Robotics Camps

Robotics Camps

Kettering University pre-college summer camps aren't one of many found across the country, they are intentionally designed for the Curious, the Driven, and the Innovative. Our camps model our hands-on and experiential education model. Attending a summer camp at Kettering University enables pre-college students to "Start Sooner & Go Further".

Registration opens in January 2026. 

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: July 20 - July 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

In this hands-on, immersive camp, CURIOUS students will explore the world of Python Programming, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in automation, beginning with the creation of text based computer games.

But the fun doesn't stop there! You'll also ascend into the world of programming and flying drones as you master the controls and navigate through obstacle courses. Satisfy your CURIOSITY by learning how to use color sensors, range sensors, and gyroscopes to make your drone perform amazing autonomous tasks.

Finally, students will use the VEX CTE Workcell kit to explore the mechanics of robotic arms while learning foundational principles of coding. You will program and control the 6 axis robotic arm as you examine how robots are used in real-world industries for material handling, assembly, and quality control. As part of collaborative teams, students will face engineering challenges that require creative thinking, troubleshooting, and teamwork.

This unique opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced computer programmer, Kettering Alumni & FIRST mentor, and sponsored by RECF, VEX, GM and Magna.

NOTE: Consider registering for the Intro to Python Programming 2 Camp: Games, VEX Bots, & Factory Workflow to expand your python skills as you program a ground vehicle and an automated conveyor system.

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: July 20 - July 23, 2026
Move-in Date: July 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

In this hands-on, immersive camp, CURIOUS students will explore the world of Python Programming, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in automation, beginning with the creation of text based computer games.

But the fun doesn't stop there! You'll also ascend into the world of programming and flying drones as you master the controls and navigate through obstacle courses. Satisfy your CURIOSITY by learning how to use color sensors, range sensors, and gyroscopes to make your drone perform amazing autonomous tasks.

Finally, students will use the VEX CTE Workcell kit to explore the mechanics of robotic arms while learning foundational principles of coding. You will program and control the 6 axis robotic arm as you examine how robots are used in real-world industries for material handling, assembly, and quality control. As part of collaborative teams, students will face engineering challenges that require creative thinking, troubleshooting, and teamwork.

This unique opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced computer programmer, Kettering Alumni & FIRST mentor, and sponsored by RECF, VEX, GM and Magna.

NOTE: Consider registering for the Intro to Python Programming 2 Camp: Games, VEX Bots, & Factory Workflow to expand your python skills as you program a ground vehicle and an automated conveyor system.

Variety Focus

Dates: July 20 - July 23, 2026 and July 28 - July 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

This unique camp is designed to significantly boost your leadership skills, whether you're currently in a leadership role or aspiring to be one.

You'll embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand what makes you and others tick. We'll explore essential topics like:

  • Personality styles
  • Understanding and motivating people
  • Conflict resolution
  • The power of communication

The camp features a hands-on, interactive format. You'll be engaging with others and applying your knowledge through daily activities designed to put what you learn into action.

Daily Focus:
Day 1: Self-Discovery & Personality Styles
Day 2: Leadership, Communication & Motivating People
Day 3: Decision Making, Conflict Resolution & Team Building
Day 4: Negotiation & Networking

Variety Focus

Dates: July 20 - July 23, 2026 and July 28 - July 31, 2026
Move-in Date: July 19, 2026 and July 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

This unique camp is designed to significantly boost your leadership skills, whether you're currently in a leadership role or aspiring to be one.

You'll embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand what makes you and others tick. We'll explore essential topics like:

  • Personality styles
  • Understanding and motivating people
  • Conflict resolution
  • The power of communication

The camp features a hands-on, interactive format. You'll be engaging with others and applying your knowledge through daily activities designed to put what you learn into action.

Daily Focus:
Day 1: Self-Discovery & Personality Styles
Day 2: Leadership, Communication & Motivating People
Day 3: Decision Making, Conflict Resolution & Team Building
Day 4: Negotiation & Networking

Focus: Mechanical Engineering

Dates: July 20 - July 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

In this dynamic summer camp, students dive into the world of mechanical engineering by designing and building a robotics intake mechanism. Guided by the Engineering Design Process, participants will develop INNOVATIVE solutions.

Starting with a prebuilt robotics chassis, students brainstorm ideas, create prototypes, and fabricate their designs using hands-on tools and techniques. The camp culminates in an exciting competition where students test their intake mechanisms in action, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This engaging program provides an immersive introduction to robotics engineering and the principles of design.

Consider registering for the Mechanical Build Challenge - FRC Scoring Systems Camp to continue the build, design and iteration of the Robot you build in the FRC Intake Systems Camp.

This unmatched opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by a experienced FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna. 

Focus: Mechanical Engineering

Dates: July 20 - July 23, 2026
Move-in Date: July 19, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

In this dynamic summer camp, students dive into the world of mechanical engineering by designing and building a robotics intake mechanism. Guided by the Engineering Design Process, participants will develop INNOVATIVE solutions.

Starting with a prebuilt robotics chassis, students brainstorm ideas, create prototypes, and fabricate their designs using hands-on tools and techniques. The camp culminates in an exciting competition where students test their intake mechanisms in action, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This engaging program provides an immersive introduction to robotics engineering and the principles of design.

Consider registering for the Mechanical Build Challenge - FRC Scoring Systems Camp to continue the build, design and iteration of the Robot you build in the FRC Intake Systems Camp.

This unmatched opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by a experienced FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna. 

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: July 24 - July 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

Ignite your coding superpowers with Java and robotics! Ready to unleash your inner tech wizard? Join our thrilling summer camp and embark on a coding adventure that will transform your CURIOSITY into a skill set!

No experience? No problem! This camp is perfect for absolute beginners. We'll guide you step-by-step through the exciting world of Java programming, using the awesome ROMI robot to bring your code to life. Get a head start on FRC: Learn how to structure your robot code using object-oriented programming and learn the powerful WPILib library. Collaborate with fellow coders in our Code Jam Sessions and receive expert feedback during code reviews.

To further expand your programming skills, register for the Autonomous Programming Camp.

This unique opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced computer programmer, Kettering Alumni, FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna.

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: July 24 - July 27, 2026
Move-in Date: July 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

Ignite your coding superpowers with Java and robotics! Ready to unleash your inner tech wizard? Join our thrilling summer camp and embark on a coding adventure that will transform your CURIOSITY into a skill set!

No experience? No problem! This camp is perfect for absolute beginners. We'll guide you step-by-step through the exciting world of Java programming, using the awesome ROMI robot to bring your code to life. Get a head start on FRC: Learn how to structure your robot code using object-oriented programming and learn the powerful WPILib library. Collaborate with fellow coders in our Code Jam Sessions and receive expert feedback during code reviews.

To further expand your programming skills, register for the Autonomous Programming Camp.

This unique opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced computer programmer, Kettering Alumni, FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna.

Focus: Mechanical Engineering

Dates: July 24 - July 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

Expand your understanding of robotics design and engineering with this hands-on summer camp! Designed for experienced students with a DRIVE to suceed, this camp focuses on creating advanced scoring mechanisms for a prebuilt robotics chassis equipped with an intake system using off-the-shelf items and common materials. As part of the Mechanical Design Challenge Workshop series, the Mechanical Build Challenge - FRC Intake Systems Camp is not required but recommended first.

Using the Engineering Design Process, participants will brainstorm innovative ideas, develop prototypes, and bring their designs to life through fabrication and assembly. Instructors will mentor students in best-build practices and teach essential engineering principles, with pre-deployed Java-based Default Code provided for enhanced functionality.

The camp culminates in an exciting competition where students test their creations against one another, showcasing their mechanical engineering skills and teamwork. Perfect for aspiring engineers looking to refine their expertise and explore the cutting-edge of competitive robotics!

This unmatched opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by a experienced FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna. 

Focus: Mechanical Engineering

Dates: July 24 - July 27, 2026
Move-in Date: July 23, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

Expand your understanding of robotics design and engineering with this hands-on summer camp! Designed for experienced students with a DRIVE to suceed, this camp focuses on creating advanced scoring mechanisms for a prebuilt robotics chassis equipped with an intake system using off-the-shelf items and common materials. As part of the Mechanical Design Challenge Workshop series, the Mechanical Build Challenge - FRC Intake Systems Camp is not required but recommended first.

Using the Engineering Design Process, participants will brainstorm innovative ideas, develop prototypes, and bring their designs to life through fabrication and assembly. Instructors will mentor students in best-build practices and teach essential engineering principles, with pre-deployed Java-based Default Code provided for enhanced functionality.

The camp culminates in an exciting competition where students test their creations against one another, showcasing their mechanical engineering skills and teamwork. Perfect for aspiring engineers looking to refine their expertise and explore the cutting-edge of competitive robotics!

This unmatched opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by a experienced FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna. 

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: July 28 - July 31, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

Prerequisite: Basic FRC programming knowledge and ability to program a moving drive train or completion of the Intro to JAVA Programming Camp.

Are you a high school student eager to INNOVATE and push the boundaries of autonomous robotics? This camp is designed to empower you to develop automated programming solutions.

Using Java, you'll take functional FRC robots and write sophisticated command-based autonomous programs. You'll leverage sensors, cameras, PID loops, and AprilTags to tackle challenges inspired by previous FRC games.

This unique opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced computer programmer, Kettering Alumni & FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna.

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: July 28 - July 31, 2026
Move-in Date: July 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

Prerequisite: Basic FRC programming knowledge and ability to program a moving drive train or completion of the Intro to JAVA Programming Camp.

Are you a high school student eager to INNOVATE and push the boundaries of autonomous robotics? This camp is designed to empower you to develop automated programming solutions.

Using Java, you'll take functional FRC robots and write sophisticated command-based autonomous programs. You'll leverage sensors, cameras, PID loops, and AprilTags to tackle challenges inspired by previous FRC games.

This unique opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced computer programmer, Kettering Alumni & FIRST mentor, and sponsored by GM and Magna.

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: August 3 - August 6, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

This camp is an exciting opportunity to explore Python Programming as a stand alone camp or as an expansion of the Intro to Python Camp 1.There are no pre-requisites for this camp. Beginning with the creation of text based computer games, CURIOUS students will engage in an introduction to mechatronics, blending Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science as you program a ground vehicle: VEX V5 robot.

You will continue your Python learning as you are introduced to the concept of a programmable logic controller (PLC). Participants move from controlling only the 6-Axis Arm to incorporating additional input and output devices, like sensors, motors, and pneumatics, using the VEX CTE Workcell kit to create more complex automated workcells.

Students will learn about the mechanisms and components that make up workcells, the real world connections to factory automation, and the computer science concepts that allow automated systems to function.

This unmatched opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by a experienced computer programmer Kettering alumni, FIRST alumni and mentor, and sponsored by VEX, GM and Magna. 

Focus: Computer Science

Dates: August 3 -August 6, 2026
Move-in Date: August 2, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

This camp is an exciting opportunity to explore Python Programming as a stand alone camp or as an expansion of the Intro to Python Camp 1.There are no pre-requisites for this camp. Beginning with the creation of text based computer games, CURIOUS students will engage in an introduction to mechatronics, blending Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science as you program a ground vehicle: VEX V5 robot.

You will continue your Python learning as you are introduced to the concept of a programmable logic controller (PLC). Participants move from controlling only the 6-Axis Arm to incorporating additional input and output devices, like sensors, motors, and pneumatics, using the VEX CTE Workcell kit to create more complex automated workcells.

Students will learn about the mechanisms and components that make up workcells, the real world connections to factory automation, and the computer science concepts that allow automated systems to function.

This unmatched opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by a experienced computer programmer Kettering alumni, FIRST alumni and mentor, and sponsored by VEX, GM and Magna. 

Focus: CAD

Dates: July 28 - July 31, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $700

Join us for an exciting and interactive camp where you’ll learn how to design in 3D using OnShape, a cloud-based CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software that is revolutionizing the way engineers, designers, and makers create and collaborate. This camp is perfect for aspiring engineers or anyone interested in bringing their ideas to life with state-of-the-art digital design tools.

Discover the basics of 3D design, including sketching, extruding, and shaping parts. Understand how to manipulate objects in a digital environment, and learn the difference between 2D and 3D design. Learn how to create individual parts and combine them into assemblies. Understand how to apply constraints and work with complex geometries. Equip your CURIOSITY and unleash your INNOVATIVE ideas!

You will then learn to use cutting-edge tools, including 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutting equipment to fabricate your design. Campers will learn to apply CAD (computer-aided design) software, explore the capabilities of these advanced machines, and utilize their creativity to fabricate a custom take-home project. Perfect for young INNOVATORS eager to bring their ideas to life through modern manufacturing techniques!

This design and fabrication opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced OnShape user, and sponsored by GM and Magna.

Focus: CAD

Dates: July 28 - July 31, 2026
Move-in Date: July 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12
Fee: $1,070

Join us for an exciting and interactive camp where you’ll learn how to design in 3D using OnShape, a cloud-based CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software that is revolutionizing the way engineers, designers, and makers create and collaborate. This camp is perfect for aspiring engineers or anyone interested in bringing their ideas to life with state-of-the-art digital design tools.

Discover the basics of 3D design, including sketching, extruding, and shaping parts. Understand how to manipulate objects in a digital environment, and learn the difference between 2D and 3D design. Learn how to create individual parts and combine them into assemblies. Understand how to apply constraints and work with complex geometries. Equip your CURIOSITY and unleash your INNOVATIVE ideas!

You will then learn to use cutting-edge tools, including 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutting equipment to fabricate your design. Campers will learn to apply CAD (computer-aided design) software, explore the capabilities of these advanced machines, and utilize their creativity to fabricate a custom take-home project. Perfect for young INNOVATORS eager to bring their ideas to life through modern manufacturing techniques!

This design and fabrication opportunity is offered by the Robotics Center at Kettering University, led by an experienced OnShape user, and sponsored by GM and Magna.