Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Early Bird Special - Save $350
Rocks & Robots
We Build Their Experience, They Build Our Future
For over 20+ years, Rocks & Robots has been igniting young minds through a one-of-a-kind fusion of STEM innovation and outdoor adventure. More than just a camp, we create an experience where kids build, code, and keep their own robots, all while developing confidence and resilience through rock climbing.
Our mission? To blend creativity, technology, and hands-on learning in an unforgettable summer journey. Whether your child is a budding engineer, a fearless adventurer, or simply curious, they’ll find a place to thrive here.
Why Rocks & Robots?
What makes our camp premium? We get it—our tuition is higher than many summer camps. Some families compare us to national STEM franchises or university-hosted programs
What's the difference? Here’s what we’ve learned after 20+ years:
A few years ago, something incredible happened… We had a week where everything just clicked. The staff wasn’t rushed. The campers were in a state of deep focus. The whole room felt joyful, energized, and full of breakthroughs.
That’s when we realized the secret: More personal attention creates transformational experiences.
Instead of outsourcing instruction, our team is homegrown. Many of our staff started as campers themselves, so they don’t just teach the material—they live the philosophy. We are not a seasonal startup staffed with conveniently available college students. We train our team deeply in educational philosophy, classroom management, and child development because we believe how kids learn is just as important as what they learn.
Oh, and did we mention? Every camper takes home their own robot. 🎉
Who’s Teaching My Child?
At Rocks & Robots, we believe that the best teachers aren’t just instructors—they’re mentors.
Unlike national franchise camps, where most instructors are college students with minimal training, our staff has grown up in this program. Many were once campers themselves, and they return year after year because they believe in what we do.
Every camp is led by Dr. George Albercook, an educator with over 30 years of experience teaching students from kindergarten to post-doctoral mentoring. Dr. Albercook’s deep expertise ensures that every lesson is not just engaging but rooted in real educational principles that help children grow and succeed.
Why Trust Us?
Some things don’t show up in brochures. They happen in the quiet, unexpected moments—the ones we get to witness every summer.
It’s the camper who, for the first time, stops in the middle of a question and changes it to a statement: “Wait—don’t tell me. I think I got this.”
It’s the child who once dreaded group activities but realizes they’re actually great at explaining things to others. It’s the camper who thought they’d never climb that wall—but then one day, they do.
It’s the deep, chest-filling pride when they hold their finished robot and realize part of what makes the accomplishment feel so good is that it was hard won and frustrating.
This is why we do it. The better an experience we create, the more we get to see kids grow—not just in skill, but in who they are becoming.
How We Teach: A Science-Backed Approach
Our programs integrate research from:
🟢 Growth Mindset & Grit (Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth) – We encourage campers to see challenges as opportunities to grow.
🟢 High-Expectation Teaching – We set the bar high and give kids the support they need to reach it.
🟢 Peer Instruction & Emergent Learning – Campers don’t just learn from staff; they teach and inspire each other.
🟢 Frustration Tolerance & Creativity – We allow space for struggle because overcoming difficulty leads to deeper learning.
Our 2025 Camps
Which Adventure Is Right For Your Child?
We believe in full transparency. Our tuition isn’t just about the activities—it’s about creating deep, personalized, life-changing experiences.
👉 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio – Personalized attention
👉 Experienced mentors – Many of our instructors are former campers, bringing passion and firsthand knowledge.
👉 A STEM & adventure experience – Hands-on learning that sticks
👉 Every camper keeps their own robot – A lasting takeaway
LEGO Robotics
Age 6-9
Full Day | June 16 - August 18
9:00 to 3:30 (M,W,F), 9:00 to 5:00 (T,Th)
Half Day | June 17 - August 23
AM Session: 9:00am -12:00pm
PM Session: 12:30pm to 3:30pm (M,W,F), 12:30 to 5:00 (T,Th)
Build. Code. Create.
This beginner-friendly camp introduces young minds to robotics through LEGO WeDo. Campers start with guided builds, then take on fun challenges as they grow in confidence. They’ll design, build, and program animated robots that move under their own code—unlocking the magic of engineering and problem-solving. Plus, they get to take their robot home!
📅 Half-Day & Full-Day Options Available
Perfect for young builders who love hands-on creativity—no experience needed, no limits to their imagination!
$848.00 (Full Day)
$448.00 (Half Day)
Sumo Robotics & Climbing
Age 7-12
Full Day | June 16 - August 18
9:00 to 3:30 (M,W,F), 9:00 to 5:00 (T,Th)
Build a Robot. Battle for Victory. Conquer the Climb.
In this hands-on program, campers design and build Sumo-style robots using LEGO and computer-controlled mBot2. With motors, servos, gears, sensors, and a robot brain, they’ll engineer machines ready to take on the challenge.
Through iterative design and testing, they refine strategies—whether optimizing for speed vs. power or coding for smart responses. Returning campers will face fresh challenges with new techniques and strategies to master, ensuring continued growth.
Paired with rock climbing, this camp strengthens both creative problem-solving and resilience, on the mat and the wall.
Perfect for LEGOmaniacs ready for coding and building challenges!
$848.00
Arduino Robotics & Climbing
Age 11-16
Full Day | June 16 - August 18
9:00 to 3:30 (M,W,F), 9:00 to 5:00 (T,Th)
Think Bigger. Build Smarter. Push Limits.
This advanced program introduces Arduino microcontrollers, empowering campers to build and program sophisticated wheeled robots. They’ll learn C++ coding, wire circuits, control motors, and explore sensors—making their robots drive autonomously and respond to their environment using infrared vision and object detection.
More than just building, this camp prepares young innovators for the future of smart technology. By mastering Arduino, they gain the foundation to create interactive projects—like automated gadgets, intelligent sensors, and even the building blocks of IoT. Paired with rock climbing, this experience pushes both body and mind, fostering problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork.
A launchpad for campers ready to take robotics to the next level!
$848.00
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Rocks and Robots @ 2025