Mission Debrief: Our First Holy Gears Summer Robotics Camp

This summer, the Holy Gears launched something brand new — our very first Mission to Planet Placebo Robotics Camp!

We opened the camp to all curious explorers in grades 3–5 from across the community, and to All Saints Catholic School students in grades 1–5. Over three days, for three hours each day, our “Holy Gears in Training” got the chance to experience what it’s like to design, build, and command their own robots on a mission.

🚀 Ground Control Leading the Way

Our camp was powered by nine veteran Holy Gears team members, who we called Ground Control. Each Ground Control mentor was paired with three “Holy Gears in Training,” guiding them through hands-on builds, mission strategy, and teamwork. The ratio meant every trainee got personal coaching and a real chance to succeed.

🤖 Missions, Robots, and Problem-Solving

Every team was issued a LEGO® FIRST robotics kit to design and program their perfect mission robot. Each day brought a new challenge to decode, deliver, and outsmart — with just one rule: don’t get slimed! By the end of camp, our Holy Gears in Training had tested, failed, redesigned, and celebrated as true engineers do.

🌟 Why This Matters

This wasn’t just a fun three-day camp. It was an opportunity to bring STEM to life in a community where All Saints Catholic School is the only school within 50 miles offering STEM programs for grades 1–8. We’re proud that our camp not only gave All Saints students a chance to grow, but also welcomed kids from across the Alpena area into the exciting world of robotics.

⚙️ Looking Ahead

Our first camp was just the beginning. The Holy Gears are committed to building a future where every student in our region has the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in creative, hands-on ways. Because when students learn to decode, deliver, and outsmart, they discover the skills that will take them anywhere.

Mission accomplished — and we can’t wait for the next one.