Every year, Tech Garage does a great job of keeping a unifying theme for the four weeks of camp, while continuing to challenge and motivate those who have attended camp for multiple years. The program is centered around a challenge or project-based learning where we provide guidance when needed.

The year-round TechGarage program will begin to focus members toward real world problems where they can utilize their technology skills developed from competitive robotics. We will see what the campers can do and have some fun with the challenges starting in camp. This is a great way to start the process of getting students engaged in thinking about real-world problems at a young age.

Participants will form teams that to compete for cash prizes (X-prize) on the last day of the four-week camp. This is an optional program for those who want to step up to the challenge.  The team that best solves that problem based on the specifications will be awarded a cash prize of $1,000. In addition to the cash prize, a number of other prizes will be available such as:

• A machine capable of automatically sorting 10 different types of Legos with 90% accuracy given a specific time limit.
• A robotic lawnmower that can automatically cut a region of grass at FAU Henderson school.
• A machine capable of sorting 6-32 bolts of varying lengths.
• A custom designed drone with increased lift capacity and modular payload area using the core electronics from a Bebop 2 drone.

These will be difficult challenges and we will be pleasantly surprised if teams are able to meet the specifications and be eligible for the cash prize. At most, only one cash prize will be awarded per X-prize challenge and the challenges will be open until solved.

SHARK TANK

We will also offer a Shark Tank style competition on the last day of camp. Campers will have the opportunity to present a business idea and working prototype to a distinguished panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded if the judges feel the business idea has merit and the working prototype demonstrates the potential of the product. We have numerous mentoring programs in Boca for young entrepreneurs and this will be a great introduction to what it takes to start a business.

BEGINNING (GRADES 4-8) – REGISTRATION

$350/week or $1200 for all 4 weeks (9am-5pm)

Beginning camp is designed for those who are just getting started and have a passion for technology. We have four structured programs where campers will be in one class in the morning and a different class in the afternoon. If a camper attends two weeks they will be able to complete all four programs. For campers who sign up for all four weeks we will work with them based on ability in advance camp or interest in other programs. We have no shortage of fun and engaging programs.

• Programming – Code Combat is a fun way to learn programming in Python or Javascript by playing a videogame, We are bringing back an old favorite with RoboCode to teach Java programming through a Tank game where campers compete against each other.
• Electronics – Arduino microprocessor and breadboarding of electronics, LittleBits a fun build system that allows building of custom circuits and devices.
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) – Campers will use OnShape to CAD parts that can be laser cut or 3D printed. Will be focused on making something that can be taken home.
• Building – We have a couple options based on interest. Campers will be able to do First Robotics League robot, SeaPerch, Model building, DIY STEAM kits.

ADVANCED (GRADES 6-12) – REGISTRATION

$350/week or $1200 for all 4 weeks (9am-5pm)

• COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN: This is probably our most popular program every year where campers will learn and use CAD(OnShape.com) to laser cut and 3D print parts. We will also introduce Vacuum Forming which allows casting of parts with different materials. For those planning to do Shark Tank this will help understand the challenges of mass producing parts for a product. For those interested in the Lego sorter, Robot lawnmower, Drone build or Bolt sorter these will all require custom manufacturing of parts.
• VIRTUAL REALITY GAME DESIGN: We fully anticipate this will be a very popular program and priority will be given to campers who sign up for all four weeks of camp. We will be using the Unity game engine to develop VR applications for HTC Vive, Oculus and possibly Microsoft HoloLens. A prerequisite for this program is the ability to CAD a 3D part which can then be imported into Unity which does a great job of minimizing complicated programming to do basic VR applications.
• ELECTRONICS: Raspberry PI and Arduino have redefined what is possible for low cost but powerful embedded systems. Campers will work through the core concepts of using Raspberry PI and Python to control external circuits and work with a range of add on boards(HATS) that allow for external input/output/control. This will provide a foundation for the skills needed to work on the X-prizes or SharkTank competition.
• PROGRAMMING: RoboCode is a great way to learn the fundamentals of Java programming where you program a Tank using a provided API that competes against other pre-programmed tanks and tanks from other campers.  Can’t emphasize enough the importance of learning the fundamentals of programming using Java. Taking this class will be a prerequisite for the Virtual Reality Game Design program if you are new to TechGarage.