Frequently Asked Questions for the Summer of 2021
Q: Will the 2021 camps be in-person or online?
A: We are currently planning on having in-person camps, although if we do, expect that COVID guidelines to be in place to keep our staff, your children, and our communities safe. In all likelihood, we won't know until the middle of the spring what the Summer of 2021 will look like for camps. As I write this our country is experiencing a huge spike in the number of cases and schools are going online. But... we also ,know that vaccines have started to roll out.
If we have to hold online camps, we'll keep everyone informed as we go through the process. Anyone registered will get email updates as we work through the process. With every single one of our locations physically closed this last summer and with so many unknowns about the virus, we went online for the summer of 2020 and had 156 campers with us. We built robots, 3D printers, and computers. We had folks programming in Minecraft. We had fun, we learned a lot, and we're prepared to try and deal with that again for 2021 if it is required.
A: We are currently planning on having in-person camps, although if we do, expect that COVID guidelines to be in place to keep our staff, your children, and our communities safe. In all likelihood, we won't know until the middle of the spring what the Summer of 2021 will look like for camps. As I write this our country is experiencing a huge spike in the number of cases and schools are going online. But... we also ,know that vaccines have started to roll out.
If we have to hold online camps, we'll keep everyone informed as we go through the process. Anyone registered will get email updates as we work through the process. With every single one of our locations physically closed this last summer and with so many unknowns about the virus, we went online for the summer of 2020 and had 156 campers with us. We built robots, 3D printers, and computers. We had folks programming in Minecraft. We had fun, we learned a lot, and we're prepared to try and deal with that again for 2021 if it is required.
Q: What equipment are you using for the LEGO Robotics camp?
A: We are currently using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Kit, but LEGO just announced the replacement for the EV3 with the introduction of the Spike Prime robot. At the time of this writing, I've received my Spike Prime robot, but haven't had a chance to build it yet. So don't know if it is a good fit with the camps. Although eventually we will have to go this way as we see the EV3 come off the production line (just like we did when the EV3 replaced the NXT and the NXT replaced the RCX). We are currently writing grants to help purchase new robot kits, so some camps may be running with the EV3 and some with the Spike Prime. Time will tell.
A: If online: Campers will receive a complete (to borrow) LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Kit; a supplemental bag of parts; and a roll out mission mat. At the end of the week, the camper family will have to return the kit so we can get it cleaned and ready to send back out again. An inventory sheet will be in the set to allow the camper to put everything back at the end of the week. We aren't worried if a few small pieces disappear, it happens and you'll find them under your couch next time you vacuum, but we will need all the major elements back.
A2: If you have your own EV3 kit and/or your own LEGOs, it's important that you keep our equipment separate from your equipment. We understand it may be necessary to "borrow" between kits, but we don't need your LEGOs and we can't let you keep our LEGOs. Families will be responsible for any significant missing parts (particularly any electronic parts, wheels, or large pieces). The EV3 kit retails for $440 and we cannot afford to replace these because you don't return them or lose significant pieces out of them. Think of us as a LEGO Lending Library and there are replacement penalties if you lose the stuff. In 2020 we did great and everything came back!!!
A: We are currently using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Kit, but LEGO just announced the replacement for the EV3 with the introduction of the Spike Prime robot. At the time of this writing, I've received my Spike Prime robot, but haven't had a chance to build it yet. So don't know if it is a good fit with the camps. Although eventually we will have to go this way as we see the EV3 come off the production line (just like we did when the EV3 replaced the NXT and the NXT replaced the RCX). We are currently writing grants to help purchase new robot kits, so some camps may be running with the EV3 and some with the Spike Prime. Time will tell.
A: If online: Campers will receive a complete (to borrow) LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Kit; a supplemental bag of parts; and a roll out mission mat. At the end of the week, the camper family will have to return the kit so we can get it cleaned and ready to send back out again. An inventory sheet will be in the set to allow the camper to put everything back at the end of the week. We aren't worried if a few small pieces disappear, it happens and you'll find them under your couch next time you vacuum, but we will need all the major elements back.
A2: If you have your own EV3 kit and/or your own LEGOs, it's important that you keep our equipment separate from your equipment. We understand it may be necessary to "borrow" between kits, but we don't need your LEGOs and we can't let you keep our LEGOs. Families will be responsible for any significant missing parts (particularly any electronic parts, wheels, or large pieces). The EV3 kit retails for $440 and we cannot afford to replace these because you don't return them or lose significant pieces out of them. Think of us as a LEGO Lending Library and there are replacement penalties if you lose the stuff. In 2020 we did great and everything came back!!!
Q: Are the staff always present?
A: When in person, our staff will be with the students from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm including during lunch. All our camps are staffed with 3 or more staff (very few exceptions) so even if they need a break, your camper will be under the direct supervision of one of our staff.
A: When online, our staff will be working with your students from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm, except for lunch.
A: When in person, our staff will be with the students from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm including during lunch. All our camps are staffed with 3 or more staff (very few exceptions) so even if they need a break, your camper will be under the direct supervision of one of our staff.
A: When online, our staff will be working with your students from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm, except for lunch.
Q: Are online courses less expensive?
A: No, the online courses actually cost us more to run. We found out in 2020, that we needed to run with slightly smaller classes or extra staff members, as well as having people working on Saturday for the drop offs and pick ups of equipment, and most of the costs of our camp are for paying the staff. So while we saved on snacks, that was the only thing that cost us less.
A: No, the online courses actually cost us more to run. We found out in 2020, that we needed to run with slightly smaller classes or extra staff members, as well as having people working on Saturday for the drop offs and pick ups of equipment, and most of the costs of our camp are for paying the staff. So while we saved on snacks, that was the only thing that cost us less.
Q: How many staff do you have in a camp?
A: We will be running with our normal camp ratio which is about 1 staff for every 5 campers for the LEGO Robotics and Minecraft camps and 1 staff for every 4 campers in the BYOCC and 3D printing camps.
A2: If online: We will try to either reduce class size or increase staffing to bring the ration down. We found this necessary for 2020 as it does take more time when you can't just walk around the classroom and work with students. We use breakout rooms when students need extra 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 time with an instructor.
A: We will be running with our normal camp ratio which is about 1 staff for every 5 campers for the LEGO Robotics and Minecraft camps and 1 staff for every 4 campers in the BYOCC and 3D printing camps.
A2: If online: We will try to either reduce class size or increase staffing to bring the ration down. We found this necessary for 2020 as it does take more time when you can't just walk around the classroom and work with students. We use breakout rooms when students need extra 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 time with an instructor.
Q: What happens in a camp if equipment is bad?
A: In person: We carry enough spares to keep the camps running, no worries.
A: If online: The Maine Robotics camps are equipment intensive. It is absolutely possible for equipment to not work correctly. BUT, we are planning on having replacement parts staged in the Portland, Augusta, and Bangor parts of the state so that one of our regional camp staff can work with parents to get a replacement part later that night if something fails. In some cases (particularly for the BYOC Camp) the family may want to purchase an upgrade on their own as a way around a problem with something. Many of the campers come into the camp expecting to upgrade anyway and we can work with a family and camper to help them find that part. If neither of those is an option we can also overnight a part, although that is obviously not our first choice as it takes a camper out of the mix for a day until the part arrives.
IF we cannot resolve it, we would invite the camper to come back any other week that we have the camp running and finish their project/build. This would give us additional time to get a replacement part to your camper.
This issue is not expected to be a problem with either the LEGO Robotics camp or the Minecraft camp, but if for some reason it did, we'd do the same thing to get through that.
We're here to make this happen, but we can't predict where something might happen. We have, however, gotten really good at fixing things remotely, it's happened every year we've run camps when campers get home and a computer stops working, or they try 3D printing on their home printer and it doesn't work; or they can't get a robot to follow a line... we do our best to handle it.
A: In person: We carry enough spares to keep the camps running, no worries.
A: If online: The Maine Robotics camps are equipment intensive. It is absolutely possible for equipment to not work correctly. BUT, we are planning on having replacement parts staged in the Portland, Augusta, and Bangor parts of the state so that one of our regional camp staff can work with parents to get a replacement part later that night if something fails. In some cases (particularly for the BYOC Camp) the family may want to purchase an upgrade on their own as a way around a problem with something. Many of the campers come into the camp expecting to upgrade anyway and we can work with a family and camper to help them find that part. If neither of those is an option we can also overnight a part, although that is obviously not our first choice as it takes a camper out of the mix for a day until the part arrives.
IF we cannot resolve it, we would invite the camper to come back any other week that we have the camp running and finish their project/build. This would give us additional time to get a replacement part to your camper.
This issue is not expected to be a problem with either the LEGO Robotics camp or the Minecraft camp, but if for some reason it did, we'd do the same thing to get through that.
We're here to make this happen, but we can't predict where something might happen. We have, however, gotten really good at fixing things remotely, it's happened every year we've run camps when campers get home and a computer stops working, or they try 3D printing on their home printer and it doesn't work; or they can't get a robot to follow a line... we do our best to handle it.
Q: Can an out-of-stater attend a camp?
A: We did this successfully in 2020 and we'll do it again for 2021. IF we hold online camps, we'll be doing drop off and pick up locations and having a shipping option for $80 extra that would allow someone to get it shipped. All the same restrictions about age and access to the internet and ability to use Zoom for the camp exist. Not all camps will be run with a shipping option. There is more information about what we can and can't ship and which camps can take advantage of this on our website.
A: We did this successfully in 2020 and we'll do it again for 2021. IF we hold online camps, we'll be doing drop off and pick up locations and having a shipping option for $80 extra that would allow someone to get it shipped. All the same restrictions about age and access to the internet and ability to use Zoom for the camp exist. Not all camps will be run with a shipping option. There is more information about what we can and can't ship and which camps can take advantage of this on our website.
Q: What do they do in the Minecraft camp?
A: The curriculum for our Minecraft camp is designed to be an introduction to programming concepts - learning how programming works and the concepts that it is built on. We generally do not dive too far deep into coding a particular language until later in the week. That being said, it is a very scalable camp, depending on the campers abilities, and in the end they will be able to use what they know and apply that in the Minecraft coding environment.
As for specific languages that we use in the camp, we use Lua and JavaScript primarily. As it is an introductory class, we spend a bit of time "block coding" - a stripped down version of coding to teach the concepts behind it. However, at any time, the students can switch to the script version and code that way.
Primarily we use a different version of MineCraft called MineCraft Edu. It is currently on 1.12.60, but it does not exactly mirror the original game in terms of updates.
A: The curriculum for our Minecraft camp is designed to be an introduction to programming concepts - learning how programming works and the concepts that it is built on. We generally do not dive too far deep into coding a particular language until later in the week. That being said, it is a very scalable camp, depending on the campers abilities, and in the end they will be able to use what they know and apply that in the Minecraft coding environment.
As for specific languages that we use in the camp, we use Lua and JavaScript primarily. As it is an introductory class, we spend a bit of time "block coding" - a stripped down version of coding to teach the concepts behind it. However, at any time, the students can switch to the script version and code that way.
Primarily we use a different version of MineCraft called MineCraft Edu. It is currently on 1.12.60, but it does not exactly mirror the original game in terms of updates.
Q: Do I need to have a computer at home for my child to participate?
A: For online: Yes, you would need a computer that can connect to the internet, run Zoom Meeting software, and run the different software that we use in camps. Most computers that are less than 5 years old can probably accomplish this.
A: For online: Yes, you would need a computer that can connect to the internet, run Zoom Meeting software, and run the different software that we use in camps. Most computers that are less than 5 years old can probably accomplish this.
Q: Can I borrow a laptop or computer if we don't have enough/any?
A: We have some available, details to follow. You would still need to have internet connectivity at your house or apartment.
A: We have some available, details to follow. You would still need to have internet connectivity at your house or apartment.
Q: I live in Portland but the camp is full, can I register for Bangor?
A: Yes, For 2021, we are hoping to have most of our camps running with an online option, so that while some students are in-person, you can attend remotely if that is the option you choose. Check each camps description to see if it is offered that way. You would still need to do the pickup/drop-off or shipping options to get the equipment.
A: Yes, For 2021, we are hoping to have most of our camps running with an online option, so that while some students are in-person, you can attend remotely if that is the option you choose. Check each camps description to see if it is offered that way. You would still need to do the pickup/drop-off or shipping options to get the equipment.
Q: I'm from another state than Maine, can I register my child?
UPDATED 11/20/2020: YES you can register and choose the Shipping add-on to have the equipment sent. Only applies for the BYOCC and 3D camps at this time. Check the camp description.
UPDATED 11/20/2020: YES you can register and choose the Shipping add-on to have the equipment sent. Only applies for the BYOCC and 3D camps at this time. Check the camp description.
Q: Can I sign up two campers for different programs on the same week?
A: Absolutely, as long as they can both connect via their own computer, and probably not right next to each other (audio problems with Zoom) then they should both be able to participate.
A: Absolutely, as long as they can both connect via their own computer, and probably not right next to each other (audio problems with Zoom) then they should both be able to participate.
Q: How will we get our equipment for a remote camp?
A1: There will be scheduled drop off/pick up Saturdays starting before the first week of camp to get the equipment out to camper families. Drop offs and Pick ups will be in Portland, Augusta, and Bangor. We apologize in advance that we can't be at all the possible locations, but these drop offs and pick ups are being done by the same people who are running the camps.
A2: Or by shipping
A1: There will be scheduled drop off/pick up Saturdays starting before the first week of camp to get the equipment out to camper families. Drop offs and Pick ups will be in Portland, Augusta, and Bangor. We apologize in advance that we can't be at all the possible locations, but these drop offs and pick ups are being done by the same people who are running the camps.
A2: Or by shipping
Q: I need to cancel, what is the policy?
A: A reminder to check the Policies section in the main menu about camp policies and cancellation policies. As we are moving our programs into USM for this coming year we are still working on our policies.
A: A reminder to check the Policies section in the main menu about camp policies and cancellation policies. As we are moving our programs into USM for this coming year we are still working on our policies.
Q: If my child needs extra assistance or needs help fixing something, how does that work?
A, in person: We help them.
A1 remote: If your child needs assistance in school to get through challenges, please consider being there to help them, or at least nearby should we ask them to grab you for some assistance.
A2: If there are technical difficulties (I mean when), we have the ability to have one of our counselors pull a camper (or two or three) into a side meeting on the spot and walk through the issue. When the side meeting is done, the camper can choose to move back to the main room, or wait for the counselor to close the side meeting.
A, in person: We help them.
A1 remote: If your child needs assistance in school to get through challenges, please consider being there to help them, or at least nearby should we ask them to grab you for some assistance.
A2: If there are technical difficulties (I mean when), we have the ability to have one of our counselors pull a camper (or two or three) into a side meeting on the spot and walk through the issue. When the side meeting is done, the camper can choose to move back to the main room, or wait for the counselor to close the side meeting.
Q: What equipment do we need to participate?
A: In person, you won't need anything particular to participate. We require campers to bring their own lunch and we will likely need them to bring their own mask as well.
A: Remotely:
A: In person, you won't need anything particular to participate. We require campers to bring their own lunch and we will likely need them to bring their own mask as well.
A: Remotely:
- You will need a computer to run the Zoom meeting. This could be a tablet or a laptop or a desktop. We don't recommend a cell phone/smart phone as the screen is too small. Here is Zoom's system requirement webpage.
- You will need a webcam or built in camera with microphone so that you can be part of the camp
- Any tools you are likely to need will be provided, but you never know when another pair of pliers might be needed
- Each camp will send out a "camp list" as we get closer to the camp date if they feel that there are other things you might need.
Q: What are the hours of the camps?
A: In person or remote, the hours are the same, we normally run 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Since we will be using "waiting rooms", you can log on to the Zoom conference early, but you won't be let into the camp until the staff are ready. This might be slightly earlier than 9:00 am, but should not by any later than 9:00 am. We'll break from noon until 1:00 pm for lunch, leg stretch, bathroom break etc. Each camp leader can choose to hang out for questions, but is not required to do so. We'll wrap up at 3:30 pm, same as we have for years.
A: In person or remote, the hours are the same, we normally run 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Since we will be using "waiting rooms", you can log on to the Zoom conference early, but you won't be let into the camp until the staff are ready. This might be slightly earlier than 9:00 am, but should not by any later than 9:00 am. We'll break from noon until 1:00 pm for lunch, leg stretch, bathroom break etc. Each camp leader can choose to hang out for questions, but is not required to do so. We'll wrap up at 3:30 pm, same as we have for years.
Q: Do we have to buy any other software or equipment?
A: No. Everything should be included with the cost of the camp. Some of the software will be provided on a flash drive when you pick up the equipment, others will be a free download for the campers to get on the first day of camp. As for equipment, everything should be included. That is our goal, but this is still a new process for us. If we hit small snags on our first week or two, it might be easier if parents can grab a thingy from the local store than for us to order then online and then have them shipped to you (to arrive after the camp is over). Normally our camp leaders would be running to the local store in the evening if they found they were missing something and then bring it into the camp the next day.
A: No. Everything should be included with the cost of the camp. Some of the software will be provided on a flash drive when you pick up the equipment, others will be a free download for the campers to get on the first day of camp. As for equipment, everything should be included. That is our goal, but this is still a new process for us. If we hit small snags on our first week or two, it might be easier if parents can grab a thingy from the local store than for us to order then online and then have them shipped to you (to arrive after the camp is over). Normally our camp leaders would be running to the local store in the evening if they found they were missing something and then bring it into the camp the next day.
Q: Do your staff have experience doing Zoom classes?
A: Yes, almost all of our camp leaders have been doing online learning this spring as they are teachers at public schools who have had to transition that way anyway. Some of the camp leaders have taught online classes over the course of several decades as part of their different positions. But in the end, they are technology folks and it works out.
A: Yes, almost all of our camp leaders have been doing online learning this spring as they are teachers at public schools who have had to transition that way anyway. Some of the camp leaders have taught online classes over the course of several decades as part of their different positions. But in the end, they are technology folks and it works out.