Battery charging while powering system

Hi

If I want to recharge and use a 9.6V NiMh (or NiCd) battery pack at the same time, could I splice the battery wire and connect one set to the charger and connect the other set to the device? This is for running a rc car with a webcam mounted on top along with an arduino. I'm planning to have it charged while parked at some kind of a charging station. The motors would not run, but the webcam would.

Thanks!

In a word yes
There should be no problem charging whilst also consuming from the powered device, since your peripheral load current is generally much less than a charger rating.
But, like all advice, you take it at your own risk.