"Happy Campers" Qualify for Global Robotics Competition for the Second Consecutive Year

BATAVIA, IL — For the second year in a row, a group of young coders from Batavia is proving that size is no obstacle to global success. Vanguard Gifted Academy’s upper elementary robotics team, known as Vanguard’s Happy Campers, has officially been selected to compete in the 2026 Sphero World Championship.

The team, comprised of "Band Two" students in 3rd through 5th grade, received the news this week after a rigorous qualifying round. They will represent the school in the BOLT+ Upper Elementary division, competing against top-tier student teams from across the globe in a virtual arena.

More Than Just Coding

While the competition centers on the "Wilderness Survival" theme—requiring students to program Sphero BOLT+ robots through complex missions—the real victory for Vanguard lies in the process.

"This is a huge accomplishment, but for us, it isn't just about winning," says Amy Trujillo, Head of School at Vanguard Gifted Academy. "It’s about perseverance. These students have to work through high-level challenges and learn how to truly collaborate. Seeing them reach the world stage again is a testament to their grit."

Student-Led Success

A key factor in the team's success is the coaching philosophy of Kelly McCarney. An educator known for her dedication and empowering approach, McCarney ensures that while the students are prepared, the solutions are entirely their own.

"McCarney is an incredible coach and teacher," Trujillo says. "She works very hard to prepare them, but she is very intentional about making them do the work on their own. She guides them, but the students own every line of code and every decision made on the field."

The Road Ahead

The "Happy Campers" (Team 1948-06-02) are now entering their final "training camp" phase. They are tasked with completing final challenges and preparing a presentation for a panel of expert judges. Their live virtual presentations are scheduled to take place between April 27 and May 7, 2026.

This repeat qualification highlights the strength of Vanguard’s personalized learning tracks, which allow students to dive deep into STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Math) at a pace that matches their advanced abilities.

As the team prepares to navigate the "Wilderness Survival" course, the entire community is rooting for these young innovators.

About Vanguard Gifted Academy Vanguard Gifted Academy, located at 1078 E. Wilson Street in Batavia, is a micro-school dedicated to serving gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. By providing a personalized, project-based curriculum, Vanguard helps students find the "right fit" for their education. The school is currently hosting a "Discovery Day" Open House on April 11th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for families interested in the 2026-2027 school year.