The following is based on results of “test” boot camps specifically presented to document all equipment, materials, instructor use and presentation processes.  The information was gathered to create a template available for U.S. Drone Soccer Association Membership.  Information was obtained from Summer 2024 presentations of 12-hour and 16-hour bootcamps in New York State, each provided as 4 morning sessions for ages 12 to 18.   U.S. Drone Soccer topics were also integrated into 2 additional “Drone Adventure” camps for a second local college using prebuilt drones and no-building or coding elements.  The additional feedback from the non-build camps reinforced some notions about bootcamp length and presentation.  No previous drone experience was required for boot camp participants. 

An equipment list is provided.  Our Drone Soccer Summer Boot Camps utilized 10 new, unbuilt U.S. Drone Soccer kits purchased from Drone Sports, Inc. along with 4 prebuilt drones and additional parts and equipment owned by CNY Drones (District II Directors) & SUNY Polytechnic Institute Drone Club (AMA UMASC).  Each boot camp utilized 1 lead instructor plus one additional instructor per table of 4 students.   All instructors completed required SUNY Polytechnic Institute Youth Protection Policy Training and were provided Campus ID’s always worn on campus. 

 

The term “Boot Camp” was coined during debrief discussions.  Instructors mentioned the need for emphasis on removing typical notions of a “camp” where students attend for full-time play.  Promotional material should be specific about the process and outcomes.  Student participants need to be able to focus on serious topics including battery safety, the build process, coding, and flying.    A cost calculator is available to determine break even vs. adding staff or charging a fee for your summer boot camps.

We wish you every success and hope these resources are valuable to you too!
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https://members.usdronesoccer.org/summerbootcamps