Getting Started with the Robotics Program
Our robotics program is designed to help students discover the excitement of engineering, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Each year builds on the last, guiding students from curiosity to competence and, ultimately, to leadership. The goal is for every student to grow in confidence, technical skill, and collaboration, while learning to think critically about how systems work and how to improve them.
Intro to Robotics Classes
Our Intro to Robotics class, offered through Community Education, is a two-evening experience that gives students a hands-on introduction to the world of robotics. During these sessions, students use a prepared project plan to design, build, and program a robot, then test it in real game play. The purpose of this short course is to help students decide whether they'd like to continue in the program and to give them a taste of what teamwork and creative problem-solving look like in a competitive robotics setting.
Summer Labs Program
The Summer Labs program offers a more in-depth experience for students who want to spend more time exploring robotics. Over several weeks, students dive deeper into every aspect of the program - learning how to design, build, and program complete robot systems while experimenting with chassis, lifts, intakes, and sensors. The relaxed, project-based environment allows students to test ideas freely, gain confidence with the tools and software, and strengthen their skills before the competitive season begins in the fall.
Yearly Progression
New students typically start with the Intro to Robotics class and then the Summer Labs program before joining a competitive team in the fall. Returning students are encouraged to sharpen their skills with Summer Labs and take on new challenges each year-advancing from builders or drivers toward programming, design, and leadership roles. Our goal is to help every student progress at their own pace while contributing to their team's success.
Programs by Age
- Grades 5-6 (VEX IQ): Focus on foundational engineering skills. Students learn to build stable chassis, explore mechanical advantage, and write simple programs to control their robots. The season begins with practices in mid-October, followed by scrimmages in November and league events in January and February.
- Grades 7-8 (VEX V5RC - Middle School): Students transition to more complex systems, designing and programming with advanced sensors, autonomous routines, and modular subsystems. Practice begins in late August with competitions running through December.
- Grades 9-12 (VEX V5RC - High School): Teams operate at a high level of independence. Students take full ownership of design, strategy, and documentation, preparing for both league play and regional tournaments. Experienced students mentor newer members, building leadership and project management skills.
Expectations
Our program emphasizes teamwork, persistence, and respect. Adults and mentors provide guidance when asked but do not design or strategize for students. Each team is expected to meet regularly, communicate effectively, and demonstrate steady progress throughout the season. Students who commit to consistent effort-regardless of experience level-will find that robotics is not only about building robots but about building themselves.