Practice Locations

[Mama Roboto]

Thanks for your prompt responses. It is interesting to hear different stories from such experienced teams. I think finding a warehouse might be a good idea. There are a lot of business people that send their kids to the school I teach at, so maybe we can find something that will be reasonable (like a tax write off). The FTC option is interesting too. I originally thought of starting with an FTC team and even registered. Once my students visited a local school (Team 1540, the Flaming Chickens) and saw their robots and video footage, they were sold on trying for the FRC team.

In regards to funding, I think we have a number of potential sponsors, it's just a matter of the school allowing it to come in and specify it to robotics. I have heard the argument that our budget is more than any other activity on campus (this year, they gave us a $9000 budget, although we raised $14000 and spent $11000). Of course, I was surprised to hear this considering we have a very successful sports and drama program. However, the coaching, equipment, and field expenses come out of different funds. So, it is just about shuffling money around.

Anyways, thanks to your responses and I would welcome any further comments!

[Cooley744]

a church's fellowship hall can be useful for running the robot. they will probably have multiple big rooms which can be cleared of its tables or whatever else it might have.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Cooley744

a church's fellowship hall can be useful for running the robot. they will probably have multiple big rooms which can be cleared of its tables or whatever else it might have.

Each has to evaluated individually. At my church, there are only four rooms that I'd really consider running a robot in: the sanctuary (stage included), the O.V. room (fellowship hall), and the warehouse and main floor of the empty grocery store next to the church (which the church owns). I've also run a demo in another church but the robot didn't move (not enough room). That was 2006 (where shooting balls was the way to score).

[JYang]

as for the funding is concerned, you do not have to just fundraise. if your school is unwilling to let the team go out and fundraise, you can always go around to companies to ask for grants or look for government/ corporation grants that are specifically set aside for programs such as FIRST. that way your school should not worry about taking money away from other groups.

for practice, see if you can get a piece of carpet and practice in the gym / library of your school. many other teams set up in an open space outside (such as a parking lot) and practice there.