Engineering the Future: Hot Rod STEM Camp Arrives at Fountain Inn High School

The roar of an engine is often the sound of speed, but for students in the Upstate this summer, it’s also the sound of science. Registration is officially open for the 2026 Hot Rod STEM Camp, a high-octane summer program designed to bridge the gap between automotive passion and technical education.

Hosted by the award-winning FIRST Robotics Teams 4451 (ROBOTAILS) and 4864, the camp is scheduled to take over the labs at Laurens District 55 High School this June, offering rising 3rd through 8th graders a hands-on look at the mechanics of the future.

Engineering Under the Hood

The Hot Rod STEM Camp isn’t your average summer retreat. Instead of traditional crafts, students spend their week immersed in the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through the lens of automotive design and robotics.

Led by experienced mentors and high school robotics veterans, the curriculum challenges campers to think like engineers. Highlights of the program often include:

• Robotics Drills: Building and programming bots to navigate complex obstacles.

• Mechanical Design: Understanding gear ratios, torque, and aerodynamics.

• Team Collaboration: Working in “pit crews” to solve real-world engineering puzzles under time constraints.

Mentorship in Motion

One of the most unique aspects of the camp is the leadership structure. The sessions are largely facilitated by students from the local FIRST Robotics teams. For younger campers, seeing high schoolers build competitive, full-scale robots provides a tangible goal for their own academic futures.

“It’s about more than just building something that moves,” says a representative from Team 4451. “It’s about sparking that ‘lightbulb moment’ where a student realizes that the math they learn in class is the same math that makes a car go fast or a robot move.”

2026 Camp Details

The camp is strategically designed to be accessible to families across the Golden Strip and Laurens County, offering a condensed, high-impact schedule:

• Dates: June 22 – June 25, 2026

• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. daily

• Location: Laurens District 55 High School

• Eligibility: Rising 3rd through 8th-grade students.

Registration and Fees

To ensure the program remains an affordable option for local families, the camp utilizes a tiered pricing structure.

• Single Camper: $95.00

• Sibling Discount: $160.00 for two campers.

• District Employee Discount: Special rates are available for children of Laurens County School District 55 employees.

Space is strictly limited to ensure that every “crew member” gets enough hands-on time with the equipment and mentors. Given the popularity of previous years—where spots have filled up weeks before the deadline—parents are encouraged to secure their registrations by early May.

Fueling the Workforce Pipeline

Programs like the Hot Rod STEM Camp are increasingly seen as vital components of the Upstate’s economic engine. By introducing students to engineering and technology at a young age, the camp helps cultivate the next generation of technicians and innovators for the region’s thriving automotive and manufacturing sectors.

As the summer approaches, the message from the Hot Rod STEM crew is clear: whether you’re a future mechanic or a budding computer scientist, there’s a seat in the cockpit for you.