Robot Camp Shopping List
A robot camp needs more than building sets and laptops. You need enough workstations for each team, reliable power, charged devices, and a clear way to run registration and competitions. Food service is easy to overlook when participants spend several hours building and testing robots. Use this list alongside your event plan, then confirm quantities after you know the number of teams, participants and supervisors.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Plan one complete workstation per team: include a robot building set, a programming device, access to a charger, and enough table space for parts and testing. Keep one spare device or charger available for failures.
- Count power before setup day. Give each workstation access to a power strip, and add extension cords where tables are not close to sockets; test every charger and device before participants arrive.
- Prepare the competition area separately from the workstations. Set out the competition mat, cones, measuring tapes and stopwatches before the first challenge, and keep barrier tape ready for safety boundaries.
- Buy or bring serving equipment as well as food and drinks. For a full-day camp, plan at least one cup and plate per participant, plus extra reusable cups, and chill drinks in coolers before registration starts.
- Pack registration supplies in one clearly marked box. Name labels, team cards, printed programming cards and attendance materials should be ready at least 30 minutes before participants arrive, not mixed in with robot parts.
Frequently asked questions
- What equipment do I need for a robot camp?
- Each team needs a robot building set and a device for programming, such as a tablet or laptop. Also plan chargers, power strips, extension cords, and a tested presentation setup if you will demonstrate instructions or results.
- How many laptops or tablets do I need for robot camp?
- Start with one programming device per team, then add at least one spare device for a camp with several teams. Test the software, chargers and internet requirements no later than the day before the event.
- What food and serving supplies are needed for a robot camp?
- Plan at least one plate, cup and cutlery set per participant, with a few extras for replacements. Bring coolers for drinks and enough serving platters, tongs and spoons to keep food service separate from the robot workstations.
- When should I charge robot batteries for camp?
- Charge all robot batteries the evening before the camp and check their charge again during setup. Keep chargers and USB chargers available so batteries can be topped up between building and competition sessions.