Summer Camp Kickoff: "LEGO Robotics is basically learning, except fun."

Campers proudly posing with their LEGO Arts builds.

Summer camp has officially begun at VRES, and our LEGO Robotics Summer Camp in East Vancouver is already filled with curiosity, creativity, and new connections.

Throughout the first week of camp, campers explored LEGO Arts and Robotics activities, worked through challenges, and discovered the excitement of bringing their ideas to life. Some carefully planned each step of their builds, while others jumped right into experimenting and testing new possibilities. Across the room, there were moments of concentration, laughter, and plenty of excitement as campers found their own ways to create.

One 8 year old camper captured the spirit of LEGO Robotics Camp perfectly after completing an activity, saying, "Well, that was fun. LEGO Robotics is basically learning except fun."

Campers pose with their LEGO Robotics build.

That is exactly what we hope campers experience at VRES. Through hands-on learning, campers are not only building robots and creating projects but also developing confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the activities themselves.

Some of the most meaningful moments of camp came from the connections built between campers and staff. Art, a camp counsellor who previously volunteered with VRES before joining the team this summer, saw firsthand how small interactions can help children feel welcomed. Using some Japanese he had picked up over the years, Art was able to connect with two Japanese-speaking campers, making them feel more comfortable and included during the day.

He also witnessed one camper’s confidence grow throughout the week. After arriving, nervous about saying goodbye to his mom during the first few mornings, the camper quickly began opening up through games, conversations, and activities with other campers. By the end of the day, his nervousness had turned into excitement and engagement, a reminder of the impact a supportive environment can have.

Behind every successful camp experience is a team of people working together to create a space where campers can explore and thrive. Keisha, a volunteer manager at VRES, shared how rewarding it was to see campers pick up new STEAM concepts through creative, hands-on learning. She also highlighted the dedication of volunteers who supported activities, played games, and helped campers throughout the week.

The excitement of creating also extended beyond robotics challenges. Shiloh, the site leader, enjoyed seeing campers express themselves through LEGO Arts activities, from the creative projects they designed in class to the pieces they proudly brought home as keepsakes.

For Jemma, a camp counsellor, some of the most memorable moments came from getting to know campers and watching new relationships form. From learning fun facts about each camper to receiving drawings at the end of the week, these small moments showed how quickly connections can grow.

Camp counsellor Jemma guides campers as they bring their LEGO Robotics ideas to life.

Eugene from the VRES marketing team had the chance to visit camp and see the program in action. After promoting the camp, she found it rewarding to see campers enjoying the experience firsthand. One moment that stood out was watching campers continue experimenting after completing a LEGO Robotics challenge by using leftover materials to create their own LEGO swing, showing the creativity and that the program encourages.

The first week of LEGO Robotics Summer Camp has been a reminder that some of the best learning happens through curiosity and creativity. We are excited to continue welcoming campers throughout the summer and creating more opportunities for them to explore, build, and discover what they are capable of!

Site leader Shiloh joins a camper for some fun on the seesaw.