Parent's Guide

Robotics CampBefore Drop-Offa parent's guide

Robotics camp is a hands-on program where kids design, build, and program a small robot — usually with a kit like LEGO SPIKE, VEX IQ, or an Arduino-style board — and then test it against a set of challenges on a game table. Most camps end with a demo day or a scrimmage where teams run their robot through a timed mission course in front of parents. Kids work in small teams and split up jobs: building, coding, driving, and explaining the design.

Parent's Cheat Sheet

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Official Wording

Teams compete in timed matches — typically 2:30 in FIRST LEGO League or 60 seconds of Teamwork Challenge in VEX IQ — during which the robot attempts scoring missions on a defined field. Points are awarded for completed mission objectives at the end of the match, and a team's ranking is based on their best qualifying scores.

Parent Translation

A match is short — often barely a minute or two. The robot leaves the starting square, tries to knock out as many scoring tasks as it can, and the clock runs out fast. Teams get several tries and only their best run counts, so a bad first match is not a disaster. Expect a lot of waiting between two-minute bursts of action.

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Before the Start

Essential Gear

See all 11 items
🥽

Safety Glasses

Required in most build spaces the moment tools or springs come out. Get youth-sized ANSI Z87.1-rated glasses — adult frames slide down small faces and kids stop wearing them.

Est. $8 – $20

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Closed-Toe Sneakers

Nearly every camp bans sandals and Crocs in the build room because dropped motors, batteries, and metal beams are a real thing. Any sturdy sneaker works — no special footwear needed.

Est. $25 – $60

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Engineering Notebook

A bound graph-paper or dot-grid notebook where kids sketch designs, log code changes, and record what broke. Judges at competition events literally read these, so bound (not spiral) with numbered pages is the standard.

Est. $6 – $18

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Snag-Free Work Clothes

Plain T-shirt and shorts or pants with no long dangling drawstrings, loose sleeves, or jewelry that can catch in gears. Many camps hand out a team shirt on day one — don't buy branded gear ahead of time.

Est. $15 – $30

Full gear guide

5 must-haves · 11 items total · Must-haves est. $74 – $168

View Gear Guide

Parent guide

What does my child need for robotics camp?

Short answer

Usually very little, because most camps provide the robot kit. What you typically buy is safety glasses, closed-toe sneakers, a notebook, snag-free clothes, and rechargeable batteries with a charger. The must-have items on this page add up to about $74–$168. Check the camp's supply email before spending anything.

By Parent Sideline · Published October 25, 2026

How robotics camp is set up

Robotics camps are hands-on programs where kids build and program a small robot with a kit, then test it on challenges. Most camps run ages 7 to 14 and end with a demo day or a friendly competition.

Kids work in small teams and split up jobs such as building, coding, driving, and explaining the design. Camp format and kit depend on the organizer, so ask what platform your child will use.

Matches and judging, explained simply

A match is short, often a minute or two. The robot starts in a box and tries to complete as many tasks as it can before time runs out. Teams usually get several tries.

Some formats are autonomous, where the robot runs from the kids' code with nobody touching it, and others let a kid drive. Teams also meet with judges to explain how they built the robot and what they changed, and in many programs that counts for a lot.

Safety basics

Safety glasses are common whenever tools, motors, or moving parts are involved. Closed-toe shoes and clothes that do not catch on moving parts are good habits.

Ask the camp about adult supervision, battery safety, and any rules for tools and soldering. Kids should know to ask before using tools they are not trained on.

By age and level

Ages 7–9
Block-based coding and snap-together kits. Camps usually provide everything, and your child needs comfortable clothes and a water bottle.
Ages 10–12
More complex builds and more coding. Camps may ask for a notebook, safety glasses, and sometimes a laptop.
Ages 13 and up
Teen programs may use more advanced platforms. Check the camp for laptop or software requirements.

Equipment and estimated cost

Checklist: robotics camp · must-haves about $74–$168

  • Safety GlassesBuy a two-pack. One pair will live permanently at the bottom of a backpack by Wednesday.$8 – $20
  • Closed-Toe Sneakers$25 – $60
  • Engineering NotebookHave your kid date every entry. Judges love seeing 'we tried this Tuesday, it failed, here's Wednesday's fix.'$6 – $18
  • Snag-Free Work ClothesLong hair gets tied back before anything spins — toss a couple of hair ties in the bag.$15 – $30
  • Rechargeable AA Batteries + ChargerAsk which kit the camp uses first — VEX IQ and LEGO SPIKE use built-in rechargeable packs and need zero AAs.$20 – $40

Also helpful

  • Laptop or Chromebook$180 – $400
  • Hex & Screwdriver Set$12 – $30
  • Small Parts Organizer$12 – $28
  • USB Drive & Cable$8 – $20
  • Ranges are Parent Sideline estimates for entry-level to mid-range gear at major U.S. retailers. They are not live prices.
  • The total adds the low and high of each must-have item's range. It matches the must-have estimate on the gear guide.
  • Camp tuition, kits, and any software subscriptions are not included.

See the full gear guide

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Common mistakes

  • Buying a robot kit before the camp says which one it uses. Most camps supply it.
  • Skipping safety glasses and closed-toe shoes.
  • Adding "one more piece" to a robot after inspection. It can fail the size or parts check.
  • Forgetting batteries and a charger. Rechargeable AA batteries are common.
  • Thinking only the robot score matters. Teamwork and presentation count too.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy a robot for camp?

Usually not. Most camps provide kits. Check the camp supply list or email.

What is an autonomous run?

It is when the robot completes a mission using the kids' code with no one touching it or steering it.

Does my child need a laptop?

Some camps provide computers, and others ask kids to bring a laptop or Chromebook. Check the camp requirements.

What is a demo day?

It is the end-of-camp event where teams show their robot and run it through challenges for parents and judges.

Sources

Rules and requirements differ by league. When a source and your league disagree, follow your league.

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Search robotics programs near you and ask what gear they require.

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