Team 1511 is a very large team (
http://www.penfieldrobotics.com) (
http://rollingthunder.smugmug.com) There are several ways to get other members involved.
For programming for instance, we had 2 subteams:
1) worked on the drive train control software - starting, stopping, traction control, etc. There was always at least an experienced student and a new student and a mentor working on this subteam
2) worked on the "upper mechanism" control - running the belts and pulleys, monitoring sensors, PID loops for control, - again 2 students, one experienced, one new.
3) Our build team was also split between top and drive mechanism, so that they didn't get in each others way when building.
4) We used a WIKI and team integration meetings to be sure that it all would go together (and work together) in the end.
5) Some team members worked on non-build items, chairman's award initiatives, Public Relations, website, animation, community service, fundraising, sponsor drive, rookie meet and greet, team awards at the eventss, etc.
6) Since we run a rally the last day before ship day, we had a team building a field, making over 90 orbit balls by hand, and running field logistics
7) We design our whole robot in inventor prior to building anything. Different students worked on different parts of the eventual full 3d model.
8) We're well known for our scouting program, and someone has to build it, design it and run it both before and during events.
9) The drive team works on strategy and tactics, and is not part of the pit crew.
10) we had a safety captain to run our safety program.
11) The team is a year-round team (we even meet in the summer) and we train our new members in subteam sessions prior to build season on key topics (they must select a main and minor subteam to participate in).
In short - there is plenty to do, it's a matter of having a motivated mentor or parent to guide the students, and recruiting students who want to work on those other things in addition to, or in some cases instead of actually building the bot.
To recruit such a large team you need a few ingredients:
Significant recruiting effort at the FLL/Middle school level so kids entering high school already know about and want to join the program
A mentoring system that makes sure that the new students are not left behind the experienced ones.
Respect and recognition of the school teacher and student body for your achievements and hard work. This means good PR and relations with the board, PTA, teachers and the janitorial staff.
Recognition of the team and it's achievements by parents of prospective kids. The best way to do this is through parent involvement and outreach. Parents talk to each other. Give them the tools to succeed.
Excellent sponsor and fundraising capability. Make sure there is a fundraising and sponsorship requirement that each student must achieve.
We put paying for trips on a slideing scale. Achieve all our required achievements and your trips are either completely or mostly paid for. The less effort you put in - the more you pay if we travel.