Maeser Robotics
Camp For Kids
A hands-on robotics camp where kids build real circuits, program robots with easy drag-and-drop block coding, and learn how electrical components and microcontrollers actually work — while sharpening teamwork and problem-solving as a team designs, builds, and troubleshoots its own robot car.
Why This Camp Exists
Every dollar raised goes straight back into Socratic Schematics, FRC Team 8885 — covering parts, competition fees, and travel so every student on the team can compete, regardless of circumstance.
Along the way, campers get a genuine, ground-floor introduction to engineering — taught by the same high schoolers who build competition robots year-round.
The Final Project
Each team designs, builds, and programs its own robot car from scratch — then puts it to the test in a friendly competition on the final day, in front of family and friends.
Real Skills, Kid-Sized Steps
Electronics
Wire real circuits by hand — batteries, resistors, LEDs, buttons, potentiometers, and small DC motors — and learn how each part actually works.
Coding
Get a real introduction to robotics coding on an Arduino Uno microcontroller using PictoBlox drag-and-drop blocks — inputs, outputs, and logic.
Design & Build
Plan, build, and iterate on a real chassis using LEGO-based parts and motors — as a team, with the hands-on role rotating day to day so every kid gets every lesson.
The Curriculum
Every day builds on the last — from a single LED to a fully autonomous robot car, competing on the final showcase day.
Electronics Fundamentals
Learn how batteries, resistors, LEDs, buttons, potentiometers, and DC motors work — by wiring each one up themselves, then troubleshoot a broken circuit.
Meet the Microcontroller
Wire up an Arduino Uno and power supply, then use block coding to blink, pattern, and control LEDs and a servo motor.
Reading the World
Read buttons and potentiometers into the Arduino Uno, print values to a serial monitor, and write if/then logic to react to them.
Build Day
Teams form and build the mechanical car — chassis, motors, and a pre-wired Arduino Uno all come together for the first drive.
Maze & Distance Sensor
Give the car "eyes" with an ultrasonic distance sensor and navigate a maze in real time — after feeling the pain of a blind, pre-programmed run first.
Remote Control
Learn how an IR remote talks to the car, decode real button signals on the Serial Monitor, then redo the maze by hand.
Sumo
Teams modify their car, then battle head-to-head in a taped sumo ring — push your opponent out to win.
Soccer
Combine the distance sensor with a servo-powered kicker so the car finds the ball and kicks it toward the goal.
Finale Prep
Teams rotate through the maze, sumo, and soccer stations to practice and squash bugs, then set roles for showcase day.
Final Showcase
Parents and family are invited to watch every team demo the robot they built, wired, and coded themselves.
The complete minute-by-minute plan for every day, including materials lists — for parents who want the full picture.
Camp Details
Why Join Us?
A holistic view of robotics engineering — electronics, code, and mechanical design in one camp.
Real project-based learning with Arduino Uno microcontrollers and LEGO-based kits — not worksheets.
Directly funds and promotes our local high school robotics team, Socratic Schematics.
Let Them Build, Learn & Explore
Spots are limited. Reach out and we'll get your camper signed up for July 27 – August 7, 2026.
385-472-9574 · maeserrobotics@gmail.com · @socraticschematics