Why do teams voluntarily do FIRST without adult technical mentors?

[Arefin Bari]

Very good thread Andy...

When someone tells me the word "mentor" I think of someone who will be there to teach me, and then watch over my shoulder when I am building cool things. If it is not possible for me to design or machine a part, or code certain section, then the mentor take over and solve the problems. I have seen many teams work like that. The students love it, because they get the best out of the program.

When I was a student in HS... I have had my engineers show me a design and tell me how it works. I did learn stuff when they did that. I also learned when they handed me a 3" by 3" by 1/2" thick block alumium and said "we need to make the holders for the ball bearing and the plate which will attach the side plates together. You need a quarter inch hole in the middle so you can attach the ball bearing. Go take weights outta there and make it look cool."

The best team out there would be the team who understands the meaning of "Teamwork." When a group of students, engineers, teachers, and parents come together and makes sure that the students learn throughout the build season, it is the best feeling. There is something that I like to achieve more than the awards. I like the feeling when the team comes together, builds, and then have the machine go out there on the field and watch it dominate.

That is just 2 cents.