TechLab introduces kids to products, technology and programming to help them dream big.

Rising 6th to 9th Grade Classes

Participants entering grades 6 - 9 can pick two classes listed below. Scouts can apply what they learn towards advancements or Merit Badges.   Please note, classes will cover some of the badge requires but not all  of them. Scouts will have the opportunity to work with badge counselors  during lunch time and after school time if they want to work towards a  completion on the badge.

Currently all rising 6th to 9th grade classes are offered at Summer Sessions only. 

• Morning options: Programming and Electronics, Communication and Photography, Robotics, Welding
• Afternoon options: Game Design and Animation, Environmental Science, Woodworking, Engineering

Programming and Electronics

• Build and program different types of electronic systems as you  create systems to address various tasks, including learning to use both  arduinos and basic device circuits
• Learn to edit and enhance  programs in three of the following different programming languages  (based on skill level and group): Scratch, Blockly, C++, Java, or  Python. Learn to control robots, make apps or run microprocessor
• Review the basic safety, background, and careers are in electronics and programming
  Participants involved with BSA will complete Programming Merit Badge and a section of the Electronics Merit Badge

Photography

• Produce and display visual art display using the classes' photographs using advanced composition and capturing techniques, including long light exposure and stop-motion photography methods
• Learn to take professional quality photographs using DSLR Cameras and interchangeable lenses, and Photoshop
• Review basic safety, history, skills, techniques, and tools used in Photography and careers in Photography
• Participants involved with BSA will complete Photography Merit Badge

Engineering

• Use the Systems Engineering Approach to design your own invention while learning about Engineering ethics and careers.
• Meet and talk with engineers who have worked on this planet and maybe off of it too!
• Reverse engineer common electronics to create a machine that does something new
• Learn the basic safety and thought processes behind Engineering
• Participants involved with BSA will complete Engineering Merit Badge

Robotics

• Learn to develop robots with the First  Tech Challenge Robotics system and use the robot to address various  challenges. Learn about careers in robotics and meet professionals who make and use robots every day.
• Learn about the history, safety, basic skills and tools needed for working with Robots.
• Participants involved with BSA will complete Robotics Merit Badge

Woodworking

• Learn the basics of modern and traditional woodworking
• Create a project in imaging software and cut on one of our CNCs
• Build a class project to help the community
• Participants involved with BSA will complete Woodworking Merit Badge

Game Design and Animation

• Learn the basics of designing your own game and its animation
• Create an online game to play with your friends
• Create a physical game to play with other camp members using the shop
• Participants involved with BSA will complete Game Design Merit Badge and parts of Animation Merit Badge

Environmental Science

• Learn about the Central Texas Environment and ways to protect it
  Learn to identify, study and estimate animal and plant populations
• See how current technology, like apps, drones, crowd sourcing and AI are used to study the environment
• Participants involved in BSA will complete Environmental Science Merit Badge, an Eagle Required Merit Badge

Welding

• Learn the basic skills to start welding for a hobby
• Get practice MIG welding while at the camp
• Create your own welding project during the class
• Participants involved with BSA will complete Welding Merit Badge