Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens, ages 9 to 12, together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

Where young makers turn ideas into real products.

Register today because this class is limited to only 15 students!

UACCB Maker Camp is a hands-on, youth-focused experience that blends making, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. Students design, prototype, make, and market real products while learning how ideas become tangible, sellable goods.

Enrollment is open for children who are entering grades 5th through 8th Grade in the Fall of 2026.

For this year’s camp, and because Batesville is the Christmas Capital of Arkansas, participants will create laser-cut wooden Christmas ornaments!

Participants explore the full product-development process—from brainstorming ornament ideas and digital design to laser cutting, material testing, and branding. Campers work primarily with locally grown and milled wood, including eastern red cedar and red oak, learning how material properties such as thickness, strength, and durability influence design and manufacturing decisions.

Through guided, age-appropriate activities, students use precision tools like calipers, conduct simple material science experiments, and operate an industrial-grade BOSS LS3655 laser engraver/cutter in a supervised environment.

On the final day of camp, students tour a local manufacturing facility and celebrate their accomplishments with a Christmas in July party.

Beyond technical skills, UACCB Maker Camp emphasizes entrepreneurship and teamwork. Campers learn to calculate costs and collaborate to prepare products for sale, gaining insight into how creative ideas turn into sustainable ventures. Proceeds from product sales help fund scholarships for future UACCB youth programs, connecting student creativity to real community impact.

Designed for curious and creative students, UACCB Maker Camp combines engineering, design thinking, and business fundamentals into an engaging, project-based experience rooted in hands-on learning.

UACCB Maker Camp Details

• Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31
• 8:00 a.m. to noon each day
• 5th through 8th Graders entering Fall 2026
• UACCB Workforce Training Center (campus map)
• $89 per student
• Includes t-shirt and snacks
• Tour of local manufacturing facility
• Students will take home an ornament they made
• Christmas in July party on the last day of camp