What Is the Advanced Engineering Lab?
What’s better than building cool machines? Designing, engineering, and testing them using real-world techniques and tools. Advanced Engineering Lab is an intensive, project-based camp where teens push their skills in mechanical design, electronics, and integrated systems.
Over five days, campers move through the full engineering cycle — concept, design, prototype, test, and refine. By the end of the week, each student completes a signature project that combines multiple mechanisms, components, and systems.
Camp Highlights
Mechanical Engineering & Complex Systems
Campers explore how advanced mechanisms work and why they’re used:
- Gear ratios, torque, levers, and linkages
- Stability, load paths, and structural reinforcement
- Rotational motion, friction, and traction
They design systems that lift, clamp, push, launch, or transport using precise mechanical principles.
Electronics, Sensors & Integration
Students learn how to merge mechanical builds with electronics:
- Motors, servos, switches, and LEDs
- Basic sensor integration (e.g., distance, limit switches, or line detection depending on level)
- Power and wiring fundamentals for safe, reliable systems
By combining mechanical and electronic components, campers create “smart” mechanisms that move, react, or respond.
Prototyping & Fabrication Skills
Under close supervision, campers work with real tools and materials appropriate for their age and experience:
- Hands-on fabrication with wood, plastics, and metal components (where appropriate)
- Learning how to measure accurately, cut safely, and assemble robust structures
- Using simple CAD or sketching techniques to plan builds before cutting
Engineering Challenges & Capstone Project
Throughout the week, teens tackle targeted challenges, then ultimately create a capstone project:
- Strength, accuracy, and reliability tests for mechanisms
- Team problem-solving on real-world style engineering scenarios
- A final device that may be a mechanical arm, launcher, lifting system, or custom machine
Parents are invited to see demonstrations during a showcase at the end of the week.
Led by experienced engineers and makers who mentor students through real design processes.
Serious STEM skill-building with concepts students will see again in high school, college, and industry.
Highly hands-on and project-driven — no passive lectures, just active building and testing.
Ideal preparation for robotics teams, engineering competitions, and advanced STEM pathways.
Flexible for your Family Families can switch dates or camps anytime up to 2 weeks before camp!
Skills Learned
🍽 Lunch & Snacks: Nutritious, teen-friendly meals and snacks available daily for an additional fee.
⏱ Late Pick-Up (4–5 PM): Extra supervised lab time for refining builds, experimenting with tools, or exploring additional engineering challenges.
