Foundry Fundays FAQs

What is a Foundry Funday?

The school year is full of so many holidays that don’t coordinate with our work schedules. Foundry Fundays provides a fun, safe space for your children to spend their days while you work from home, from work or get some time to yourself.

What will my child be doing all day?

Here’s our daily schedule:

• 9 AM Welcome/Sign-in
• 9:25 AM Morning Meeting/Intros
• 9:45 AM Snack
• 10 AM Movement Break
• 10:05 AM Robot Building
• 11:35 AM Lunch
• 12:05 Park/PlayTime @ Nearby Park
• 1:20 PM Quiet Time
• 1:30 PM Craft Activity
• 2:15 PM Choice Time
• 2:45-3 PM Pack Up and Early Dismissal
• 3 PM-5 PM Extended Day

How old does my child need to be to participate?

We welcome children ranging from rising kindergartners to 12 years old, with activities thoughtfully tailored to match developmental stages. Where possible, campers are grouped by age to ensure projects, pacing, and instruction are just right. We will make allowances to keep siblings together or separate them depending on your preference.

What will my child learn?

Campers learn foundational engineering concepts through daily robot builds while also developing:

• Basic knowledge of circuitry and engineering

• Problem-solving skills

• Confidence and independence

• Collaboration and communication

• Creativity through arts and crafts

No prior experience is needed, curiosity is the only requirement.

Who are the teachers?

Our camps are led by caring, trained, and experienced educators who love working with kids. All teachers receive ongoing professional development, including robotics training, classroom management, and CPR certifications. Creating a supportive, inclusive environment is always our top priority.

Is camp safe?

Yes. Safety is central to everything we do. First of all, all of our staff are background checked. To maintain safety in the classroom. Camps follow clear routines, age-appropriate activities, and structured supervision. We maintain at least an 8:1 ratio of students to teachers so there are enough caring people on hand to give your child a great experience.We also incorporate movement breaks and outdoor play so kids can reset, recharge, and stay engaged throughout the day.

Is it all screen-based or tech-heavy?

Not at all. Our camps are proudly hands-on. Kids build with physical materials, collaborate face-to-face, move their bodies, and create with their hands.

Where do you hold your Fundays?

For the remainder of the school year, we will hold Fundays at three locations Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church (Madison Ave bet. E. 74th and E 75th, Marymount Manhattan College (221 E. 71st Street bet. 2nd and 3rd Avenues) and our newest location, Brooklyn Robot Foundry Murray Hill (E. 35th Street bet. 1st and 2nd Avenues). We are always looking for new location. Please email manhattaneast@brooklynrobotfoundry.com if you know of a place that would make a great location for our camp or have a suggestion for a neighborhood where we need to be.

Do kids get outdoor time?

Yes! Campers enjoy movement breaks and outdoor playtime during the day. We believe kids learn best when their minds and bodies are both active. During winter months when temperatures drop low, we make sure that even if it is less than 20 minutes that children get some outdoor time, if they need it.

What will students do besides build robots?

We have plenty of arts and crafts supplies on hand so that children can draw and dream up new creations. We encourage origami, chess playing and card playing during the times when we are not building robots.

How do you support social development?

Camp is a place to make friends. Campers learn to work with all types of people in our inclusive classrooms, practicing teamwork, communication, and empathy in a supportive setting.

What do I need to send my child with?

Families receive a detailed checklist before camp begins, but typically kids just need:

• A nut-free snack/lunch
• Comfortable clothes for building and movement
• A reusable water bottle
• Any necessary medication (e.g. epi pens, inhalers)
• A big smile and curiosity

All robotics materials are provided.

Why do families choose this camp?

Parents choose our camps because kids:

• Build confidence alongside robots
• Feel supported by kind, trained teachers
• Learn through play and hands-on exploration
• Leave each day excited to come back

Most importantly, kids leave with memories, friendships, and pride in what they’ve built.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes we do provide scholarships to families in need. Please sign up here to be on the list.

My school holidays are not listed here. What can I do?

Reach out to us and we can try to accommodate you. We are happy to coordinate with PTAs or parent groups to fill gap in child care coverage. Just shoot an email to manhattaneast@brooklynrobotfoundry.com.

Save when you book for Presidents’ Week Camp here.

Check out our other Foundry Fundays here.