Black Belt VEX IQ Camp Recap

Last week, we wrapped up an exciting Black Belt VEX IQ Robotics Camp — a multi-day event designed to bring hands-on STEM learning to students in rural Alabama and prepare them for the upcoming VEX IQ season. This year, teams will compete in Mix and Match, the latest game from VEX Robotics.

Students from Central Sumter County High School, Washington County High School, and Leroy High School came together for a unique experience focused on building, coding, and competing.

Building “Huey”

Students worked in small teams to assemble the VEX IQ Hero Bot, known as Huey. Along the way, we introduced fundamental engineering concepts like moment of inertia, the challenges of cantilevered designs, and the difference between tension and compression in structural systems. These real-world mechanics helped students see how form and function connect in robotics.

Throughout the build, students strengthened their teamwork, troubleshooting, and mechanical design skills — bringing their robots to life with a deeper understanding of how they work.

Coding in Python — Yes, Python!

While many programs rely solely on block coding, this camp challenged students to go further. Campers learned to code their robots using Python, giving them hands-on experience with a real-world programming language. For many, it was their first time working with text-based code — and they rose to the challenge with energy and enthusiasm.

Learning Proportional Control

One of the key concepts students explored was proportional control — a method that helps robots drive straighter and turn more precisely using sensor feedback. By adjusting their code and tuning parameters, students got a feel for how engineers solve real-world automation problems.

The Engineering Design Process in Action

After initial testing, teams dove into the engineering design process, identifying weaknesses in their robot’s performance and brainstorming ways to improve. Their goal? Adapt Huey to better meet the unique demands of Mix and Match. This phase encouraged creative thinking, iteration, and strategic decision-making — all essential skills for competitive robotics.

A Mini Competition to Cap It Off

We closed out the camp with a fast-paced mini competition, where five teams put their builds and Python code to the test. From driving rounds to autonomous routines, students were excited to see their hard work pay off in a friendly but intense showdown.

Why It Matters

This camp wasn’t just about building robots, it was about building confidence, capability, and community. For students in Alabama’s Black Belt region, access to high-quality STEM programs can be limited. Camps like this help bridge that gap, offering students the tools, mentorship, and opportunity to thrive.

Huge thanks to the dedicated educators who made this camp possible, Dr. Chester Nicklas, Director of the Black Belt STEM Institute, for coordinating this event, and to the students, whose drive and curiosity made the most of every moment.