2025 FTC Summer Robotics Boot Camp
Dates: June 9th-13thTimes: 9:00 AM – 4:00 P.M. (early drop-off or late pickup may be available for an additional fee)Grades: Rising 8th-12th graders interested in robotics or programmingFee: $350 ($300 for early bird registrations submitted by May 1st)Location: Flip Side Technologies, 2390 E Federal Drive, Decatur IL 62526
About This Camp:
4-H SCREAM is excited to offer this challenging week long course where students will work together building and programming FIRST Tech Challenge robots. Students will get hands on experience building FTC robots using goBILDA parts, Rev Robotics control systems, programming using Java, exploring 3D modeling in Fusion 360, 3D printing as well as laser cutting parts. During the camp students will be split into teams of 3-4 students to work together building and programming a robot that they will use to compete against the other teams in the camp at the end of the week.
Tentative Schedule
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
| Introductions | Team Building Activity | Team Building Activity | Team Building Activity | Team Building Activity |
| Exploring Robot Kits | Build Robot Arm | Competition Strategy | 3D Part Design | Practice Matches |
| Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| Build Robot Chassis | Build Robot Arm | Improving Navigation | 3D Part Design | Iterate and Improve Robot |
| Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| Build Robot Chassis | Robot Arm Programming | Autonomous Programming | Iterate and Improve Robot | Robot Competition |
| Video Game Break | Video Game Break | Video Game Break | Video Game Break | Video Game Break |
| Chassis Control Programming | Competition Overview | Autonomous Programming | Practice Matches | Robot Competition |
| Mini Challenge | Mini Challenge | Mini Challenge | Iterate and Improve Robot | Celebration |
FAQ
Who is the camp for?
Our camp is geared towards any 8th-12th grade student interested in building or programming robots. You do not need to be interested in joining a team to enjoy this camp.
Does my student need to have previous robotics experience?
No, anyone is welcome regardless of how much experience they have. This program is challenging but will guide the students through all the steps to build and program a robot.
What if my student does not want to join a FIRST team?
That is OK, they are still welcome to join. You will still be challenged, have fun and learn a lot during the camp. This program is for anyone interested in building and programming robots, not just students that want to compete on a FIRST team.
What if my student has already had a season of FTC or is on another team?
Great! They are still welcome to join. This program can be a great chance for them to explore other parts of building or programming a robot that they may not have had a chance to explore yet.
What if my student is in 7th grade or younger?
Generally we only accept students younger than 8th grade if they will be joining a FTC team this year. We will need confirmation from your teams coach. Contact us for more information.
Can I join your team?
Follow us on Facebook to see when applications open for the team. Space is very limited, only a few students are accepted each season. You will need to be entering at least 8th grade to join Super Scream Bros. If you are younger than 8th grade check out our FLL camp and team instead.
If I am joining a different team can I still attend your camp?
Of course! Anyone is welcome. We love Coopertition. FTC teams work together to make each other better. As our team likes to say, “A rising tide raises all ships!”
What about lunch & snacks?
Each student needs to bring their own lunch. Snacks will be provided.
Video games?
During some breaks the students will get to play video games such as Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros.
When is the camp payment due by?
Payment is due within 2 weeks of being accepted to the camp or by June 1st, whichever is sooner.
Who is leading this camp?
Coaches, mentors and team members from the Super Scream Bros. FTC team as well as the 4-H S.C.R.E.A.M. FLL team will be helping with the camp. 4-H S.C.R.E.A.M. has been coaching robotics teams for over 10 years. All the adults helping with the camp have been screened by FIRST.
When is drop off and pickup?
Drop off is from 8:45 to 9 AM. Pickup is from 4 to 4:15 PM. Early drop off and late pickup is available for an extra fee.
What if I need to drop off my student earlier or pick them up later?
Early drop off and late pickup is available for an extra fee. You can drop your student off as early as 8 AM for an extra $50 for the week. You can pick your student up as late as 5 PM for an extra $50 for the week. Payment is due with your camp payment.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel before June 1st you will get a refund minus a $25 fee. Any cancellations after June 1st do not get a refund.
I am a rookie coach; can I join?
Maybe if we have an extra kit available and you are registered with FIRST. Contact us for more information.
What is the address for the camp?
The camp is hosted by Flip Side Technologies at:
2390 E Federal Drive
Decatur, IL 62526
I have a question not answered here, how do I reach you?
Please use our contact form to reach us with your questions.