Summer robotics camps
Placer Robotics offers one-week camps at the Placer Robotics Center in downtown Roseville. Students work in small groups with student counselors and build, program, and test robots.
Camps are open to beginners as well as students preparing for competition teams.
Summer 2026 camps are complete
This summer, students filled 335 camp seats across robotics, combat, design, and coding camps. The 2027 slate is announced in spring.
2026 camps
Introduction to Robotics (VEX IQ)
Beginner-friendly VEX IQ camp with hands-on building, team challenges, and a mini-competition. No experience needed — our most popular first camp.
Intro to VEX IQ Robotics — Grades 2–4 Edition
Designed for younger campers ready to build and code their first robot.
VEX IQ Competition Jump Start / Robot Olympics
Returning or advanced VEX IQ campers get extra build time for prototyping, open build, and challenge sessions — perfect for leveling up before the season.
Beginning Combat Robotics
The perfect first step into combat robotics — build, iterate, and drive toward a bracket at the Placer Robotics Lab.
Combat Robotics Training Camp
Design and build your first plastic ant combat robot from scratch in this two-week camp focused on strategy, design, and a final competition.
V5 Robotics Competition Bootcamp
Learn V5 competition fundamentals, design, and strategy for new team members — a great “try it and see” for students curious about robotics.
3D Design & Modeling Camp
Intro to CAD design and 3D printing for students who want to create their own parts and real-world projects.
Python Coding for Robotics
Intermediate coding camp focused on Python and robot behaviors — the next step for students ready to move beyond blocks.
Beginning Coding Camp (VEX IQ)
Beginner-friendly coding camp using VEX IQ block programming and challenges — the kind of programming students use in robotics.
Frequently asked questions
Where are camps held?
All summer camps and classes are held at the Placer Robotics Center in downtown Roseville — 643 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678.
My child is currently in X grade. What grade level is appropriate?
Camp ages/grades are based on Fall 2026. If your child is presently in 4th grade, select camps recommended for students entering 5th grade in Fall 2026.
My child is in 6th grade and wants to attend the Combat Robotics / IRL Training Camp.
The Combat Robotics Camp targets grades 7–10, but select 6th graders may be accepted upon approval if they demonstrate strong Onshape skills, can work independently in demanding environments, and show appropriate maturity around tools and electronics. If a younger student registers, our team will follow up before confirming placement.
My child will be in 4th grade and wants an Introduction to IQ camp. Which should I choose?
Two options work for 4th graders: the 4–7th grade camp is a bit faster paced, while the 2–4th grade camp is a shorter day. Choose 4–7 for a student comfortable collaborating with older kids, and 2–4 for a younger beginner.
Who are the instructors?
Camp Managers and Lead Instructors are college students and rising high-school seniors, all former or current robotics team members. Group counselors are typically high-school team members or rising 8th graders, alongside experienced volunteers.
What is the camp size, group size, and counselor ratio?
Camp sizes range from 16–27 students depending on the course. Students are grouped in teams of 2–3, and most IQ camps maintain counselor ratios of 4:1 to 6:1.
What is the refund policy?
30 days or more notice from the first day of camp: full refund (minus 10% service fee). 29–14 days notice: 80% refund if we can fill your spot from the waiting list; 50% refund if we are unable to fill your spot. Less than 14 days notice: 80% refund if we can fill your spot from the waiting list; otherwise no refunds. Contact camps@placerrobotics.org for cancellations.
I registered for a camp but want to switch weeks. Who do I contact?
Email camps@placerrobotics.org and we'll send a session change request link — switches are accommodated when space permits.
Are scholarships available?
We have a limited number of half and full scholarships available (financial-need based, not merit). Contact camps@placerrobotics.org to ask about availability and how to apply.
Is there space for parents to stay and work during camp?
We don't have space in the robotics center for parents, but our partner and sponsor Roseville Venture Lab offers free co-working two blocks away at 316 Vernon St — and downtown Roseville's shops, restaurants, and coffee are all nearby.
Camp registration
Camp policies
Grades. Camp grades mean the grade your student is entering in fall 2026 — a student finishing 4th grade this spring registers for grades 4–7 camps as a rising 5th grader.
Refunds. 30+ days before the first day of camp: full refund minus a 10% service fee. 29–14 days: 80% refund if we can fill your spot from the waiting list, 50% if we can't. Less than 14 days: 80% refund if we can fill your spot, otherwise no refund. Email camps@placerrobotics.org for cancellations.
Scholarships. Limited half and full scholarships are available based on financial need (not merit) — email camps@placerrobotics.org.
Staffing. Camp Managers and Lead Instructors are college students and rising high-school seniors, all current or former team members. Counselors are high-school team members or rising 8th graders. Camps run 16–27 students in teams of 2–3, with ratios of 4:1 to 6:1.