Behind a sign requesting the door be left closed to maximize the air conditioning, a group of campers was laser focused as they applied their creative energy to the Bash ‘Em Bots LEGO camp by Play-Well TEKnologies.

Adult facilitator Frank Segura detailed the week’s activity agenda from a classroom within Newtown Middle School, where the camp is stationed.

On the first day, the campers made robots, he said. Then, they made drills and cave walls to test them on, and by mid-week, campers switched to making ships on the ocean.

“We shot little missiles at the boats to see if they would break apart,” said Segura, who added the goal of the camp was to see how different mechanics work with LEGOs.

“Today we’re making planets,” said Teddy Cavister, on the youngest side of the five to ten age bracket.

“They voted yesterday,” explained Segura.

All through the week, the students had structured play as laid out in the camp curriculum, but students got to choose their own activities on Friday.

Teddy presented his Earth and moon, crafted together with blue, green, and gray.

Another camper, Damien Stupka, crafted Jupiter, the sun, and Uranus. He worked with Segura on his Earth-moon structure, which included an appendage attaching the two in orbit, representing the bodies’ relationship to each other.

Other campers attached their planets to a LEGO-motor — presumably part of a drill from the other day. With it, the planets were able to spin rapidly, representing their rotation in space.

Teamwork Mode

Across town, another group of kids was keeping it cool thanks to the AC.

Through the door, excited shouts could be heard. The cooperative video game they were playing was hardly a silent activity — The Affinity ESports Minecraft Builders Camp was completely abuzz.

Facilitator Joe Santiago said the goal of the camp was to get students into the survival element of the game.

“Usually kids are into the creative side of Minecraft,” said Santiago about one mode of the game, known for its creative options and lack of threats.

Santiago described “Creative Mode” as passive, adding “this camp is focused on helping them survive the night.”

What does staying alive in Minecraft Survival Mode seem to take? A lot of teamwork.

While campers ranged from ages seven through 13, it was evident their differences were non-barriers to fully integrated collaboration while sharing the world of the game.

Students used headsets with microphones to communicate, and used both handheld controllers and their keyboards to help them with their tasks.

All around, clamorous exclamations filled the room packed with computers, gaming chairs, and kids enjoying the summer: “I found the village!” — “I’m taking the wood out.” — “I’m already far ahead!” — “Guys, wait up!” — “I’ve got a stone ax.”

Along with the gaming element of the program, Santiago said the group goes on walks in the nearby forested areas by Sandy Hook Center, and plays games of catch.

Santiago explained the camp has gotten feedback suggesting it proved beneficial for kids with autism, as it provided them with a premise to socialize.

“Day one, they all hugged each other, and said ‘we are all best friends,” Santiago added. “I wish I had something like this when I was younger.”

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.