ORC Robotics Club
2026 SUMMER AI CAMP
Where Technology Meets Creativity this summer,
LEARN & HAVE FUN
Camps will be interesting, fun, full of surprises, new challenges and every day will be an opportunity for kids to learn something new!
Using play as an approach, kids will have fun while discovering the thrills of technologies, sciences, languages, arts and mathematics!
Camp theme:
Project selection, team assignments, technologies used, and project scope may be adjusted by instructors based on student interest, age, experience, skill level, learning pace, and overall group needs to ensure the best possible learning experience for all participants.
OPTION 1 (Brossard Only)
AI & Intelligent Robotics Camp (Secondary 1–4)
Build a robot or interactive system that can see, listen, or respond intelligently
Summary
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the world around us. From voice assistants and self-driving cars to image recognition and smart robots, AI is becoming an important part of modern technology.
In this camp, students will explore how AI systems work and how they can be integrated into real-world engineering projects. Through hands-on activities and team projects, students will learn how computers can recognize objects, understand simple voice commands, make decisions, and interact with people.
Rather than simply using AI tools, students will build and experiment with systems that combine AI concepts with robotics, sensors, cameras, and programming.
Topics may include:
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Understanding what AI is and how it differs from traditional programming
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Exploring image recognition and computer vision
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Using voice recognition and speech technologies
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Building interactive AI-powered systems
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Applying AI concepts to robotics and automation
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Learning how engineers use AI to solve real-world problems
Students will work individually or in teams to design and build a project that incorporates AI concepts. Depending on the interests and experience of the group, projects may include intelligent robots, smart assistants, interactive information systems, vision-guided devices, or other AI-inspired creations.
No prior AI experience is required, although students with robotics or programming experience will have opportunities to explore more advanced features.
The camp emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, engineering design, teamwork, and responsible use of AI technologies.
Sample 2-Week Project Progression (Subject to Adjustment)
The exact pace and project selection may vary depending on students' age, experience, and interests.
Week 1
Day 1
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Introduction to AI
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Human vs. AI activities
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Understanding how computers make decisions
Day 2
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Image recognition and computer vision
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Exploring object detection and classification
Day 3
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Voice recognition and AI assistants
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Building simple interactive voice applications
Day 4
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AI in robotics and automation
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Sensors, cameras, and intelligent decision-making
Day 5
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Project planning and team formation
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Selecting a project and developing initial prototype
Week 2
Day 6
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Project development
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Hardware integration and programming
Day 7
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Testing and improving AI features
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Problem-solving and debugging
Day 8
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Advanced project development
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User interaction and system refinement
Day 9
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Final assembly and performance testing
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Preparing demonstrations and presentations
Day 10
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Project showcase and presentations
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Reflection, feedback, and future learning opportunities
Note: The above schedule is provided as an example only. Activities, technologies, and project scope may be adjusted based on student experience, available equipment, and the progress of each group.
OPTION 2
Future Cities: Build the City of Tomorrow
What will cities look like in 20, 50, or even 100 years?
In this hands-on engineering camp, students will work together to design and build a smart city of the future using LEGO robotics, sensors, motors, and programming. Through teamwork and creative problem-solving, participants will explore how technology can improve transportation, energy, safety, infrastructure, and daily life.
Students will take on the role of engineers, inventors, and city planners as they design solutions to real-world challenges. Working in teams, they will build and program interactive systems such as automated transportation, smart traffic lights, renewable energy systems, safety devices, intelligent buildings, and other innovative city technologies.
As individual projects are completed, they will be connected into one large collaborative city model where different systems work together to create a functioning city of the future.
No previous robotics experience is required. Students will develop skills in engineering design, programming, teamwork, creativity, communication, and problem-solving while bringing their ideas to life.
The camp concludes with a Future Cities Showcase where students present their creations and demonstrate how their city works.
Sample 1-Week Project Progression (Subject to Adjustment)
Day 1 – Imagine the Future
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Introduction to future cities and smart technologies
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Explore transportation, energy, safety, and infrastructure systems
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Brainstorm ideas and form project teams
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Begin planning city components and designs
Day 2 – Design and Build
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Build the first versions of city systems
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Learn how motors, sensors, and programming can improve city services
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Develop transportation, energy, safety, or infrastructure projects
Day 3 – Make It Smart
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Add programming and automation features
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Test sensors, motors, and interactive functions
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Improve designs based on testing and feedback
Day 4 – Build the City
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Connect individual projects into one collaborative city
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Create roads, buildings, public spaces, and city infrastructure
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Test how different systems interact and work together
Day 5 – City Challenge & Showcase
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Complete final improvements and testing
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Participate in city-wide challenges and demonstrations
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Present projects and explain design decisions
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Future Cities Showcase for families and guests
Activities and project scope may be adjusted based on student age, experience, available equipment, and group progress.
OPTION 3
Mars Colony: Engineering the Future of Space Exploration
What would it take to build humanity's first settlement on Mars?
In this hands-on robotics and engineering camp, students become members of a pioneering space mission tasked with establishing a sustainable colony on the Red Planet. Working with LEGO robotics, sensors, motors, and programming, participants will design, build, and test robotic systems capable of helping humans survive and thrive in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
Throughout the week, students will complete a series of engineering missions inspired by real-world space exploration. They will design robotic rovers, transport supplies, navigate difficult terrain, explore unknown environments, and develop solutions to support life on Mars.
As the missions progress, students will work together to create a model Mars colony featuring transportation systems, exploration vehicles, energy solutions, communication systems, and infrastructure designed to support future astronauts.
More than just building robots, participants will learn how engineers analyze problems, test solutions, adapt designs, and work as a team to achieve complex goals.
Skills Developed
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Engineering design and problem solving
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Robotics construction and programming
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Autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance
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Sensors and data collection
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Critical thinking and innovation
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Teamwork and communication
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Project planning and testing
Why This Program?
Many modern robotics and engineering challenges require students to solve open-ended problems rather than simply follow instructions. The Mars Colony program encourages students to think like engineers by identifying challenges, designing solutions, testing ideas, and improving their designs through iteration.
These are the same types of skills used in advanced robotics projects, engineering competitions, and innovation programs around the world.
Sample 1-Week Mission Progression (Subject to Adjustment)
Mission 1 – Arrival on Mars
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Discover the challenges of living and working on Mars
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Introduction to robotics, sensors, and programming
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Prepare the first robotic systems for exploration
Mission 2 – Supply Delivery
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Design and build a Mars rover
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Transport equipment and supplies across rough terrain
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Test mobility, stability, and control systems
Mission 3 – Exploration & Navigation
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Develop autonomous navigation strategies
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Detect obstacles and follow routes
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Explore unknown regions of the Martian surface
Mission 4 – Building the Colony
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Design and construct the first Mars settlement
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Create energy, transportation, and support systems
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Integrate robotic solutions into the colony
Mission 5 – Colony Activation
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Complete final testing and improvements
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Solve mission challenges
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Demonstrate robotic systems and present the Mars colony project
Activities and project scope may be adjusted based on student age, experience, available equipment, and group progress.
OPTION 4 (West Island Only)
Autonomous Vehicles: Engineering the Future of Transportation
How do self-driving cars see the road, make decisions, and navigate safely?
In this hands-on engineering camp, students will explore the technologies behind autonomous vehicles through robotics, sensors, programming, computer vision, and real-world engineering challenges.
Participants will learn how modern autonomous systems collect information, interpret their surroundings, make decisions, and respond to changing conditions. Working individually or in teams, students will design, build, test, and improve autonomous vehicle systems while applying the engineering design process used by real-world engineers.
Throughout the program, students will investigate the challenges faced by self-driving vehicles, including navigation, obstacle detection, lane following, environmental sensing, and decision-making.
The camp combines robotics, engineering, programming, testing, teamwork, and innovation while introducing students to one of the fastest-growing fields in modern technology.
Skills Developed
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Engineering design and problem solving
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Robotics construction and programming
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Autonomous navigation
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Sensor integration and data collection
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Computer vision concepts
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Testing and performance improvement
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Teamwork and communication
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Engineering documentation and presentation
Why This Program?
Autonomous vehicles represent one of the most exciting engineering challenges of our time. Students will experience how engineers transform ideas into working systems through design, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
The skills developed in this program are closely related to advanced robotics projects, engineering competitions, and innovation programs.
Sample 2-Week Project Progression (Subject to Adjustment)
Week 1 – Foundations of Autonomous Vehicles
Focus: Build and program a vehicle capable of basic autonomous operation.
Day 1 – Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles
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How self-driving vehicles work
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Sensors, controllers, and decision making
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Vehicle design and assembly
Day 2 – Vehicle Control Systems
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Steering, propulsion, and stability
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Programming movement and control
Day 3 – Sensors and Navigation
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Distance sensors
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Line following
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Environmental awareness
Day 4 – Autonomous Challenges
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Navigation missions
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Obstacle avoidance
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Vehicle optimization
Day 5 – Testing & Competition
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Performance trials
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Engineering improvements
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Autonomous driving challenge
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Week 2 – Advanced Autonomous Systems
Focus: Make vehicles smarter and more capable.
Day 6 – Smarter Navigation
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Route planning
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Multi-stage missions
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Decision-making systems
Day 7 – Vehicle Intelligence
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Data collection
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Vehicle behavior analysis
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Performance tuning
Day 8 – Computer Vision & AI Concepts
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Introduction to machine vision
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Object recognition concepts
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Applications in autonomous vehicles
Day 9 – Future Engineering Project
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Design improvements
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Advanced features
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Team engineering project
Day 10 – Future Engineers Showcase
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Final testing
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Presentation and demonstrations
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Engineering showcase and awards
Activities, technologies, and project scope may be adjusted according to participant age, experience, available equipment, and group progress.