This summer, when the usual STEM camps in the Monadnock region were canceled due to staffing shortages, I decided to take matters into my own hands and run a free robotics camp for local kids. I had attended these camps for years, and now it was my turn to lead. I walked in on the first day with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, ready to bring that same spark of curiosity to a new group of campers. From the very start, I realized that leading a camp wasn’t just about following a schedule; instead, it was about adapting in real time. By mid-morning on the first day, my carefully planned agenda was moving faster than I expected. So I decided to introduce the First Lego League challenge earlier than scheduled, letting kids start building their robots on the first day. The energy in the room was contagious. Kids were comparing designs, showing each other how to connect sensors, and brainstorming wild ideas for their projects.
A few challenges popped up along the way: some kids were new to computers, while others had never touched a programmable LEGO brick before. Instead of slowing us down, these moments became opportunities for peer learning. I encouraged experienced campers to pair up with beginners, turning the room into a buzzing hub of collaboration. It was a perfect example of Astin & Astin’s view of leadership as a collective process, where everyone contributes to the success of the group.
One of my favorite moments came when I noticed a younger girl sitting quietly with her finished build, but no code. I sat down with her and introduced her to the maze challenge. Within an hour, she was smiling, testing, and adjusting her robot’s route. By the end of the week, she was confidently explaining her code to others, proof that a bit of one-on-one attention can open the door to growth.
Our volunteers were just as inspiring. One told me how helping at camp was building his public speaking skills, while another shared how growing up in a big family taught him patience with younger kids. They didn’t just assist; they modeled teamwork and problem-solving for the campers.
By the final day, the room was alive with anticipation. Robots were navigating mazes, spinning in circles, and gearing up for the big bracket-style competition. Some teams added light sensors, while others programmed their robots for speed. We capped it off with a tour of Putnam Science Building, giving campers a glimpse of the bigger world of STEM. When parents arrived for the showcase, the kids proudly presented their robots and explained their thought process before receiving certificates of achievement. A few families even asked about forming a team for the November First Lego League competition; a spark that might never have been lit without this camp.
Looking back, Camp MINDstormers wasn’t just about teaching kids how to build robots. It was about building a community where everyone, including campers, volunteers, and me, contributed to a shared goal. I learned that leadership is less about directing and more about creating the conditions for people to grow, take ownership, and inspire one another. This week reminded me that when we combine structure with flexibility, and guidance with trust, we can create something far more meaningful than any single agenda could predict.