Our summer camp coding and robotics program was introduced at STEM Camp in 2020, as a result of the Ontario Ministry of Education developing a new elementary math curriculum that involves coding (in addition to our own belief in the value of those skills!). Starting in grade one, students now learn coding in the classroom in order to improve their problem solving skills while developing fluency with technology. The benefits of learning to code at a young age are plentiful; that’s why STEM Camp is so excited to introduce or grow your camper’s existing coding skills at summer camp!
STEM Camp utilizes both computer-based and offline coding activities, as well as robotics activities (and hands-on activities!) to engage campers. Check out just some of the fun coding and robotics programming below that we’ve cooked up – brand new for summer camp 2025!
STEM Camp uses the Micro:bit, a tiny, transportable computer (or robot) with many features including buttons, LEDs, sensors, and more that can be programmed using online coding software. Micro:bit can be programmed using visual block-based programming languages including Scratch and MakeCode or text-based programming languages including JavaScript.
At STEM Camp, campers will have an opportunity to create code, and watch it come to life by (depending on which week they attend) making their Micro:bit into a security system, create a pedometer, and more! Check out the video to learn more about just how Micro:bit works.
Following are a few of the coding and robotics activities, in addition to the many hands-on activities, that campers will enjoy depending on the themed week they join us for. We also ensure that all activities are age-appropriate for campers – in some cases creating totally different activities for different ages, as well as offering extra challenges for campers who are more proficient in a particular area, to ensure that all campers have an opportunity to feel engaged and successful, no matter their age or prior knowledge.
Herding animals, building castles, mining and avoiding lava…sure, online you can do it, but campers are going to code an Edison robot to do all these in real life!
Machine learning at STEM Camp? You betcha! Campers will create a custom AI model to recognize and categorize characters in a Minecraft mob.
Gear up, gather your materials, teleport to The End…and then, we’ll see how AI can help campers defeat the dreaded Ender Dragon!
Campers build a maze out of LEGO bricks and program the Edison robot to navigate through it using barcodes or block-based coding platforms like EdScratch.
Let’s join the LEGO Spy Team! Using Micro:bit’s radio feature, campers will send secret messages wirelessly between devices, just like walkie-talkies do!
Campers will build protective LEGO structures around their Edison robots and program them to move and compete in a safe “battle bot” style challenge.
