[eedoga]

I started writing this this morning and had to leave for work in the middle, so I'm sorry if the topic has drifted or if someone else has already pointed this out.

First off, I want to applaud you and your team for making things work in an atypical environment/with an atypical student population.

That said, given the high transiency rate for your team, perhaps you should change your goals a bit. Why not make your focus for 2014 to build a great team with sustained support. Try and work out a way to maintain your mentorship from year to year, and focus less on the kids. Have your kids start a "book of ideas" or mental toolbox that they can pass on to kids in coming years. In the least try to get all of the information on how your team runs in one place that you can sustain from year to year.

As for "drop ins" We have them too. I think everyone does. I oscillate back and forth between thinking we should act like one of our sports teams where missing a practice means you miss the game and thinking we should be open and accept everyone. Some of our best students have started out as fringe drop ins...who found something they love and decided to stick with it...Others show up every day and seam to get little to nothing done. Given your population you may want to work out something that works with your kids. Maybe have your core kids serve as group or sub assembly leaders. Give them something to take charge of and be proud of, and then they can take drop ins under their wings and make building the robot into a learning experience.

Once you have a really great foundation you will probably be a bit more comfortable.

Another thing that I would recommend is that you keep this years robot in one piece for as long as you can. Take it everywhere. Go to makerfares. Take it to the park and shoot frisbees for people's dogs. Try to get your robot into a parade, and contact all of the kids who have been involved with your club and get them to walk along side it. Go to store openings. Have your kids present to the business where you work that is giving your team money. Basically make the robot something you guys are known for.

I honestly wish you the best of luck. If you would like any more help from me feel free to PM me for my information.

Edoga