OK, Pranks (and singing) are OK - also stuff like waiting for the bus to get repaired (a bus full of FIRST kids and the bus doesn't work? You gotta be kidding, can't you guys fix it?) and after hours. Don't want to come off harsh, but it really burns me when I get to spend 40 hours a week at work, then another 35 at Robots, only to see some kid with nothing better to do than play
Motherload.
Why should I alienate my kids and family for six (no, 12 if you include 2 regionals & Championships) WEEKS to help some kids who aren't related to me, and don't even give enough of a *$*$*$*$ to do the work expected of them?
Thankfully for me, I went off on some of the team 2 years ago, and have not had to do that since. I explain my expectations the beginning of each season, and amazingly, these High School Kids actually grow up, accept responsibility and do it. Mostly. Enough, at least. Speaking with many other mentors, I find this to be the rare exception, most teams have a large group of kids who are a waste of time.
So: Think about this, kids, beneficiaries of your Mentors, next time there's something serious to get done - are you helping or $crewing around? If the latter, quit the team, for everyone's benefit.
Don