Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger
how much "stuff" is done at the other kickoff sites? Do they have just the big screen showing NH, or do they also have the Game Field under wraps for post-kickoff inspection? (I'm guessing the KOP distribution is there too.)
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Organizing a local kickoff "takes a village." With the support of NASA-Goddard, the Chesapeake Regional has hosted one the past 6 years and usually has about 40 teams attending. The reality is attending the NH kickoff is just not an option for the vast majority of teams here.
The coordination of receiving the KOP's, the inventory of everything, storage, arranging for distribution and taking care of the paperwork takes time and effort and we are thankful to Goddard for taking this on. Arranging for the NASA feed takes effort. A hosting venue needs to be found. Some years we’ve been able to show some of the game elements, but never the entire field due to space. Some years we've had a sponsor for pizza and donuts, sometimes not. Some years we can offer workshops, some years not. Some years we’ve had local media to publicize FIRST in this area.
It is a lot of fun having all the local teams in one room together, and it’s a great opportunity for communication, back and forth. I’ve never attended the NH kickoff because this local kickoff is too important.