BMA-hosted Robotics, LEGO Events Add to Learning

Blue Mountain Academy students (right) referee the Reading Junior Academy team.

For more than five years, the Pennsylvania Conference has hosted regional robotics events at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg. The FIRST LEGO League and Adventist Robotics League provide opportunities for all young people to experience exciting “real-world” applications while upholding the values and integrity of a well-rounded Adventist education. Schools from the Pennsylvania Conference, as well as from Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts have participated. The teams come together to show off their God-given talents, as well as interact with other like-minded young people in a fun, energetic and encouraging environment. Teams work together to build the robot, have fun, help others when needed, to find answers and embrace the spirit of learning, rather than the spirit of winning.

Ten teams participated in this year’s robotics league. Blue Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School was one of two teams that qualified for the Adventist Robotics League Nationals in Sacramento, Calif.

“It was tremendous watching teams from different states and schools having a wonderful time interacting with the judges, referees, their teammates, members from other teams and the audience,” says Rick Bianco, associate education superintendent for mission and growth. “I was proud of all of the teams for the way they conducted themselves, and I look forward to their joining us again in 2017.”