Camp to teach youths about robotics

LEHI -- Junior computer programmers can visit the "Orange Planet" as part of a five-day camp at Thanksgiving Point.
Youngsters who attend the Robotics P.R.O.B.E. Camp, which runs Aug. 7-11, learn to build robots with Lego Mindstorm Robotics Kits, then learn to operate them with Robolab software on laptop computers. They work in classrooms where challenges are set up in a fashion similar to board games.
"Youth attending the camp will start off by learning the basics of Robolab programming, followed by practicing some simple mission practice tasks on the Space Deck," said Corinne Mayberry, youth education coordinator.
First, kids learn to use the computer software. Later they design robots to complete missions on the surface of the mysterious "Orange Planet," she said.
Challenges include programming the robots to push miniature rocks, navigate around "volcanoes" and "craters" and beep when they cross dark lines representing "alien spores," she said. "In addition to robotics, youth learn more about the solar system. The camp definitely will deliver on Thanksgiving Point's mission of hands-on discovery."Utah State University Extension 4-H and Thanksgiving Point Institute have teamed up to provide the experience. Grants from USU Extension and the Micron Foundation help pay the costs, Mayberry said.
The Thanksgiving Point camp is one of five "Robot Camps" that Utah State University Extension 4-H is offering around the state. Robotics is one of the many 4-H science, engineering and technology projects youth can explore. Others include solar system exploration, technology teams and GPS/GIS contests and events.
In addition to the camps, local 4-H clubs are becoming involved in robotics.
The Thanksgiving Point camp runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gardens Visitors Center. Call 768-2300 to register or visit the county extension office at 51 S. University, Suite 206 in Provo for more information. The camp costs $179.