programming newb

[JP_1163]

We are at the end of our tether As a team. Our mechanical side is ok but we have no programmers on our team. As a rookie mentor I feel that this is our Achilles heel. Our bot is simple but without an autonomous program we'll sit and spin like a top for the first 15 seconds. Not a pretty sight for our partner and a definite downer for our team.
If our team simply uses the nominal program and doesn't get anything else done I can't see us as a viable alliance partner even if we can go like a bat after the first 15. So, to make a long story short is there a quick and dirty manner to program our machine to do some basic things like move and turn?
I understand the if...then...else concept but am unsure of the minutiae.
I'll be working on a code idea tonight and maybe I can post it here later if someone would assist with a quick correction I'd be willing to accept any assistance offered.

Thanks,

Team 1163