Campers Dive into Tech at Longview Arboretum
Published: June 24, 2026
This week, the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center came alive with excitement as Big Sky STEM Labs hosted a summer camp focused on robotics and drones. The camp, named “Arboretum Operations: Field Research [Robot & Drone Lab],” has drawn about 15 young enthusiasts aged 8 to 16 for an engaging three-day experience.
The camp, running through today, is a collaboration between Big Sky STEM Labs and the arboretum. It aims to spark interest in robotics and technology through hands-on activities that include building robots and flying drones.
Throughout the camp, participants had the opportunity to construct and program VEX Go robots, alongside learning how to pilot drones. They engaged in various outdoor missions across the beautiful arboretum grounds, combining engineering challenges with exploration.
Paul Hall, the camp’s director from Big Sky STEM Labs, emphasized the importance of this initiative as the organization’s first summer in Longview. He hopes to inspire local youth to form new competition teams in robotics.
“We’re using VEX Go robots to encourage the development of new STEM teams here in Longview,” Hall explained.
Each day was filled with activities focused on robotics and drone piloting, where campers learned about machine parts, basic programming, mechanics, and electricity. Hall noted that one of the most rewarding aspects is when kids test their creations to see what works and what doesn’t.
“Crashing is the best part,” he joked. “After putting in all that effort to build your cool robot, testing it out is where the real fun begins.”
The camp is just one of several programs offered this summer at the Longview Arboretum. The final Summer Science Camp for children ages 6 to 12 will be held from July 6 to July 10, running from 9 a.m. to noon each day.
“This camp includes teacher-led science lessons, followed by engaging hands-on experiments and outdoor adventures,” the arboretum shared.
For more information and registration details, visit the Longview Arboretum’s website.
