meeting & warm up |
| 9:15 am | Morning Lab Session |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch in the dining hall (included for overnight & extended day campers; day campers can purchase an optional lunch package or bring a lunch) |
| 1:15 pm | Recreation |
| 2:00 pm | Afternoon Lab Session |
| 5:00 pm | Day camper check-out |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner in the dining hall (overnight & extended campers) |
| 6:30 pm | Science minors for extended day and overnight campers |
| 7:45 pm | Evening recreation & activities |
| 8-9:00 pm | Extended day camper check-out |
| 9:30 pm | Floor check (overnight campers get ready for bed) |
| 10:00 pm | Room check & lights out |
Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. Some of our recent staff members for this program include:
Rhonda McCoy, PhD - Camp Director
Dr. Rhonda McCoy is a Manager of Quality Control for a leading global biopharmaceutical company. Through analysis of quality from creation to post-expiration date, Dr. McCoy oversees a team that ensures medications sold around the world are both safe and effective. Dr. McCoy holds a PhD in Chemistry from Howard University in Washington DC. A member of the Education Unlimited team since 2005, Dr. McCoy has been passionate about the empowerment of middle and high school age girls throughout her career, evident in her work as Director of our Science and Engineering Camps for Girls. She has volunteered her time as the scholarship program chair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and taught chemistry and physics in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools of Charlotte, North Carolina.
In addition to her doctorate degree, Dr. McCoy has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A&T State University. Prior to her five years as a research assistant at Howard while pursuing her doctorate, she spent time as an analytical chemist with the global cosmetics brand, L’Oreal. In her free time, Rhonda enjoys travel, shopping, and time with her family.
Ben McCarver - Instructor
Ben McCarver is a dedicated STEM educator and robotics enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the world of competitive robotics. Ben earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University and has spent more than 10 years immersed in the VEX Robotics community—as a competitor, mentor, instructor, and volunteer. Ben’s passion for education is rooted in his leadership experience in youth organizations such as Scouts BSA and 4-H, and he has held roles ranging from math tutor to robotics instructor, teaching students across various age groups. His teaching approach blends technical expertise with a student-centered, hands-on philosophy designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. At Education Unlimited, Ben brings his extensive coding and engineering background to the classroom as the instructor for our Introduction to Python course. He is excited to help students unlock the power of programming and discover the fun of creative problem-solving.
Gladys Velez Caicedo - Instructor
Gladys Velez Caicedo is a technical instructor in the Department of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A graduate of Columbia University in New York City, Gladys holds a Bachelor of Science degree in astronomy & physics. Gladys has conducted high energy particle astrophysics at various labs around the world, such as Nevis Laboratories and as part of the VERITAS collaboration. Gladys developed a passion for high school education during her college years. While at Columbia, she established the Columbia Education Studies Program in 2011, designed to give high school students wide-range access to university education.
Gladys joined the Education Unlimited team in 2017. She developed the curriculum for the astrophysics summer camp program, offered as of summer 2018.