Competition Team FAQs

  • A: Joining our team starts with participating in our courses or camps to build foundational skills. We also recommend attending an informational session or reaching out directly to our team coordinator for specific joining criteria and the application process.

  • A: Yes, we typically look for students who have completed certain courses or camps that provide the necessary robotics and teamwork skills. A passion for robotics and a commitment to the team's schedule and goals are also important.

  • A: Blaze Robotics Academy welcomes students from 3rd grade through high school to join our competition teams. Our program is designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring a productive and enriching experience for all members, from elementary students to high schoolers.

  • A: Our VEX IQ teams typically meet once a week, focusing on a consistent and intensive learning experience. As the competition season progresses, we may offer additional practice sessions to further refine our robots and strategies. Please refer to each team level's description on our website for the most accurate schedule. Regardless of the season, our workshop provides extended access for those team members keen on extra practice time, supporting their dedication and drive to excel.

  • A: Blaze Robotics teams actively compete in local, out-of-state, and world VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) and VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) events. Our commitment to challenging our teams and showcasing their talents takes us beyond local competitions; some of our teams travel out-of-state to participate in prestigious Signature Events. These varied competitive experiences, recognized by major robotics and STEM organizations, provide our students with a comprehensive platform to test their skills, innovate, and excel on a global stage.

  • A: Yes, we charge an all-inclusive team membership fee that simplifies participation costs. This single fee covers everything the team needs for the season, including team registration, tournament fees, parts, tools, field access, and facility use. Our goal is to make participation as straightforward and accessible as possible, keeping costs manageable while providing everything needed for a successful competition season.

  • A: With over 20 years of combined experience, access to a dynamic workshop, and mentorship by world-winning coaches, our teams are well-equipped for success. Our students not only excel in competitions but also represent Blaze Robotics Academy's values of innovation and excellence in their academic and personal achievements.

  • A: Our competition season is segmented into three phases to maximize learning and competition opportunities:

    *Early Season (June to August): This period is ideal for passionate returning students who wish to get a head start on the next season's game, which is released every May after the World Championship.

    *Regular Season (September to February): The majority of our students enroll during the summer, with teams officially forming before the school year starts. The regular season is focused on preparing for and participating in local and out-of-state competitions.

    *Post Season (March to May): Teams that advance to state or world championships extend their season into the post period, culminating their year either in March or at the World Championship in May.

    This structured approach ensures that all students, whether new or returning, have a clear pathway from preparation to competition, with opportunities to extend their involvement based on performance and commitment.

  • A: We understand that plans can change, and we've structured our refund policy for teams to be as fair as possible:

    Full Refund: Requests made within two weeks of joining the team are eligible for a full refund, provided the regular season has not yet started.

    Partial Refund: Cancellations made after the initial two-week period but before the start of the regular season may qualify for a 50% refund, considering early administrative and preparatory expenses.

    No Refund: Once the regular season begins, refunds are not available as the team fee will have been allocated towards registration for competitions, travel, parts, tools, and other essential team-related expenses.

    Our policy aims to balance the academy's commitment to providing high-quality competitive experiences with the financial realities of organizing and equipping successful teams. For any refund requests or questions, please contact our administration team directly.

CAMPS FAQs

  • A: Our camps are designed for students in elementary, middle, and high school, with age-appropriate activities for each group.

  • A: No prior experience is necessary! Our camps are structured to welcome beginners and challenge those with previous experience.

  • A: Campers are grouped by age and skill level to ensure everyone is learning and engaging at a pace that suits them best.

  • A: Our camps run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Here's what a typical day looks like:

    9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Morning session focused on interactive instruction and hands-on activities.

    10:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Short break.

    10:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Continuation of robotics projects and engaging learning activities.

    12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch break. Campers can enjoy their packed lunches or opt for our provided lunch selections.

    12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and strengthen teamwork among campers.

    1:00 PM - 2:40 PM: Afternoon session emphasizing project development and teamwork.

    2:40 PM - 3:00 PM: End-of-day wrap-up, including project reviews and setting goals for the next day.

    This structured yet flexible schedule ensures each camper gets the most out of their day, blending learning, fun, and essential social skills development.

  • A: Our camps are taught by experienced instructors and competition team coaches who are passionate about STEM education and robotics.

  • A: We maintain a low camper to instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

  • A: Absolutely! We encourage campers to explore different areas of interest by signing up for multiple camps throughout the summer.

  • A: Campers interested in furthering their robotics journey can enroll in our courses and even join our competitive teams to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

  • A: Campers should bring their lunch (unless opting for our provided options), a water bottle, and any snacks they might want throughout the day. All robotics equipment will be provided.

  • A: Yes, we offer a variety of lunch options from popular local vendors, including pizza, sandwiches, and more. We also provide facilities for those who prefer to bring their own lunch.

  • A: While our camp does involve some screen time for programming and design activities, we are mindful of balancing digital engagement with plenty of hands-on learning and physical team-building activities. Screen time is structured and purposeful, aimed at enhancing learning while ensuring that campers also enjoy ample time away from screens. Our daily schedule incorporates a variety of activities that encourage movement, collaboration, and creativity, minimizing the potential for screen fatigue.

  • A: At Blaze Robotics Academy, we understand that plans can change. Here’s our refund policy for camps:

    • 100% of refund minus a 3% processing fee (+ any applicable taxes) until 30 day(s) before the beginning of the activity

    • 100% of credit until it starts

    To request a refund, please contact our administration team with your registration details and the reason for cancellation. We aim to process all refunds within 14 business days.

Courses FAQs

  • A: We offer a range of courses designed to enhance skills in robotics and STEM, including introductory sessions for beginners, advanced programming, robotics engineering, and competition preparation courses.

  • A: Some advanced courses may have prerequisites, such as basic knowledge of programming or prior completion of specific introductory courses. Check the course description for details.

  • A: Our standard courses run in a 10-week format, focusing on a broad range of robotics and STEM topics. For those interested in competition-specific training, we offer both a 10-week format during the school year and a 2-week intensive format in the summer, detailed in a separate FAQ.

  • A: During the school year, our RoboChamps (competition preparation) courses run in a 10-week format, with sessions lasting 2 or 3 hours per week for a total of 20 or 30 instructional hours. This structure fits smoothly into students’ regular schedules while providing steady, in-depth preparation for competitions.

    In the summer, we offer the same comprehensive curriculum in a full-week intensive format, running from 9 AM to 3 PM each day. Although the pacing is different, both formats cover the exact same content, ensuring every student receives complete and consistent preparation for joining the competition team.

  • A: We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and an optimal learning environment, typically capping classes at 8-12 students.

  • A: Yes, students are welcome to enroll in multiple courses as long as the schedule permits. We recommend considering workload and course intensity when planning.

  • A: Most materials and equipment are provided. However, for certain courses, students may be advised to bring their laptop or subscribe to specific software. Check the course requirements for details.

  • A: Our courses are taught by experienced instructors and competition team coaches with extensive backgrounds in robotics, engineering, and STEM education.

  • A: We understand that scheduling conflicts can happen. While we encourage full attendance to ensure students get the most out of each course, missed classes can often be made up through parallel sessions, session recordings, or supplemental materials, depending on the instructor’s policy.

  • A: You may choose between the following refund options: a 100% refund minus a 3% processing fee (plus any applicable taxes) if requested at least 15 days before the activity begins, or a prorated credit based on the number of remaining classes if canceling after the activity has started. If your student cannot attend due to illness or an emergency, please contact our staff to discuss transferring to a different session or program. If Blaze Robotics Academy cancels the program, you will receive a full refund of the fees paid.