We have moved to 2171 Ivy Road · Now enrolling Spring Break, Summer, and School Days Off Camps!

Summer 24 Camps and Workshops

We offer instructional programs in robotics, coding, and math during the 2024 Spring and Summer breaks, and days off school.

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey of creativity, innovation, and teamwork?

Look no further! Join us for an exhilarating exploration of robotics, coding, chess, and math.

We offer camps and workshops for
     

Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of our camp experience. Students will have the opportunity to work together, share ideas, and solve challenges. Through hands-on activities and group projects, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn the importance of effective communication.

Students participate in guided projects by our expert instructors to learn the basics and then they unleash their creativity in free exploration sessions.

Typical Daily Schedule

Time
Activity
 8:30 –  9:00
Arrival
 9:00 –  10:30
Guided Learning Session
 10:30 – 11:00
Snack
11:00 – 12:30
Free Exploration
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch/Half-day morning dismissal/Afternoon arrival
1:00 – 2:30
Guided Learning Session
2:30 – 3:00
Snack
3:00 – 4:30
Choice Activity
4:30 – 5:00
Full-day dismissal

Elementary School Signups

Full-day.

One payment of $485.
  

Three payments of $162 each.
  

Half-day (mornings).

One payment of $355.
  

Three payments of $119 each.
  

A Different Theme Each Week

Week
Ages 6 and 7
Ages 8 and 9
July 8–12
Coordinator: Ransford
Lego Robotics: Exploring Space
Instructors: Sarah, Noah, Ransford
Each day, campers embark on a new space-themed challenge, from creating interactive models like glowing snails and spy robots to constructing and coding a rover named Milo for obstacle navigation. Highlights include building a moon base, designing earthquake-resistant structures using an earthquake simulator, and conceptualizing rovers suited for extraterrestrial terrains.
Vex Robotics: Mission to Mars
Instructors: Christina, Tracey
In Mission to Mars, campers will first explore designing and building with VEX GO to create tools and devices for their astronaut to complete a mission to Mars. Then, they will build the Code Base and code it to collect geological samples and clear an area for a future Mars landing.
July 15–19
Coordinator: Ransford
Vex Robotics: Space Race in the mornings and Art in the afternoons
Instructors: Sarah, Tracey
In Space Race Camp, campers meet “VEX,” the 123 Robot through a fun and interactive story and establish a set of rules and practices for working with the robot. Then, campers imagine their robot as a Mars rover and complete several missions including coding their robot to collect samples and return them to base camp for delivering to Earth. Then, campers will use the Eye Sensor to detect objects and clear the landing area for future missions.
In the afternoons, the campers use the Art Ring and craft materials to transform the Vex123 robot into a variety of animals.
Coding: Minecraft
Instructors: Christina, Tracey
Introduction to Computer Science with MakeCode for Minecraft is an educational course designed to merge the creative allure of Minecraft with the foundational principles of computer science. Using Microsoft's MakeCode, a block-based coding platform, students are empowered to write code that manipulates and interacts with the Minecraft world. This course provides an engaging, interactive environment where learners of all ages can develop computational thinking skills, understand coding logic, and apply problem-solving techniques in real-time. By integrating a popular gaming platform with educational content, the course not only makes learning to code accessible and enjoyable but also fosters creativity and collaboration among students.
July 22–26
Coordinator: Ransford
Vex Robotics: Move it! Shake it!
Instructors: Ransford, Noah
Campers begin by programming robots to navigate simple paths, progress to coding dance movements for robots, transforming them into animated characters like partying peacocks, and culminate in a challenging bowling game where robots aim to knock down pins and crash into towers. These activities are designed not only to teach the basics of motion control and programming but also to foster essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Vex Robotics: Adventures in Engineering
Instructors: Christina, Tracey
Campers will engage in designing and building with VEX GO to bring their creative ideas to life! Through a series of activities and challenges, they will ideate, iterate, design, build, and test their creations. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of the design process and the mechanisms and mechanics that underpin how things function.
July 29–August 2
Coordinator: Ransford
Math: Puzzles and more.
Instructors: Sarah, Noah
In the morning, campers unlock the World of Math with Beast Academy Puzzles 1! In the afternoon, students will tacke a diverse range of questions, varying in both difficulty and type from Singapore Math Intensive Practice 1A.
Vex Robotics: Ready, set, GO
Instructors: Christina, Tracey
Campers will engage in building and racing various cars to explore the concepts of forces and speed! They will start by constructing a Super Car and experimenting with ways to enhance its distance and speed. Over the course of the camp, they will expand on this foundation by assembling different models of the Super Car. This progression will allow them to investigate the dynamics of how these models move, culminating in coding and operating both the Code Super Car and the Code Base.
August 5–9
Coordinator: Nora
Coding: Code Monkey, Scratch Jr
Instructors: Sarah, Tracey
Students learn the basics of coding using left, right, jump up, jump left, and jump right commands to guide a monkey to collect all bananas before opening a treasure chest. In addition, students learn to code repetition by using loops and conditional loops. The course concludes with procedures.
Lego Robotics: Space Adventure
Instructors: Scarlet, Noah
Campers will embark on a "space adventure" using robots, where they construct various robotic structures designed for this level. They will learn to control the motors to enable the robots to execute precise movements around models of the "earth," "moon," and "sun." After encountering various obstacles, campers will utilize a force sensor to navigate past them successfully. Throughout this adventure, they will also discover fascinating facts about the solar system and space vehicles.
August 12–16
Coordinator: Nora
Lego Robotics: Living in Space
Instructors: Sarah, Tracey
Perfect for kids aged 6-7, this exciting camp combines the creative power of LEGO with the thrilling world of space exploration. Campers will build and program their own space-themed robots using LEGO WeDo kits, engage in team missions that simulate real-life space challenges, and learn about the science of space travel from expert STEM educators. Sign up now to give your young astronaut a summer filled with innovation, teamwork, and interstellar adventure! 🚀🛠️
Coding: Scratch
Instructors: Scarlett, Noah
Ignite Creativity with Scratch Camp! This summer, give your child aged 8-9 the opportunity to dive into the world of coding with our Scratch Camp. Using Scratch, a kid-friendly programming language from MIT, campers will learn to code their own games, animations, and stories. Our experienced instructors will guide them through the fundamentals of coding while fostering critical thinking and creativity. oin us for a summer of fun, learning, and digital creation.

Middle School Signups (Ages 10 to 13)

Full-day camps (8:30-5:00).

One payment of $485.

Three payments of $162.

Half-day camps, mornings (8:30-1:00) or afternoons(12:30-5:00).

One payment of $355.
  

Three payments of $116.
  

Math Workshops, 1:30 to 5:30, $395/week.

AOPS Intro to Counting and Probability
5 – 9 August; 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
AOPS Intro to Number Theory
12 – 16 August; 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Teacher: Hillary
Minimum enrollment: 5 students, Maxium 10 students.
Payment is due on the first day of class.

A Different Theme Each Week

Week
Morning
Afternoon
July 8–12
Coordinator: Ransford
Coding: Minecraft
Instructors: Akhil, Scarlett, Carter
Introduction to Computer Science with MakeCode for Minecraft is an educational course designed to merge the creative allure of Minecraft with the foundational principles of computer science. Using Microsoft's MakeCode, a block-based coding platform, students are empowered to write code that manipulates and interacts with the Minecraft world. This course provides an engaging, interactive environment where learners of all ages can develop computational thinking skills, understand coding logic, and apply problem-solving techniques in real-time. By integrating a popular gaming platform with educational content, the course not only makes learning to code accessible and enjoyable but also fosters creativity and collaboration among students.
Coding: Introduction to Game Design with JavaScript
Instructors: Akhil, Scarlett, Carter
Ignite your child’s passion for gaming and programming with our CodeHS Introduction to Game Design Camp! This unique camp offers middle school students the opportunity to delve into game design using the p5play JavaScript library. Throughout the camp, students will learn key programming concepts such as variables, functions, and conditionals, all while creating their very own video games. From brainstorming game mechanics to coding interactive features, campers will enjoy a hands-on experience that culminates in designing and sharing their custom games. No prior programming experience is needed, just a love for games and a curiosity to learn.

Beginners. Dive into the exciting world of game development this summer with CodeMonkey's Game Builder Camp! Perfect for young enthusiasts eager to learn coding, this camp teaches students to design and build their own games using CoffeeScript. Participants will create everything from platformers to versions of classic games like Frogger, all while learning important programming concepts and game mechanics. By the end of the camp, students will not only have gained valuable tech skills but will also have the opportunity to share their custom games with an online community.
Advanced. Explore the exciting world of game design with the CodeHS one-week Introduction to Game Design camp! Designed specifically for middle school students, this intensive camp provides a comprehensive introduction to game creation using the p5play JavaScript library. Over the course of a week, participants will dive into essential programming concepts such as variables, functions, and conditional statements, all while engaging in the creation and development of their own games. The camp focuses on nurturing computational thinking and problem-solving skills as students learn to design, test, and refine interactive games.

July 22–26
Coordinator: Ransford
Vex Robotics (Morning): On the move
Instructors: Akhil, Carter, Scarlett
Experience the excitement of robotics and competition at the "On The Move", where campers will dive into the world of VEX IQ robotics. Participants start by building a Simple Clawbot and learn to drive it to score goals in an exhilarating one-on-one Robot Soccer challenge. The adventure continues as campers enhance their robots by designing and constructing manipulators to improve their robots' abilities to grab, pass, and score. Collaborative team strategy sessions are a key part of the camp, culminating in a team Robot Soccer Competition. Additionally, campers explore mechanical concepts such as gearing, applying their knowledge to optimize their robots for power or speed in a Tug of War Competition. This camp not only sharpens technical skills but also emphasizes the development of teamwork and communication, essential skills for future success in any field.
Coding (Afternoon): Introduction to Computer Science in C++
Instructors: Akhil, Carter, Scarlett

Elevate your coding skills at our Advanced Programming Camp for Middle School Students! This camp is designed for young coders who are eager to dive deeper into the world of programming. Participants will explore complex concepts like data structures and algorithms through engaging, real-world projects such as game development and web applications.
Our expert instructors will guide students through a curriculum that challenges their problem-solving abilities and boosts their confidence in handling advanced coding tasks. The camp offers a unique blend of learning and fun, perfect for middle schoolers looking to enhance their programming prowess.

July 29–August 2
Coordinator: Ransford
Math Camp: Contest Math
Instructors: Nora
Explore the rich world of problem-solving with the "Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: The Basics" book, a comprehensive resource designed to stretch and enhance the mathematical abilities of students in middle and high school. Perfect for ambitious students preparing for competitive math contests like MathCounts or the AMC 8/10, this book not only builds a solid foundation in essential mathematical skills but also fosters a lifelong love for problem-solving and critical thinking.
Coding (Advanced): Game Design in Unity
Instructors: Akhil, Carter, Scarlett
This course aims to impart fundamental skills in game design using the Unity game engine, the world's most widely accessed and preferred editing platform. It prepares students for both the workforce and higher educational pursuits by teaching them the game design planning process, acquainting them with industry-related careers, and enhancing their proficiency in navigating Unity to create 3D games.
Coding (Beginners): Intro to Programming with Karel the Dog
Instructors: Akhil, Carter, Scarlet
Coding (Beginners): Intro to Programming with Karel the Dog
Instructors: Akhil, Carter, Scarlet
Join us at CodeHS Summer Camp for an exciting adventure with Karel the Dog in our specially designed Intro to Programming course! Perfect for middle and high school students, this summer camp runs for one action-packed quarter, offering 30 hours of hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
🐶 Why Karel the Dog? Karel is not just any dog — he’s your gateway to the world of coding! In a fun, grid-based world, you’ll teach Karel to perform tasks, maneuver obstacles, and solve puzzles, all through programming.
🖥️ Learn to Code in JavaScript: No previous experience? No problem! You’ll start from the basics, learning to issue commands and use functions in JavaScript, the language of the web. You’ll write both text-based and block-based programs right in your browser using the CodeHS online editor.
August 5–9
Coordinator: Nora
Robotics: FLL and FTC Preseason
Instructor: Akhil, Nora
Robotics: FLL and FTC Preseason
Instructors: Akhil
Blue Ridge Boost team members need not to signup for camp, only for the team.
Lego Robotics: Let's Compete with Lego Spike Prime
Instructors: Akhil, Nora
Lego Robotics: Let's Compete with Lego Spike Prime
Instructors: Akhil
Dive into our five-day advanced robotics camp designed for middle school students. This hands-on program enhances STEM learning, promoting critical 21st-century skills through daily challenges and collaborative projects. Students will tackle real-world problems, creating innovative solutions and pitching them to stakeholders. Prepare for a transformative learning experience that combines teamwork, engineering, and programming in an engaging environment.
August 12–16
Coordinator: Nora
Robotics: FLL and FTC preseason
Instructor: Akhil, Nora
Robotics: FLL and FTC preseason
Instructors: Akhil
Blue Ridge Boost team members need not to signup for camp, only for the team.

High School Signups

Math Workshops, $395/week
Intro to Calculus
29 July – 2 August; 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Teacher: Hillary
Coding Workshops: $395/week

Java for AP Computer Science
5 – 9 August; 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Teacher: Nora
Data Structures and Algorithms in Java
12 – 16 August; 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Teacher: Nora
Minimum enrollment: 5 students, Maxium 10 students.
Payment is due on the first day of class.

Enrichment and tutoring in Math and Computing for any student who wants to learn.
Led by Ana Nora Evans in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Blue Ridge Boost
2171 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Email: nora@blueridgeboost.com
Phone: ‪(434) 260-0636