Video: Calhoun County Students Go To ‘Robotics Camp’ For Spring Break

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CALHOUN CITY, Miss. (WCBI) — Students in one Northeast Mississippi city are learning all about robotics and engineering during a three-day camp. As WCBI’s Allie Martin reports, the camp teaches youngsters about robotics and computer programming and also helps a high school team go to a prestigious competition.

It may be spring break, but these students are in class.

The Calhoun County Career and Technical is hosting its first robotics camp.

“I’m hoping they take away a love of engineering, love of design and hopefully they will all join my class when they get in ninth grade,” said Instructor Jennifer Bennett, who is  overseeing the 32 student camp. Third and fourth graders meet in the morning, while fifth through eighth graders have afternoon sessions.

The kids design, build and program a robot, which will be tested in a competition at the end of camp.

“The game we’re going to play is called swept away and we’re using ping-pong balls and Easter eggs and they have to , the idea is to get all balls from their side of the court to opponents side of the court,” Bennett said.

The whiz kids will also try to place the objects in buckets throughout the course. They say robotics camp is tough, but never boring.

“It can be fun while you’re learning,” said Camper Jacey Bennett.

“I’ve always wanted to learn about robotics, this is a great way to learn about it,” said Camper Oakley Edington.

Younger students are learning valuable, technical skills. However, this experience is helping their high school classmates practice for the World Championships next month.

“We’re the first year team, going to the world competition, which is shocking for us, and I’m really excited to go because I think we can place high enough,” said Ethan Strader, a camp facilitator.

The 75 dollar fee for each camper is helping pay for the trip to the world championship.

The camp wraps up with a competition Friday.  Organizers hope to make it an annual spring break event. www.ccsdrobotics.com