Keeping Interest - Beyond the Robot

[CJV648]

I think this is a very worthy topic. As a booster I like the robotics part of the team, but try to take the broader view that the team is a FIRST team first and the robot is only a means to our ends (though for about 3 months a year it seems like it's all about the robot.)

My favorite non robot activity in the past has been the team's entries in cardboard boat regattas. This summer the team is also planning to work on a Habitat for Humanity house.

I think any event that sets an attainable goal where members are involved in planning and building something that uses engineering principles fits well with FIRST. Ideally, if its fun like the regattas, it helps build the team.