[EricH]

Originally Posted by Allison K

3. 2 or 3 complete NXT Kits (In the early stages keeps more hands busy with brainstorming, in the later stages allows two identical robots to be built to speed programming)
4. 2 or 3 RCX drive trains (Most of my teams use robolab and the RCX kits allow the programmers to learn while the builders use the NXT kits to brainstorm. When the builders finish the programmers already know how to program. This may work with the Mindstorms software as well but I haven't used it so I don't know. Though I suppose if money isn't an issue you could use NXT kits for the same purpose)
5. 4+ Computers, at least two with internet (2+ for programming, 2+ for research)
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11. Programming Training Kit (Something we designed for our teams. Includes a magnetic white board and magnetic programming icons to help the students learn what each icon does, as well as help them think out programs before taking them to the computer. Also includes a few training exercises that cover the basics such as finding lines, following lines, moving straight, turning, etc.)

The RCX motors/sensors can also be adapted to work with the NXT, using NXT's included adapters.
You don't really want to use the Mindstorms software if you are going to be using NXT for competition robots. RoboLab is a much better approximation, as it has the same base.
Programming training kit is a good idea...a summer camp would also work quite well.

The one most important thing is TIME. You need it for ideas, field building, robot building, research...The earlier you can get a task to them (e.g., the field goes for assembly as soon as you get the pieces), the more time they have to do it and the better it will turn out (hopefully).