About
What will I do?
In sessions 1 & 2, you will spend half of the day building Electrical & Computer Engineering projects, including learning to solder components on a PCB board. These are designed by Virginia Tech engineering students working in the Autonomous Mastery & Prototyping Lab (AMP Lab). In 2024 students will build and take home a digital camera and robotic car. The other half of the day will be spent in a variety of hands on activities helping you explore the many facets of engineering.
In session 3, you will build, fly and take home a drone. Sessions on drone careers, using simulators, safety training and hands on activities related to aerospace engineering are also included.
Participants in both camps will create small group video diaries to document their learning at the program.
Is Transportation Available?
Free bus transportation will provided for residential participants from Martinsville (week 1) and Richmond (week 2). The bus will arrive in Blacksburg the Sunday before camp and return the Saturday after camp. Free daily bus transportation will be provided for day campers between Blacksburg and the Berglund Center in Roanoke week 1 only.
If I choose the residential option, where will I stay?
Residential campers will provided room and board in a residence hall on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech. Residential campers will check in the Sunday prior to camp and can check out eiher Friday after the closing or Saturday morning.
What Should I Bring?
Wear what you usually wear to school, but keep in mind that some of the labs may be messy. Virginia Tech is a large campus, so you will do a lot of walking - comfortable, closed-toed shoes are a must. You will use our computers and laboratory supplies. Lunch will be provided at one of Virginia Tech's dining halls.
Can I stay with my friend?
Campers will be assigned to one of four groups during the day. Residential campers will also be given a Residence Hall Advisor (RHA) that they will meet with each evening in small groups. Residential participants are housed in doubles. In order to balance the groups and help students expand their social network, we are not able to honor group, RHA or roommate requests. Participants can self-select who to be with during meals, evening social activities and any time prior to the 10:30PM curfew.
How much does the program cost?
- Day Campers: $250
- Residential Campers: $750
Full and partial scholarships are available based on financial need. Information from the parent form is used to determine eligibility. Potential applicants should not allow program costs to affect their decision to apply. Session 3 (July 14 - 20) is residential only and FREE to all participants due to sponsorship from ICTAS, the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, MAAP and Wing.
Please note: Accepted offers that are cancelled 30 days prior to the start of camp receive a 50% refund. Offers cancelled 14 days or less prior to the start of camp receive no refund.