Check out Team 2851 summer school challenge on google docs.
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0Bz...W vzBiWCDa6X0
They have opened it up to other teams. Looks like a good place to start with learning java for FIRST.
Secondly, I also would suggest Java. Last year we reviewed all of the options and decided to go with java. The major reason we did this, was there was not any programming class offered at the high school, so the kids did not have any access to programmer teachers. 2nd, there was an online class offered through the High school virtual school, you may also have this option to get high school credit for learning java, along with a structured class. 3rd, there was also API test where you could test and receive collage credit for the java. 4th Java is used everywhere, and once you learn it, you will probably use it for the rest of your life.
That all being said, this year we had a mentor join the team that works for NI, so we stuck with Labview. The examples in labview for FRC are done very well. I would still use Labview as a learning tool for sensors and "seeing" how they work and what the data represents.
If I were in your shoes, I would learn and use java.