Jefferson County middle school students spent part of their summer learning new skills, making new friends, and preparing for the upcoming season of robotics competitions. A VEX IQ Robotics Camp, held July 14–17, gave rising 6th–8th graders a chance to explore robotics and get ready to join their school teams for the 2025–26 school year.
Twenty-one students from Shepherdstown, Wildwood, Charles Town, and Harpers Ferry Middle Schools attended the camp. They worked together to design, build, and program seven robots as part of their preparation for the upcoming VEX IQ "Mix and Match" competition season. Students learned how to problem-solve, collaborate, and test their creations in simulated matches, all while having fun and exploring the world of robotics.
The "Mix and Match" competition challenges students to build robots that can pick up and organize small objects called "pins" on a 6’ by 8’ field. The goal is to stack and sort the pins while also navigating obstacles and scoring as many points as possible. It’s a fast-paced game that pushes students to think creatively and adapt their designs.
This is the fourth year JCS has offered a robotics program, and students have already seen great success. In two out of the past three years, JCS teams have qualified for the state championships held at Fairmont State University. With the new season just around the corner, students are excited to continue working together and show off their skills in this year’s competitions!