Lessons from My 5 year old's Robotics Summer Camp

This past week, I had the profound joy of witnessing my five-year-old son, Ari, embark on a remarkable journey at his robotics summer camp. The camp promised a blend of technology and teamwork, and it delivered beyond our expectations. Little did I know, the lessons Ari would learn—and teach me—would extend far beyond the mechanics of robotics.

At the outset, Ari was paired with a teammate who, by his account, was not as keen as he was or deeply interested in the project. Naturally, my initial instinct was to intervene. After all, we all want our children to have positive, supportive experiences. However, the camp's response to our concerns was both enlightening and thought-provoking. They reminded us that in life, we rarely have the luxury of choosing our teammates. The true measure of growth lies in learning to navigate and thrive within the teams we are given, even when faced with less-than-ideal circumstances.

Reflecting on this perspective, we decided to leave Ari in his assigned team. This decision was not made lightly, but we trusted in the camp's wisdom and the resilience of our son. As the week progressed, Ari came home each day with stories of challenges and small victories. He spoke of inputs and outputs, CPUs and sensors, but what stood out most were his reflections on teamwork and perseverance.

The culmination of the week arrived with a presentation day, where the young participants showcased their projects to an eager audience of parents and peers. Ari and his partner stood confidently before us, detailing their project's intricacies. They spoke not only of the technical aspects but also candidly shared the challenges they faced. They discussed how they attempted to overcome these obstacles and acknowledged the hurdles that remained.

Watching Ari articulate these experiences, I was struck by the depth of his learning. The camp was right—this was more than just a lesson in robotics. It was a lesson in life. Ari's journey reminded me that the true essence of teamwork is not found in the absence of conflict, but in the ability to navigate and grow through it. It's about developing the aptitude to solve problems and the attitude to persist, even when the going gets tough.

Overarching this experience was a framework called BRET, which stands for Behavior, Respect, Excellence, and Teamwork. The instructors acknowledged each student who demonstrated these qualities. I was thrilled to learn that my son was nominated for demonstrating all four qualities of the BRET framework.

More than my pride in his nomination, I was astounded by the tools and skill sets they are empowering these very young minds with. It made me reflect on how I often think of my son as a five-year-old who’s not yet capable of understanding some of these concepts. The fact that they are empowering them with these skills at such an early age, which they are able to grasp, really shattered my worldview.

As I reflect on this experience, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Ari's time at the robotics camp has not only expanded his technical knowledge but also enriched his character. It serves as a poignant reminder that challenges are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth and learning.

In our professional lives, much like in Ari's camp, we often find ourselves in teams we did not choose, facing challenges we did not anticipate. Yet, it is in these very moments that we have the chance to cultivate resilience, foster collaboration, and achieve greatness.

Here’s to embracing challenges, nurturing growth, and finding joy in the journey—just as my son did at his summer camp. Talk about a growth mindset!!! WOW!

OAKLearning Center