From the Director: 
​"While not every child had the time of their lives, almost all of the children who attended our summer camp programs had a positive and fun learning experience.  We ask for your feedback at the end of the summer so we can make the next year better.  As with all programs, school included, we need the children to work together.  Not only is this a good life skill to learn but it simply isn't possible to have robots and computers for every camper (without raising the cost of the camps even more).  Over 97% of camper families responded back that their child enjoyed the camp at the "met", "exceeded", or "outstanding" level.  While we would love to be at 100%, we'll probably never be able to get there.  We also recognize that 10% of the families would like us to work on better communications, so we'll try harder next summer to do a better job on that."

Comments about Maine Robotics:

Dear Maine Robotics Folks,
"I was the supervisor for a first-time-ever team last spring, and I am late in telling you what a TERRIFIC EXPERIENCE it was!!! My five middle school students learned so much preparing for the meet and were truly inspired by it. They are all excited to spend time during this school year to fine tune their creations and programs so they can compete again this spring. Thanks so much for all you do, it makes a huge difference in the lives of kids and makes learning fun and exciting. See you again in the spring. "
Thanks Again,
LK
​

Hi Tom, 
"Just a quick note to express my awe over the energy and the great success that you have, year after year, with this terrific endeavor.  It sounds like the challenges just keep getting better. "
With many thanks for all that you do and for the impact that you have on so many Maine kids, 
From parent of Belfast Lego Lions team member 6 years ago, now an engineering major in Montreal

Maine Robotics stimulates my son's imagination and problem solving skills and helps my son foster a love of STEM activities. Thank you Maine Robotics!

Feedback about Camps:

My son recently finished the online Build Your Own Computer camp and to say we are happy with how it went for him is a massive understatement! He was a little nervous to be doing it all virtually but was willing to give it a try. The support and engagement he was provided during the course was perfect and the presenters’ knowledge, and expertise were exemplary. His confidence soared as they led him to new understandings and helped him increase his level of computer proficiency. It’s been one of the best educational experiences of his life, so far. I highly recommend Maine Robotics if your child has any interest in computers."

"I keep meaning to share that my 12-year-old son is one of the students at this weeks camp on the Gorham campus.  He is LOVING the program!  I get goose bumps when he tells me about programming his robot…maybe ONE of my four kids will choose IT as a career."
Andrea Roma
Transformation Director, Enterprise Transformation
Unum, Global Services

"My son was very excited about attending the camp this year. He would get home at night and think about what he would accomplish the next day. To give you a reference point when soccer was starting up, he said do I have to go. Why is it starting already? When Robotics camp was starting he couldn't wait to get into the car to be there. "

My son had a great time learning how to code in MineCraft remotely during COVID If only he could be this engaged and independent during school!

My son participated again in 2020 (remotely) and this year he got to BUILD and KEEP his 3D printer. We are SO thrilled with this awesome program and the people who run it. Thank you!

​"Our son, Henry, is currently enrolled in robotics camp.  His first time in this experience, which he's heard much about.  He does all sorts of camps -- overnight camps, waterfront/ocean camps, tennis camp.  He generally likes them all BUT -- this morning, as we were getting ready to head over to camp, for just his second day, he said "I can't wait to get back to camp!"
So you're doing something right."

"Thanks for a WONDERFUL CAMP!! our girls loved it and we will try and recruit more girls for next year!! ​"

"I am thrilled with my child's camp experience. I look forward to him attending next summer. I love the photo provided at the end. Thanks so much. If I had any suggestion, it would be to issue a brief summary of what the kids accomplished at camp...maybe day-by-day highlights in addition to the photo. ​"

"My son came home SO excited every day. He was telling us all about the YouTube videos of a robot doing a Rubics cube. The camp even inspired him - a smart kid but is more likely to play outside all day - to stay inside and figure out the algorithms that one would use to solve the Rubics cube. He spent the whole day learning how to do it! So the camp clearly got him more interested in math and persevering through puzzles."

"I loved the enthusiasm and involvement of counselors. They were so into the legos and really seemed to be genuinely excited by the kids and their creations. ​"

"I think both my son and I had reservations when we walked into the Library of a middle school; it just felt wrong to be in a school setting during summer. But, boy were we both surprised! When I picked my son up from camp not just my son but every child had a grin from ear to ear and did not want to leave! What a joy and pleasure. ​"

"My son absoluely loved Robotics camp. He is a big sports guy and has tons of energy so although I knew he would like robotics, I was a bit worried that a) he had never done anything but build lego creations before, but no programming and b) there may not be enough activity to keep him occupied all week. My worries were for naught. He had a fabulous time, loved the other campers and the counselors. He built a new robot each day. While he did not fully understand how to do the programming he was comfortable with his partner taking the lead on this aspect and knows he'll be even more prepared when he comes next year. Which by the way, he is already counting down the time until camp next summer"

"My son has Aspergers but is mainstreamed in school and at this point, to the general public, just exhibits "quirky" behavior. He attended two weeks of robot camp. These weeks were by far the best experiences he has had with summer programs. Already a huge Lego fan, he could take his knowledge that much further with Mindstorms. What you're doing is excellent! ​"

Maine Robotics is done in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine