2025 FLL Challenge Summer Robotics Boot Camp
Dates: July 21st-25thTimes: 9:00 AM – 4:00 P.M. (early drop-off or late pickup may be available for an additional fee)Grades: Rising 4th-8th graders interested in robotics or programmingFee: $300 ($250 for early bird registrations submitted by May 1st)Location: Flip Side Technologies, 2390 E Federal Drive, Decatur IL 62526
About This Camp:
Experience a First LEGO League season in a week-long boot camp with 4-H SCREAM and Super Scream Bros. In this exciting and challenging camp, 2-3 campers will team up to build a LEGO robot, program it using block-based coding software, and use that robot to complete missions on an FLL field. Campers will also experience project-based learning, hands-on activities, leadership skills, communication, and teamwork. On the last day, the campers’ robots will face off in an FLL-style competition. Each camper will receive a completion certificate and an award.
Tentative Schedule
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
| Camp Introduction | Core Values & Team Building | Core Values & Team Building | Core Values & Team Building | Core Values & Team Building |
| Intro to Robot Game | Using Sensors | Solve Robot Missions | Project Solution | Final Robot Improvements |
| Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| Build Robots | Project Sparks | Project Sparks | Iterate Project Solution | Plan Project Presentation |
| Drive Robots | Solve Robot Missions | Solve Robot Missions | Improve Project Solution | Give Presentations |
| Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| Project Overview | Project Sparks | Project Planning | Improve Robot Solutions | Robot Game Matches |
| Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| Solve Robot Missions | Line Sensors & Game Strategy | Solve Robot Missions | Solve Robot Missions | Celebration |
FAQ
Who is this camp for?
Any 4th – 8th grade student interested in STEM is welcome to apply. Students do not need to be interested in joining an FLL team to enjoy this camp.
Do I need to know programming?
No! We will teach you everything you need to know to program the robots.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations on or before July 11th will receive a refund minus a $25 fee. Cancellations after this date will not receive a refund.
When is payment due?
Payment is due within 2 weeks of acceptance or July 1st, whichever is earliest.
What if I don’t want to be on an FLL team?
That’s ok! You will still be challenged, have fun, and learn a lot during camp.
What if I am joining a different FLL team?
That is Great! In FIRST we love “coopertition!” FLL teams work to make each other better while also competing against one another. No matter what team you join, this camp will be a great start to your FLL journey.
What if I’m already on an FLL team?
Great! In FIRST we love “coopertition!” FLL teams work to make each other better while also competing against one another. If you want more experience working with the robots or just want to see how another team does FLL, you are welcome to join us! Hopefully, you’ll find something new to share with your team next season.
Can I join the 4-H SCREAM FLL team if I come to this camp?
Each year 4-H SCREAM has a limited number of spots available for new team members. Campers are encouraged to apply to the team at the end of camp, but spaces on the team cannot be guaranteed.
Am I too young/old for this camp?
The camp is for rising 4th – 8th graders. 8th graders may choose between our FLL and FTC camps. 3rd graders are not eligible for FLL Challenge and we find that the work is too difficult for most 3rd graders.
Who is leading this camp?
Our FLL team, 4-H SCREAM, and our FTC team, Super Scream Bros, along with some of their coaches and mentors are leading the camp. All adult members are FIRST and 4-H volunteers and have had background screening.
What do you mean by “season in a week?”
FLL has a competition season with a unique theme each year. During the season, team members design, build, and program a robot to complete missions on a competition field. Teams also identify a problem based on the theme and develop a solution to it, which they then present to judges at the competition. Here’s a video of another team completing this year’s robot challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W69OeBxWEU&ab_channel=FLLBrainBots.
In our “season in a week,” we will build a basic robot that will complete some field missions. We will use those robots for an FLL-style competition. Campers will also work to develop a solution to a problem that we can present to the other campers.
While we work on our projects and robots, we will also share the FIRST Core Values of Teamwork, Inclusion, Discovery, Innovation, Impact, and FUN!
When is drop off and pickup?
Drop off is from 8:45 to 9 AM. Pickup is from 4 to 4:15 PM. Before or after care is available for an extra fee.
What if I need before or after care?
Early drop off is available beginning at 8:00 for an additional fee of $50 for the week. Payment is due with your camp payment and is refundable. Late pick up is available until 5:00 for an additional fee of $50 for the week. Payment is due with your camp payment and is refundable.
I’m a rookie coach; can I come?
Maybe. If the upcoming season will be your first season coaching and you’ve completed FIRST’s volunteer registration, including the background check, please contact us and we’ll discuss your options.
What about lunch & snacks?
Each student needs to bring their own lunch. Snacks will be provided.
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.