The NICBotCamps are returning for 2017.
The camps allow students, aged 9 to 12, to build, program and remotely control Lego robots while learning vital science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.
鈥淟ast year鈥檚 camps were so popular we wanted to bring them back this year,鈥� said Naomi Tabata, manager of NIC鈥檚 Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI). 鈥淚t鈥檚 a unique opportunity for students to work closely with robotics instructors to build their own creations and learn how to code. It was inspiring to see what the students created and how interested they were in learning.鈥�
Registration is now available for NIC robotics camps in the Comox Valley, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Port Hardy, Tofino and Ucluelet.
Eight one-week camps will run across the region, including:
鈥� Comox Valley (two camps), July 4 - 7 and July 10 - 14
鈥� Port Alberni, July 17 - 21
鈥� Campbell River (two camps), July 24 - 28 and July 31 - Aug 4
鈥� Tofino and Ucluelet Aug 8 - 11
鈥� Port Hardy, Aug 14 -18
Robotics experience is not necessary.
The camps begin step-by-step, teaching students how to build before they design their own creations. It also gives students the chance to meet peers who share the same interests and make friends. Every child who registers and completes the camp also has a chance to win a Coder MiP robot.
鈥淲e know skills in science, technology, engineering and math will be in high demand in the future,鈥� said Tabata. 鈥淲e hope to inspire and encourage students to continue to build those skills and look at them as possible career choices down the road.鈥�
For Pat Whalen, the 2016 camps were a chance to see his daughter develop new passions.
鈥淓very day, my daughter came home excited about what she created in camp,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was like it flipped a light switch on in my little girl鈥檚 mind where she suddenly realized she could be anything she dreamed.鈥�
The camps are offered in partnership with Navigate NIDES, the North Island Distance Education School.
For more information on NIC鈥檚 robotics summer camps last year, or to watch a video, visit bit.ly/2pUPU5g.
To register, visit any NIC registration office or register online using the course code CAMP-LEGO at nic.bc.ca/continuingeducation.
