A participant operates a remote control to steer his robot through the obstacle course at the 2009 Summer Engineering and Manufacturing Camp on the Staples campus of Central Lakes College. This year’s camp is July 12 - 16. (Submitted photo) Central Lakes College and the Center of Excellence at Bemidji State University have scheduled the five-day Summer Engineering and Manufacturing Camp for July 12 - 16 at the Staples campus of CLC.

SEaM Camp is for students in grades 6 - 12 and runs from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. during each of the five days.

It is an opportunity to experience hands-on electronics, motor controllers, mechanical drafting, manufacturing machining and robotics automated systems.

From the first day of camp, participants will build their “Battlebots” from kits having hundreds of parts. Each student works with a teammate to assemble a robot that is customized for capabilities in maneuvering an obstacle course or controlling weapons for Battlebot wars in the competition held on the last day of camp.

Campers receive expert instruction in mechanical drafting to design a personalized name plate to put on their robot. After completing the design, each student will machine the metal name plate out of a piece of aluminum in the college machine trades department.

Students are also given instruction on robotics automated systems in the areas of electronics and low voltage motor controllers with demonstrations in automated welding and industrial robots.

During Battlebot competition each pair of students control Battlebot robot in maneuvering through an obstacle course of cones, ramps and tunnels. Awards are given to the top three finishers.

After the obstacle course, teams are formed for “Robot Hockey,” a timed event where they try to score as many goals as possible in pursuit of first, second and third place.

Students receive a brief period for making repairs or modifications for the main event, a “Battlebot Demolition Derby.”

Each team receives a pit pass for quick repairs and battery charging. The last one running wins the top prize, with a second and third place also awarded.

Need-based scholarships are available. For more information, or to register, call 800-247-6836 and ask for the SEaM Camp Registration Line.