Franklin County, News
 By  Alison James Published 
9:23 am Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Vina student enjoys Robotics Academy

Camron Burks, of Vina, gets hands-on robotics experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Robotics Academy.

Camron Burks, of Vina, gets hands-on robotics experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Robotics Academy.

When Vina eighth grader Camron Burks discovered the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Robotics Academy online, he was eager to be part of it.

“We built a robot, drones, and submarines,” Burks said. “It was really fun. It was an experience.”

The weeklong educational program promoted science, technology, engineering and math, while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and decision-making. The Robotics Academy is “specifically designed for trainees who have a particular interest in engineering. The mission of Space Camp Robotics is to show trainees how engineers develop solutions for real-world problems using real-world technologies. At all age levels, trainees use state-of-the-art robotics systems to compete in air, sea and land activities and missions,” explained a release from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

“Using the Office of Naval Research’s SeaPerch undersea robotics, Camron and the other trainees tested payloads on an unmanned aerial vehicle, all while strengthening teamwork and leadership skills.”
Burks said an interest in technology and how it works drove him to participate in the camp, where he learned “a lot of cool stuff,” like the binary number system and how to program. He is already excited about going again next year and hopes to take a few friends along.

Also on Franklin County Times
LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
Retirement brings an end to one chapter of school
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
THARPTOWN – Over the past 21 years, Tharptown schools have seen a plethora of changes as students and teachers alike come and go and the education lan...
Investigator details charges in child porn case
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Details from an interview between Abigail Roberts and an investigator regarding the child pornography and sodomy charges against the 22...
Generational investment has regional impact
Columnists, Opinion
April 22, 2026
On March 20 we marked the beginning of something truly significant, not just for one community, but for all of north Alabama. The announcement of a $2...
Broadway salute takes stage April 23-26
Columnists, News
HERE AND NOW
April 22, 2026
“The Roxy’s Salute to Broadway” will be held April 23-26 at the historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville. The production features music from fiv...
RHS softball goes 3-1 in NW Alabama Bash
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
The Russellville High softball team went 4-2 during a week of games that included participation in the Northwest Alabama Bash at the Sportsplex in Flo...
Red Bay wins 3 of 4; Tharptown wins 2
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, News, ...
Bart Moss For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
RedBayandTharptown led the way last week in softball with Red Bay winning 3 of 4 games and Tharptown earning a couple of big wins, downing Phil Campbe...
Competitive eater completes challenge
News, Russellville
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A local restaurant is getting attention after a competitive eater finished a massive meal with just seconds to spare, turning a simple ...
$4.2M paving project nears end
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The final phase of a $4.2 million paving project funded through a Rebuild Alabama grant is nearing completion, marking the end of a lar...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *