Peninsula Robotics Academy

Try our robotics camps for rising 6th–9th graders in Palo Alto! Build, code, and test real robots in small groups, all guided by an award-winning competitive robotics team.

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Developing the Next Generation of STEM Leaders.

  • Small groups (5:2 ratio) for personalized support

  • Led by an award-winning competitive robotics team

  • Hands-on building and coding every day

  • Project-based, hands-on engineering experience

  • Progression for all skill levels

  • Four boys working together on a robotics project with wires and mechanical parts, some boys are kneeling and using a drill, in a classroom or workshop setting.

    Build-a-Bot Workshop

    Dates: June 8–12 and July 13–17
    Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
    Location: 2685 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

    This camp is perfect for beginners and students who want a fun, hands-on introduction to robotics. No prior experience is required.

    Each morning, students rotate through guided mini-projects led by our Build, Design, Software, and Electrical mentors. Campers explore mechanical assembly, basic CAD and design, programming fundamentals, and safe wiring techniques while learning core engineering skills step by step.

    In the afternoon, students apply what they’ve learned by working in teams to build and program their own robot. Throughout the week, they test, improve, and refine their designs with mentor support. Friday concludes with friendly challenges where teams showcase their robots.

    Best for: Beginners • First-time robotics students • Hands-on learners
    Focus: Building • Wiring • Coding • Team challenges
    Outcome: Design and program your own working robot by the end of the week

    Sign-Up
  • Group of five young students working together on a robotics project on the floor of a workshop or classroom, surrounded by tools and equipment.

    Build-A-Bot: Next Level Workshop

    Dates: June 15–19 and July 20–24
    Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
    Location: 2685 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

    This camp is recommended for students who have completed Build-a-Bot or already have some robotics experience and are ready for a deeper challenge.

    Students work on more open-ended and complex projects, spending more time designing their own solutions and improving their builds. Campers are introduced to tools commonly used in robotics labs, including CAD software, 3D printing, and structured robot programming. They learn how to plan projects, test ideas, and iterate like real engineering teams.

    Throughout the week, students collaborate in small groups to design, build, and refine their robots while developing creativity, teamwork, and time management skills.

    Best for: Returning campers • Intermediate students • Ready for deeper challenges
    Focus: Custom builds • CAD & 3D printing • Advanced programming • Team engineering
    Outcome: Plan, design, and improve more complex robots using real robotics tools

    Sign-Up
  • A young man in a blue hoodie with 'FUTURISTIC' printed on the sleeve is working on a 3D printer at a wooden table. There is a laptop next to the printer, and a pegboard with tools and wires on the white wall behind.

    Robotics Innovation Lab

    Dates: June 22–26 and July 27–31
    Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
    Location: 2685 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

    This camp is ideal for students who already have some robotics experience and want more freedom to explore their own ideas and interests.

    Each morning, mentors introduce a new area of robotics such as programming, CAD and 3D design, sensors, electronics, or vision systems. Through short, hands-on lessons, students gain practical experience with different tools and technologies used in real robotics projects.

    In the afternoons, campers work independently or in small groups on projects they care about. With mentor guidance, they plan, build, test, and improve their ideas while learning how to think creatively and solve problems on their own.

    Best for: Experienced students • Creative problem-solvers • Independent projects
    Focus: Programming • Design • Electronics • Vision/AI • Personal builds
    Outcome: Learn new technologies and create a project you design yourself

    Sign-Up
A young person wearing black t-shirt and glasses working on a robotic contraption with a large black wheel assembly, while a child in light brown shirt observes closely. Two other people are standing and sitting nearby, involved in the activity, in a workshop or classroom setting.
Children working on a robotics project; two kids kneeling and one standing, using a power drill on a metal frame.
Group of six teenagers sitting cross-legged on the floor in a circle, working on a robotics project with visible wires and robotic parts in the center, in a room with tables, chairs, and various supplies.

Bundle & Save This Summer

Students who attend multiple camps build stronger skills and get a deeper robotics experience. Bundles also help you save!

Build-a-Bot Bundle


Save 15% or up to $300 when you enroll in two or more weeks.
Use code: BUILDABOTBUNDLE26

Perfect for students who want to complete both Build-a-Bot and Build-a-Bot: Next Level.

Full Summer Bundle


Save 20% or up to $600 when you enroll in all three camps.
Use code: FULLSUMMERBUNDLE26

Our best value. Experience the full summer progression: Build-a-Bot → Next Level → Innovation Lab.

Spots are limited and sessions often sell out. Make sure to register early.

Hear from our 6036 Alumni about past classes.

  • Young man with black hair, wearing a black jacket, standing outdoors with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

    Raine Z.

    Former Team Captain

    UC Berkeley, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

    “One of the coolest parts was watching students go from not knowing what a motor was on Monday to confidently explaining their robot by Friday. The confidence change is real.”

    – R. Z.

  • Young man with curly dark hair and a bright smile, wearing a white shirt and a gold chain, against a white background.

    Rohit S.

    Former Design Captain

    Northwestern University, Mechanical Engineering

    “We don’t lecture much, and most of the time students are building, testing, and figuring things out together. That’s when they actually start learning.”

    – R. S.

  • A young woman with black hair and a white T-shirt smiling in front of a wooden fence.

    Adeline K.

    Former Lab Manager

    Carnegie Mellon University, Architecture

    “Every year students surprise us with creative ideas we never planned for. The camp works best when they realize it’s okay to experiment and not get it perfect the first try."

    – A. K.

  • A young man with glasses smiling outdoors in a residential neighborhood with trees and houses in the background.

    Sidd S.

    Former Business Captain

    UC Berkeley, Business Administration & Neuroscience

    “A lot of kids come in nervous because they’ve never done robotics before. By the end of the week they’re leading their team and helping others debug.”

    – S. S.

FAQ

What is the age requirement for Peninsula Robotics Academy?

Peninsula Robotics Academy is open for rising 6-9 graders.

Is there a strict admissions process?

There is no strict admissions process for the Peninsula Robotics Academy. However, sign-ups are first come first serve. You may be put on a waitlist if a class is too full.

Who leads/teaches in these programs?

Led by trained high school mentors and student leaders from Peninsula Robotics with years of competition and teaching experience.

Will I earn a certificate?

Yes! Every student who finishes the non-credit program will receive a Peninsula Robotics Certificate of Completion

Is there a refund policy?

Our refund policy is as follows: You're eligible for a full refund if you cancel your registration four weeks before the class start date. A 50% refund is available for cancellations made two weeks before the class begins. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds for cancellations within two weeks of the class start date.

What should campers bring?

Students will need to bring a water bottle and a computer. Software downloads and website permissions may also be required.