Its only day two and already our teams are making spectacular progress. Yesterday we announced this weeks project using two simple words: time machine, and since then our campers have created an impressive narrative in which our time travellers will visit two alternate realities; a past in which dinosaurs were never extinct, where we find them during the middle of the gold rush, mining the rivers of Pompeii (pre-eruption of Vesuvius!) Going back to the future, the dinosaur race has evolved into lizard overlords, and the entire human race is now living on Mars. It’s going to be an exciting few days making this vision into a reality!

So, let’s introduce you to the teams…

The Past (Eugene, Robert, Rudy and Cam - with Jane and Josh)

Eugene hard at work.

Eugene, Robert and Josh working on props for the past.

Rudy and Cam creating strong and sturdy structural supports for the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius.

Robert and Eugene creating Pompeii.

Eugene using the handsaw for part of his project.

Cam and Rudy, our dynamic duo, on the miter saw (watched over by Ben).

Sometimes only a jigsaw will do.

There might only be four of them, but this group feels much bigger than they are. Enthusiastic and hard working, this group are simultaneously building the backdrop of Pompeii, as well as a number of dinosaur miners! Eugene has been working methodically and taking responsibility for the Pompeii props, including iterations of design and a variety of construction techniques. Rudy and Cam have been building the supporting structures for Mount Vesuvius and have been tirelessly chopsawing away, testing, stabilising and problem solving throughout the day. Dinosaur creation has largely been Robert’s domain (with a little help from some friends – thanks Josh) and we are all looking forward to meeting the Boss-o-saur, Miner-saur and Pan-o-saur as they mine for gold in the rivers on Friday.

The Future (Sophia, Archie, Daisy, Eva, Lucy, Tasso, Ry, Gabe and Jeffrey - with Chris, Aakash and Benjamin)

The Space Cave is starting to take shape!

Lucy giving her 'ready' thumbs up whilst Daisy cuts mountainous Mars scenery using the jigsaw.

And now its Eva's turn! Archie watches from the side.

Jeffrey and Gabe prepare more lumber for the Space Cave.

It's been a busy day for the jigsaw! Here's Ry showing his skills.

The robot is coming along nicely!

It's been a busy day! Archie takes a well-deserved rest.

This group are the first to incorporate paint and surface design/texture into their project (although we’re confident that they won’t be the last!). Daisy, Eva, Lucy and Archie have been creating the landscape, giving us all a better sense of what futuristic ‘Life on Mars’ will look like. Sophia joined the futuristic team today, initially to lend an extra pair of helpful hands, but became so engrossed on the groups plan to create a space dome, that she has decided to remain with the Future team. She has been working with Gabe and Jeffrey to build a space dome. Ry and Tasso have collaborated to create a robot and are looking forward to problem solving a suitably sophisticated portal into the future.

The Time Machine (Ohad, Shohum, Aaron, Arson, Marly, Zara, Carter, Kaia, Katy, Makeda, Tavi and Anna – with Jenny and Roe)

A nicely organised workstation; the time machine team prepare to add wheels to their vehicle.

Methodical work from the track team.

Project Ember Portrait: Ohad.

Testing time: will the cart roll smoothly on the track?

Looks like some problem solving is going to be required.

Anna and Zara measure up the most suitable size for a seat.

Zara's taking note!

Ohad performing the important job of a stop barrier so that the cart won't roll away (its a tough job, but someone's got to do it!)

Kaia uses the power sander to smooth a splintery piece of ply.

More group work and more sanding!

Looks like the whole teams been sanding today, as Arson joins in!

A chance to learn new skills as Jenny introduces the group to the skilsaw.

Katy's one happy lady, having corrected part of the track using the pull saw.

More supplies needed.

The time machine, perhaps unsurprisingly, was a very popular part of this weeks project (who wouldn’t want to create a vehicle to travel through time?!) Twelve members strong, it seemed logical to divide and conquer, so the group split into three smaller teams; Shohum, Ohad, Marly, Zara, Makeda and Anna taking on the challenge of designing a vehicle for time travel; Kaia, Katy, Carter, Tavi designing and building the track on which it should travel; and Arson and Aaron designing a pulley system to add functionality and enable the time machine to move smoothly between the future and the past.

The entire team came back together at regular intervals to discuss the specifics of designs and dimensions, and to conduct tests and trials between the two components. This was not without its setbacks and the team encountered many frustrating moments, but remained supportive and determined throughout, using these challenges as an opportunity for growth. It gave the team a great insight into the purpose and function of prototyping and it was particularly special to share in the collective acknowledgement of small successes; the culmination of teamwork and great participation!