RoboFun® Birthday Party Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at a RoboFun® Birthday Party?

For beginners or mixed beginner/intermediate (6-9 year olds):

2-touch sensor remote control workshop with obstacle course .  Party guests use a simple blueprint and a pre-sorted kit of LEGO pieces to build a simple car.  Guests add their own creative design using additional LEGO pieces and download a program from the computers to their robots.  Guests add a 2-touch sensor control to their cars that allows them to steer the robot.  Guests build an obstacle course/maze using large LEGO pieces (LEGO Soft) and run their robots through in a race. Before the building begins, the instructor explains what different pieces the guests are using for the workshop (mini-LEGO computer, sensors, wires, motors, and gears) and brief explains what a robot is and how to build one using LEGO.  When participants are ready to download the computer program, the instructor shows the program using the projector and explains step-by-step what the program is designed to do.  These explanations ensure that the guests learn something about robotics and programming and are appropriately oriented to the materials and concepts they are using.

For intermediate or advanced (10-13 year olds):

RCX-to-RCX communications workshop .  In this workshop party guests learn to program 2 RCX bricks (or two separate robots) to communicate with each other by sending a program back and forth.  Party guests are divided into groups of 2 or more: each group builds a simple car using a simple blue print and builds a control tower or other stationary structure to act as their 2nd robot.  Guests are briefly instructed on how to write a program on the computer to allow the stationary robot to send a message to the vehicle robot.

How long is the birthday party workshop?

2 hours broken down as: 2 hour workshop, no additional time for birthday cake
OR
1 ½ hour workshop; ½ hour for cake

Can we bring food?

You may bring CAKE or CUPCAKES (or the equivalent) and light colored beverage (apple juice, sprite, etc.).  We will provide a table cloth for the kids to eat on and plastic cups and water.  You will need to supply the cake, plates, and utensils.

What are the maximum and minimum number of kids?

10 participants maximum (this number includes the birthday child)

What is the price?

Birthday Parties are $450.00 for up to 10 children (including birthday child). For 11– 20 children the price is $895.00 + Travel Fee and party must be held off-site.

Do you provide party favors?

Party Favors are included in the price and consist of a small bag of LEGO candy and a LEGO Pod (50-60 pieces that can be built into a specific figure)

How do I book a party?

In order to reserve a birthday party, you will need to pay in full.  Full payment is due at least 2 weeks before the day of the event; the only way to reserve a birthday party is by making the full payment.

Can you send me an invoice?

Yes.  Please send your full name, mailing address, and email address and we will have an invoice created for this event.

Can I have the party at my house?

Yes if… you have floor space no less than 20'x20' with outlets available near by. Pay $150-200 travel fee depending on location subject to availability.

When can I have my birthday party?

Evenings and weekends are best; subject to availability.

Can parents stay during the party?

We encourage parents to drop-off their child and return for pick-up.  There is limited space in our classroom for adults and we find that the kids focus better when parents aren't around.  Of course the parents of the birthday boy/girl are welcome to stay!

Call us at 212-245-0444 or email carmen@vemny.org to book your party