Summer is just around the corner and at Ten Peaks Innovation, we’re thrilled to offer opportunities that blends fun, learning, and innovation into an unforgettable experience for youth. Our summer camps, fall conference, and case competition spark creativity, foster problem-solving skills, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Summer Camps

With a focus on addressing the pressing issue of food scarcity through technology and entrepreneurial spirit, this year’s camps offer a unique blend of education, fun, and real-world application.

For Grades 7 – 9: A Deep-Dive into Solving Food Scarcity

From July 15 and August 12, our camps in Okotoks are open to students in grades 7 to 9. Here, they will spend five immersive days exploring the world of robotics and its application in solving real-life problems like food scarcity. Under the guidance of Steve Schultz, an award-winning science and robotics teacher, campers will:

• Design and Code Their Own Robots: Delving into the mechanics and software, students will design a robot equipped to explore how robotics and automation can contribute solutions for agriculture.
• Explore UN Sustainable Development Goals: Aligning their projects with global objectives, they’ll understand their role in fostering a sustainable future.
• Learn from Experts: Through sessions with three guest speakers from industry and academia, insights into agri-tech and SMART farming will inspire entrepreneurial thinking, new ideas and approaches.

Only 20 spots are available, ensuring a focused and enriching experience for each participant. For more details and registration, visit our summer camps page.

For Grades 4 – 6: Bot Basics and Beyond Camp

In addition to our main summer camps, we’re excited to offer half-day robotics camps in Lacombe and Red Deer for younger enthusiasts aged 9 to 12. These camps maintain a strong ag-tech theme, providing an age-appropriate introduction to the world of robotics.

Students will:

• Harness Their Creativity: Each camper will code and design a robot, introducing them to the endless possibilities of technology.
• Engage with Core Concepts: Lessons in design thinking, sustainability, agri-tech, and automation will broaden their understanding of how robotics can be used to address global issues.
• Bring Ideas to Life: Through hands-on activities, campers are encouraged to brainstorm and experiment, learning the capabilities of their smart world robots.

These sessions are hosted at the Lacombe Composite High School and the Centre for Social Impact in Red Deer.

Growing Forward Together: The 10Peaks Innovation Xchange Conference 2024

The 10Peaks Innovation Xchange (10PIX) is happy to announce its fourth annual conference, a free, dynamic, hybrid event dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations and connections among students, teachers, and leaders across various sectors. Scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Red Deer Polytechnic, this year’s theme, Growing Forward Together: Cleantech and your Carbon Footprint, will showcase the latest advancements and efforts in energy, environment, and climate. For 2024, we’re expanding our focus to include the forestry industry, a vital sector experiencing rapid transformation through sustainability commitments and action plans.

The free, student conference will feature two keynote speakers, alongside 16 diverse speakers and panelists, each dedicating 30 minutes to share insights and innovations across four main thematic areas:

• Transitioning to Net Zero: Explore the evolution of the traditional oil and gas sector towards producing low-emission products.
• Alternative Energy Ventures: Delve into the world of alternative energy companies and organizations making waves in the sector.
• Environmental Though Leaders: Learn about practical steps individuals can take to reduce energy demand, conservation, exploring nature-based solutions, water use and more.
• Forestry’s Green Future: Discover how forestry organizations are achieving their net zero goals through sustainable practices.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in 12 interactive workshops, designed for groups of 25, allowing for a hands-on learning experience. Additionally, all-day tours of the RDP CIM-TAC and Alternative Energy Labs will offer a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge research and development in the field.  Register your class today for in person attendance and apply for the $500 school transportation subsidy. 

Maintaining the successful format from the previous year, the conference will be held both in-person at Red Deer Polytechnic and virtually via GreenShows, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all interested participants.

10Peaks Innovation Case Competition

The 10Peaks Innovation Case Competition is an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a simulated business scenario and present their solutions to a panel of judges.  Teams work together to analyze a case, develop creative strategies, and present their ideas cohesively.

Three case projects are offered between December 2024 and May 2025. Student teams compete for prizes and influencer clout. Teachers, there are 20 micro-grants ($100 each) available for your student groups, so click on this link right now to learn more and get started. This season’s case competitions centre on microbial fuel cell technology.

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As a not-for-profit organization, Ten Peaks Innovation believes in nurturing young minds to think big, innovate, and create a better future. Join us this summer and fall; together, we can spark a wave of change that begins with our children.