TiaPat We have a way that might be of interest to state-side teams who would be willing to help. Three years ago we allied with 1156, Marista Pio XII HS in Brazil while they competed in the SBPLI regional (we won
). The following year we provided them with batteries/chargers and most of the tools that they'd need. This year we went all out and started a program, HOST, Hosting Over-Seas Teams.
The program starts with them arriving in our town (or you can arrange to pick them up at the airport). We then housed each of them in our homes, as you would an exchange student. Each day the parents would be responsible for food and travel to/from school. In our case they were give special passes and allowed to ride the bus to school with our students. They shadowed our students during the day in their classes and we all met in the robotics lab at the end of the day. Once there, we'd prep for competition by loading up the trailer with our pit, tools, batteries/chargers etc. We also supplied the same things for 1156. This was essential to the success of the program as it allowed them to travel here with almost nothing except possibly their withholding allowance.
Each day they would go to the competition with us and come home with us to our homes. We held communal dinners in the lab each evening and discussed the day's events. The camaraderie was incredible. We even spent 4.5 hours TOGETHER on scouting on Friday evening. We both agreed, however, that it was in our teams' best interest to be honest when deciding to select an alliance partner and not be beholden to the other during the selection process.
As it happened, the third seed (870) selected us (6th seed) and we went to the finals against our friends from Brazil. Yes, we lost to them!!!! Talk about gracious professionalism!!!
The teams have developed a bond that rarely exists, even amongst neighboring teams here in the states. We communicate (through Whatsapp) all year long, sharing ideas and updates.
The final major aid we were able to provide was the storage of their crate (after bagging and crating the robot) prior to shipping it to St. Louis. We were also fortunate to be attending the Worlds again this year and trailered all the necessary tools and batteries again for both teams.
If teams in the states would follow this program, to any extent possible, they would undoubtedly be helping overseas teams a great deal. We essentially eliminated the need for transportation, housing and much of the food costs to the traveling teams. Supplying tools and batteries also reduces costs and headaches for the teams.
If anyone would like to have more of the specifics (specific BOE approval method, permission slips, procedures etc) please look at Team329.com or PM me with the quieries.