More than 1,100 students kicked off their summer vacation building robots, writing code, and discovering new passions at Arlington ISD’s Camp Innovation. The district’s free, week-long technology camp is designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in learners from fourth through ninth grade. Now in its ninth year, the camp continues to grow in popularity with students and families across the district.
Camp Innovation is held over three weeks in June at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center, where students work collaboratively to solve challenges, create projects, and apply technical concepts in hands-on ways. The camp fosters creativity, critical thinking, and confidence while exposing students to future-focused fields in computer science, engineering, robotics, and digital design.
“Beyond the technical content, Camp Innovation creates a positive and engaging environment where students develop friendships, practice teamwork, and discover new interests and talents,” said Susan Anderson, Arlington ISD technology integration specialist. “Many campers return year after year, demonstrating the lasting impact the program has on inspiring a love of learning and innovation.”
From the moment students walk through the doors, the focus is on exploration. Students rotate through sessions where they are met with hands-on, real-world learning experiences that build both technical and interpersonal skills. Each activity is designed to help students think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with their peers.
“I think it’s cool to learn how to control a robot and see it progress,” said Mackenzie Aylor, a student at Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language. “I have gained a lot of knowledge from this place.”
Camp Innovation is rooted in the district’s Technology Applications curriculum, giving students a meaningful head start in skills they’ll carry through high school and beyond. When the week ends, students walk away inspired and ready to take on what comes next.
For more information about Camp Innovation, visit www.aisd.net/campinnovation.