Future‑ready skills. Real projects. College‑level momentum.
BEAR+: Build, Fly, Code, Lead
BEAR+ is ThinkerBox’s advanced pathway for high school students (grades 9–12) who want to build, launch, and lead—combining drones, ESP32/Arduino systems, VEX V5 robotics, Entrepreneur+ (venture building), Computer Game Development with Unity, VR Game Development with Unity, Computer Networking Basics, and Modern Web Development under our STEM “X” framework: eXperience → eXperimentation → eXecution.
Build. code. compete. innovate.
BEAR+ is designed for motivated 9–12 graders who want more than just classes—they want real projects, real skills, and real results. Whether you’re a maker building robots, a gamer coding in Unity, a tech explorer learning networks, or a future innovator launching ventures, BEAR+ gives you the tools and mentorship to push your potential further.
Ready to dive in? BEAR+ is built for flexibility and impact.
10-week after-school sessions: Once or twice a week, perfect for the school year alongside your classes. Starting January.
2-week intensives (Mon–Fri): Fast-paced summer programs where you build, code, and launch in just 10 days.
Take the
Next Step
Explore. Build. Compete. Launch.
BEAR+ Camps & Pathways
BEAR+ offers high school students a menu of hands-on camps designed to match their passions and future goals. From drones and robotics to game design, VR, web development, networking, entrepreneurship, and AI, each camp provides a focused pathway where students can gain real skills, work on meaningful projects, and showcase their talents in a final Demo Day. Whether you’re a maker, gamer, coder, or future innovator, there’s a BEAR+ camp that’s built for you.
Drone Systems & Flight Lab
Build, program, and fly drones safely. Explore payload delivery, autonomous flight, and racing skills with real-world flight-test protocols.
Dates Coming Soon
Engineer the Impossible (Tech Build)
Hands-on prototyping with VEX V5 robotics, ESP32/Arduino systems, sensors, and fabrication. Great for builders who want to design and test real hardware.
Dates Coming Soon
Compete. Win. Launch. (Competition Prep)
Focused training for VEX V5, drone competitions, and coding challenges. Learn strategy, design cycles, and autonomous programming to perform under pressure.
Dates Coming Soon
Lead the Market – Entrepreneur+
Turn ideas into ventures. Explore branding, market validation, pitching, and go-to-market strategies while building your own startup concept.
Dates Coming Soon
Game & VR Development
Design and build 2D/3D computer games in Unity, plus immersive VR experiences. Perfect for gamers and storytellers who want to create interactive worlds.
June 15-19, 2026 (9:00am – 3:30pm) – 10 Seats
Networking & IT Foundations
Learn computer networking basics: hardware, security, and protocols. Build a foundation for IT, cybersecurity, and cloud careers.
June 22-26, 2026 (9:00am – 3:30pm) – 10 Seats
Modern Web Development
Create responsive websites and apps using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks. Learn modern design principles and coding practices for the web.
July 6-10, 2026 (9:00am – 3:30pm) – 20 Seats
AI & Data Science Lab
Discover how artificial intelligence works by training simple models, using computer vision, and building dashboards with real data. Learn how AI powers drones, games, and web apps — and create your own smart project.
July 13-17, 2026 (9:00am – 3:30pm) – 20 Seats
Where today’s learning connects with tomorrow’s most in-demand jobs.
The fastest-growing careers of the next decade are in technology and data. Roles like software development, data science, information security, and IT management are projected to grow far faster than the national average, creating thousands of new opportunities every year. BEAR+ helps students start building the skills today that align with these high-demand fields tomorrow.
Software Developers, QA Analysts, and Testers — 17–18% growth, ~140,000 annual openings
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
Data Scientists — ~42% growth, ~17,700 annual openings
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/data-scientists.htm
Information Security Analysts — 41% growth, ~16,800 annual openings
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
Computer & Information Systems Managers — 17% growth, ~54,700 annual openings
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
FAQ
What You’ll Learn
BEAR+ isn’t just about learning tech—it’s about applying it. From building and coding to teamwork and pitching, students leave with hands-on experience, practical skills, and a portfolio that shows colleges and employers what they can do.
Will I actually get to build something real?
Yes! You’ll design and test real-world projects—drones, robots, Arduino/ESP32 prototypes, Unity games, VR scenes, and even modern websites.
What kind of coding will I learn?
Depending on your track, you’ll explore coding with Arduino/ESP32, Unity for games and VR, modern web frameworks, and even AI and data tools.
How will I work with others?
You’ll be part of balanced teams that practice agile methods, project management, and collaboration—skills that matter in both college and careers.
Do I learn business and presentation skills too?
Absolutely. You’ll practice pitching your ideas, presenting at Demo Day, and building a portfolio that stands out for competitions and college admissions.
Gutentools is a collection of custom Gutenberg blocks.
Every BEAR+ student leaves with micro-credentials, a portfolio of real projects, mentor feedback, and even recommendation opportunities—clear proof of skills that open doors to college and future careers.
Credentials &
College Advantage
Admissions & Placement
BEAR+ is open to high school students in grades 9–12. During registration, students complete a short readiness survey to help us place them in the right track. On the first day, we may do an optional skills check to confirm placement. Teams are then formed with a balance of builders, coders, and creative thinkers so every student contributes meaningfully.
Tuition & Scholarships
BEAR+ is designed to be accessible while delivering high-impact experiences. Tuition is set per camp session, with pricing varying by site and program length. Registration is always free, and payment is due 90 days before the start date to secure a seat. Limited scholarships are available through community sponsors, and need-based support can be requested during registration. Families enrolling multiple students or sessions may also qualify for discounts.
Start Your Journey with BEAR+
The future belongs to builders, creators, and innovators. Whether you want to fly drones, design games, launch ventures, or prepare for college and careers, BEAR+ gives you the skills and experiences to stand out. Seats are limited, and registration fills quickly—don’t wait to claim your spot.