FAQ
What parents usually want to know.
The short version: this is a small robotics engineering program for students who want hands-on practice with building, coding, testing, and documentation.
Is Summer 2027 enrollment open?
Yes. Applications opened October 1, 2026, and we are reviewing applications for both announced Summer 2027 sessions.
What are the Summer 2027 session dates?
Session 1: June 21–July 9, 2027. Session 2: July 12–July 30, 2027. Both sessions run Monday through Friday.
How many instructional days are included?
Each full session includes 3 weeks and 15 Monday–Friday instructional days.
Does camp run on July 5?
Yes. Camp will run on Monday, July 5. It is included in Session 1's 15 instructional days.
How do application, acceptance, and payment work?
Submit an application and select Session 1, Session 2, or either session. We review your application and contact you with next steps. Accepted families receive a Stripe invitation for a $1,200 deposit, credited toward the $3,600 tuition. After payment confirmation, families complete separate enrollment paperwork. The remaining $2,400 is collected later, before any separately approved aid or credits. Submitting an application does not reserve a place; enrollment requires acceptance and a paid deposit. Sessions proceed once minimum enrollment is reached, and families are notified when a session is confirmed.
Who is Camp Asimov for?
Camp Asimov is designed for students ages 10-17 who are excited by building, making, troubleshooting, and understanding how robots work. It is a strong fit for beginners ready for a focused introduction and for experienced students who want more practice with CAD, wiring, programming, and competitive robotics.
How selective is Camp Asimov?
Cohorts are intentionally capped at 12 students, and we prioritize students who are interested in robotics and willing to learn through daily hands-on build work. This keeps the group focused and allows for direct mentoring and specific technical feedback.
Where does the program take place?
Camp Asimov takes place at 2341 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404.
What are the camp hours?
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Early drop-off is available at 8:30 AM, and pickup is available until 4:30 PM.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes. Students of all experience levels are welcome. On the first day, students are assessed based on prior experience with building, CAD, and programming, then instruction is adjusted so each student works at an appropriate level of challenge.
Is this a coding camp?
No. Students code in Java, but the program also emphasizes CAD, fabrication, wiring, sensors, mechanisms, testing, and engineering documentation.
Is the program just building robots?
No. Robot building is the center of the program, but camp also includes supervised drone flying, strategy games, informal morning cereal, and group games like Imposter. The goal is a serious engineering environment that still feels fun, social, and memorable for students.
Will students work in teams or build their own robots?
Each student builds their own robot. Students still collaborate and support one another, but each student is responsible for their own design, wiring, code, testing, and troubleshooting. This gives them more direct practice before returning to team-based robotics.
What will students be able to do by the end?
By the end of the program, students can design parts in CAD, assemble a drivetrain, wire core electronics, write and test robot code in Java, troubleshoot failures, and improve designs through testing.
What makes the Engineering Portal different?
Each student receives a private Engineer Profile that can grow over time with competencies, badges, build logs, session history, approved media, and certifications.
How large are cohorts?
Each cohort is capped at 12 students. We keep cohorts small by design to protect mentoring quality and technical output.
How much does Camp Asimov cost?
Tuition is $3,600 per student for one full three-week session. Financial aid is available. Tuition includes the Camp Asimov robotics engineering experience, small-cohort instruction, supervised build time, core program materials, and access to the Engineering Portal.
What do students bring and wear?
Students should bring lunch Monday through Thursday, closed-toe shoes, tied-back hair if applicable, no dangling jewelry, and a labeled water bottle. On Fridays, Camp Asimov provides pizza or a camp-voted food delivery option. Camp Asimov supplies the tools, materials, and safety gear needed for the program.
Do students need to bring a laptop?
Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop if possible. Working on a personal machine allows them to keep their design environment, files, and robotics software set up exactly as they used them during the program. If a student does not have access to a laptop, please let us know.
What is your teacher-to-student ratio?
We target a 1:8 teacher-to-student ratio, with additional mentor support during custom-part building and testing periods.
How do you handle allergies and medications?
Families share allergy, medication, and support information during enrollment. Students may carry epi-pens or inhalers when appropriate, staff are briefed, and we discourage food sharing.
What if Camp Asimov does not move forward with a session?
If Camp Asimov does not move forward with a session, all paid deposits will be fully refunded within 5 business days.
Ready to build this summer?
Summer 2027 enrollment is open for two three-week robotics engineering sessions. Tell us about your student to begin the application review.