Camp Innovation welcomes 900+ students
Summer break might be a time to relax – but at Arlington ISD’s Camp Innovation, it’s also a time to explore, get hands-on and try something completely new.
Back for another exciting year, Camp Innovation 2025 gave rising fifth through tenth graders across the district a chance to dive into all kinds of real-world learning. And we’re not talking about worksheets. Think robots, drones and coding.
Hosted at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC), the camp transforms high-tech classrooms into creative labs where students explore future-focused career fields in a hands-on, exciting way.
What started as a small summer pilot with just 125 students eight years ago has grown into a major event – welcoming over 900 students this year from across Arlington ISD. 
“My favorite part is kids getting opportunities that they don’t get to have during the school year,” said Susan Patterson, Arlington ISD director of career and technical education. “We hire the most creative and the best teachers. They can do some amazing things with the kids.”
That vision has paid off. Over the past few years, Camp Innovation has grown not only in numbers but in impact – offering experiences students say they’ll never forget.
“I have never flown a drone before,” said Anna Sanchez, an incoming seventh grader from Bailey Junior High and a returning camper. “But we completed almost all our challenges. I got to try new things.”
And that’s exactly the point. The camp is built around exposure – giving students the chance to explore new tools and subjects they don’t always see in a typical school day.
“We knew programming and robotics was not something they got to focus on in school,” Patterson said. “So, our department wanted to create something where they could.”
But the camp isn’t just about technology — it’s also a fun way to connect with new peers.
“It’s fun meeting people who don’t have the same experiences as you,” Sanchez added. “It’s cool to work with people creatively. We get to do trial and error. It challenges you and it’s fun.”
First-time campers like Sarah West, an incoming seventh grader at Boles Junior High, were especially drawn to the tech.
“My favorite part is the Spheros,” she said. “I really like how you get to control it, but it still has its own personality.”
Even the tougher parts of camp left a big impression.
“The Spike Prime class is definitely a challenge,” she said. “It’s a lot of work and puts your brain to the max. It’s so fun!”
In a week packed with creativity, connection and discovery, Camp Innovation gave students much more than something to do over the summer. 
But it doesn’t stop at Camp Innovation. Arlington ISD offers future-focused learning throughout the year starting as early as pre-K, with specialized STEM-focused programs designed to nurture curiosity from the very beginning. By the time students reach junior high and high school, opportunities like those at the CTC open the door to real-world experiences in robotics, engineering, culinary arts, health science and more.
These kinds of experiences are available to every student in Arlington ISD. If you want your student to be part of it, now is the time. Enrollment is open and transfer applications are being accepted until July 17. Visit here for transfers details and the application. It’s never too early to start building their future.