Hi! I'm Crystal (aka Waffles), an alum from FRC1511.
One of my favorite things to do at competition is eagerly listen to Pit Admin on stand-by with tools, and materials in hand, ready to aid teams in need.
What I'd like to do is essentially form a program called "FIRST Pit Crew!". It would be made up of any willing volunteers who would provide assistance to teams in their pits after a request has been made via Pit Admin.
The break down of the program entails that the volunteers have "Crew Carts" packed with tools, and materials so everything is "on-hand" for the team in need. Basically a mobile FIRST Tool-Mart! This means we can help teams out with anything from bumpers, to helping create crimp connections, to giving metal stock or plywood.
I'd like to get the opinions of the FIRST community!
I know that teams helping other teams is a part of the FIRST experience at the Regional, and Championship level, but not everyone can always help! I don't want to take that opportunity away from teams either, but this can be a fail-safe for calls that go unanswered.
It also occurs to me that we have the NASA Machine Shop, but lines are long, materials are limited, and it's not mobile! Why not lend an extra hand for the small stuff?
That's basically all I have for right now... I know there will be plenty of pros, and cons about the idea, but any, and all feedback is appreciated!
Waffles.