Real FTC competition robots
The same machines our students take to the World Championship. Not LEGO, not simulations.
July school holiday programme
July School Holiday Programmes in Auckland
Two weeks of hands-on coding, robotics and 3D design on real competition robots, not simulations, with a clear bridge into FTC for students who want more.
Ages 10-166-17 July 2026 (Mon-Fri)195 Wairau Road, Wairau ValleySmall classesAll equipment & take-home prints included
Please note: Friday 10 July 2026 is Matariki. Week 1 is scheduled across 6-10 July, and the final holiday timetable will be confirmed with families at booking time.
Coding
Real robots, not toys
Design
Fusion 360 and 3D printing
Outcome
Take-home work
Bridge
Straight into FTC
Professional tools
Students design in Fusion 360, the CAD software real engineers use.
Coached by people who've been to Worlds
Led by a coach with over a decade of competition experience at the top end of robotics.
How the fortnight works
Two weeks, four standalone programmes
Families can choose one programme, combine morning and afternoon blocks for a full day, or mix and match the whole fortnight. Beginner options sit at the front door; the advanced sessions step toward competitive robotics and FTC.
The second week is the natural bridge into our year-round competition pathway for students who discover they love the challenge.
| Morning (9:00-11:30) | Afternoon (12:30-3:00) | |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (6-10 July) | 3D Design & 3D Printing Bootcamp | Code a Robot |
| Week 2 (13-17 July) | CAD for Robotics & Product Design | Robot Challenges & Autonomous Coding |
School holidays run Sat 4 - Sun 19 July 2026. Programmes run weekdays only.
The four programmes
Choose a pathway, or build a bigger block
Ages 10-16 · Week 1
Morning, 9:00-11:303D Design & 3D Printing Bootcamp
Your child walks out with things they designed and made themselves, plus the skill to keep making more.
What they'll learn
- Intro to CAD and design thinking
- Designing in Tinkercad and Fusion 360 basics
- How 3D printers work and how to troubleshoot prints
- Measuring real objects and designing for manufacturing
Outcome
Take home: All printed projects
Outcome: Your child can design and 3D print their own ideas independently.
View day-by-day project list
- Day 1: name tag and keyring
- Day 2: desk organiser
- Day 3: phone stand
- Day 4: mechanical fidget
- Day 5: design your own invention
Ages 10-16 · Week 1
Afternoon, 12:30-3:00Code a Robot
Real competition robots, not simulations or toys, and by Friday your child has programmed one to compete.
What they'll learn
- How robots think
- Sensors, motors, and programming fundamentals
- Loops, variables, and autonomous routines
- Debugging and making code reliable
Outcome
Take home: Real FTC robot experience
Outcome: Real coding skills, learned by commanding a real robot.
View day-by-day project list
- Day 1: drive a robot
- Day 2: obstacle avoidance
- Day 3: sensor challenges
- Day 4: autonomous navigation
- Day 5: robot challenge competition
Ages 11-16 · Week 2
Morning, 9:00-11:30CAD for Robotics & Product Design
The same professional software real engineers use, with files and parts to prove it.
What they'll learn
- Fusion 360 basics
- Engineering drawings, assemblies, and tolerances
- Design for robotics and product development
- Iteration and portfolio-ready design files
Outcome
Take home: Printed designs plus CAD files
Outcome: Your child experiences the real engineering design process used by professional teams.
View day-by-day project list
- Day 1: robot bracket
- Day 2: gearbox housing
- Day 3: custom wheel
- Day 4: mini robot attachment
- Day 5: personal engineering project
Ages 11-16 · Week 2
Afternoon, 12:30-3:00Robot Challenges & Autonomous Coding
Where it gets real: vision systems, autonomous driving, and strategy, with a clear step toward FTC.
What they'll learn
- Advanced sensors and vision systems
- Autonomous programming and precision driving
- Strategy, reliability, and engineering problem-solving
- How competition robots behave under pressure
Outcome
Take home: A clear route into competitive robotics
Outcome: Applying real coding to real engineering problems, with a visible next step into FTC.
View day-by-day project list
- Line following
- Object detection
- Autonomous obstacle course
- Precision driving
- Mini FTC competition
Loved the holiday programme? It's the first step into our year-round competitive robotics team.Read about FTC
Pricing & options
Clear pricing, better value in bundles
All prices include GST, equipment, materials, and take-home 3D prints. Small class sizes mean places are limited.
| Option | Price | Includes | Hours | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single programme | $300 | Any one programme (5 half-days) | ~12.5 hrs | — |
| Two programmes | $500 | Any two programmes | ~25 hrs | $100 |
| Three programmes | $700 | Any three programmes | ~37.5 hrs | $200 |
| Full fortnight | $900 | All four programmes | ~50 hrs | $300 |
The booking form below updates the total live based on the programmes you select.
Practical info
Everything parents need before booking
Venue: 195 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland
Times: mornings 9:00-11:30, afternoons 12:30-3:00.
Bring: a water bottle, and lunch for full-day attendees.
Provided: all equipment, materials, and take-home 3D prints.
Billing: no payment is taken on the website. Submit the form to reserve a place, and CMR will email an invoice.
Small classes
We keep numbers tight so students actually get coached, not just supervised.
Age guidance
Most students suit the 10-16 range. If your child is outside that band, we can still review fit.
Hands-on learning
Students work on real robots, real CAD, and real outputs they can take home.
Clear follow-up path
If they love it, we'll help you map the step into FTC and the year-round programme.
FAQ
Holiday programme questions
Does my child need prior experience?
No. The beginner-friendly programmes are designed for students who are new to robotics, coding, and 3D design. The advanced sessions are a good step up for students who already enjoy building and problem solving.
What do they take home?
Students keep the 3D printed items they make, along with any files or project work that forms part of the programme outcome.
How does payment work?
No payment is taken on the website. Submit the form to reserve a place and CMR will email an invoice afterwards.
Can siblings attend together?
Yes, as long as each child is booked correctly and the programme selection suits their age and level. If you are unsure, send one form first and we can help you organise the rest.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our general terms apply to holiday programmes. Once the programme has started, fees are normally non-refundable unless required by law. If you need to change plans before the start date, contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss the options.
Are classes supervised?
Yes. Sessions are supervised and run in a structured environment with clear expectations, equipment management, and small class sizes.
Does the programme run on Matariki, Friday 10 July?
Friday 10 July 2026 is the Matariki public holiday. Week 1 is scheduled across 6 to 10 July; please note that the final holiday timetable may be confirmed with families at booking time.
What happens if my child loves it and wants to continue?
That is the ideal outcome. The holiday programmes are designed as a pathway into our year-round robotics and FTC programmes, so we can help you decide the best next step.
Sign up
Reserve your place
Send the details through and we'll confirm the booking, invoice the selected amount, and follow up if we need to discuss age fit or programme mix.
What happens next
- 1. We review the selected programmes and student details.
- 2. We email a confirmation and invoice for the booking.
- 3. If the student is stepping up strongly, we can talk about FTC after the holiday block.
Holiday programme booking form
Loved the holiday programme? It’s the first step into our year-round competitive robotics team.
If your child enjoys the holiday format, the next conversation is often about FTC and whether they’re ready for a stronger competition pathway.