This summer, UA Little Rock hosted two incredible robotics camps that gave students hands-on experience with engineering, coding, and teamwork. Nearly 50 students across grades 5 through 12 joined in, spending a week building robots, learning real-world skills, and having a blast in tournament competitions. Although the camps were held on different weeks and used different platforms, each offered a unique and unforgettable experience for future STEM leaders. Each camp, offered at just $150 per student, gave participants the chance to design, build, and code their own robots while learning the value of teamwork, problem-solving, and a little friendly competition.
VEX IQ Summer Camp
From June 16th to 20th, UA Little Rock welcomed 24 bright and curious students in grades 5 through 8 to the VEX IQ Summer Camp. Designed for younger students and beginners, this camp introduced the fundamentals of robotics in a fun, supportive environment.
Throughout the week, students worked in small groups to design, build, and program their own robots using the VEX IQ system. They learned how to connect gears, sensors, and motors then write the code to bring their machines to life! Each day brought new challenges and opportunities to problem-solve as teams tested and refined their robots.
Collaboration was a key part of the experience. Students helped each other troubleshoot, brainstorm creative solutions, and prepare for the big finale: a fast-paced tournament on the last day of camp. After three qualification rounds and a series of final matches, one team earned the title of VEX IQ Summer Camp Champs. Every camper left with a new set of skills, new friends, and a deeper excitement for STEM.
VEX V5 Robotics Camp
From June 23rd to 27th, the spotlight shifted to high school and advanced middle school students during UA Little Rock’s VEX V5 Robotics Camp. This camp welcomed 18 students in grades 7 through 12 who were ready to take their skills to the next level.
Using the more complex VEX V5 system, students spent the week designing, building, and programming robots capable of completing real-world tasks. Teams built Clawbots and wrote code that guided every turn and action, allowing the robots to move through challenges without direct control.
By the end of the week, the room was filled with energy as the final tournament kicked off. The tournament lasted four rounds, each round’s pairings were decided by the previous batch of matches.
The excitement built with each round, leading to one team claiming the title of VEX V5 Robotics Camp Champs. This camp helped build confidence, leadership, and a genuine passion for engineering and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Robotics at UA Little Rock
Although registration for this year’s camps is closed, the energy and excitement are already sparking interest for next summer. Whether your student is just starting to explore robotics or is ready for a more advanced challenge, UA Little Rock’s VEX Robotics Camps offer the perfect blend of learning and fun.
For more information about future robotics camps, contact Sandra Leiterman at saleiterman@ualr.edu. Spaces fill up quickly, so keep an eye out for announcements next year!
