Moving forward when we aren't sure what the future will hold.
Update from Tom Bickford (4/14/2020), Director

As we all know, our lives have been challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic that has been sweeping across the globe. Schools and many businesses are being run virtually and we've started putting our thinking caps on as well.

Robot Track Meets:
  • We have cancelled our Spring Robot Track Meets as we didn't think there would be a good way to do that without leaving most folks out. Most of the equipment is likely sitting in locked up schools and we just didn't think it would be a great way to move forward.

Summer Camps:
  • We've been planning and hoping that we'll have our Summer Camp program up and running this summer at the usual locations and are committed to providing our usual high-quality STEM learning experience this summer, however, we're also working on what a virtual plan would look like.
  • We are pretty sure we'll be able to offer the Build Your Own Summer Camps through a virtual delivery if needed (well, the computer parts would be delivered or available for pickup locally), but the camp would run virtually as we work through all of the normal direction and education that is needed for the youth to build their computers.
  • The same is true for the 3D Printing Camps. We are doing a "build your own 3D printer" this year anyway, so we could have the kits delivered. We may also if needed switch to a pre-built 3D printer to save us some of the possible troubles of getting youth building things that we aren't their to help with.
  • We think we'll be able to figure out how to provide the Minecraft Programming Camps as well but our counselors are trying to work through the possibilities there.
  • We aren't as sure about the LEGO Robotics Camps, but I've got the instructors thinking about this.
  • Youth STEM Learning Camp, we also aren't sure if we'll be able to move this to a virtual setting, we'll keep you posted.
  • IF we end up having to go virtual with camps, Campers would need a computer and internet access during the time of the camp. And of course we won't be there to take them outside at lunch to burn off a few calories and energy modules. We can discuss as we get closer if it will be possible to loan out laptops if required, but we'll be stretched thin if a lot of students need them.
  • Even if we can hold our camps in-person, we may have camp staff that cannot attend in person due to being higher risk for the coronavirus, but we would have people at the location to help run the program with some of the staff being virtually there to help.

Summer Camp Cancellations:
  • While we haven't had any camper cancellations yet, we understand that as we get closer to camp season (12 weeks away at the time I wrote this) we might see folks need to cancel for safety, health, or financial reasons.
  • If Maine Robotics cancels a camp session, then we refund 100%
  • If the camps are run as usual in their usual places, due to a declaration of "safe to proceed" from the State and/or Federal governments, then the normal cancellation policy will remain in effect.
  • If we have to transition to virtual camps (same time as you would sign up for, but using Zoom meetings), then we'll have to figure out the best strategy for handling cancellations.  If you have any questions, please give us a call or email (About Us-Contacts page)
 
We just wanted everyone to know that we are working hard to make sure that your children and youth have access to quality programs this summer, in whatever shape we have to do that.

​Tom Bickford, Founder and Director of Maine Robotics
Proudly powered by Weebly