[blaze8902]

I'm a fairly new mentor myself, but I don't have much to add unfortunately. (Or fortunately, depending on how you look at it. A large amount of solid advice has already been given.)

All I have to say is that you should try and ensure that your mentors really understand what the goal of FIRST is. It's about learning, it's about STEM Education.

Students aren't learning anything by doing the same thing time and time again.

Also, as former lead strategist, I recommend having a student be in charge of a team of students who analyze the rules immediately. This team should then brief the group who is charge of initial robot design, and together these two groups - A group who has a strategic understanding of the rules, and a group who has a fine grasp on successful design strategy - should develop the plan for the initial phase of the six week build season.

This method allows for a bunch of learning opportunities that are realistic for job opportunities, such as goal oriented design, and leadership.

Best of luck.