Thanks so much for all of this help. We just moved back to the country and settled in the North Potomac / Gaithersburg area. Does anyone have any leads on a team for 6th and 8th graders? I'm considering starting my own but I don't want to re-invent the wheel if it's already rolling nicely down the hill! Thank you! I'm at [log in to unmask] Best, Leah On Fri, Mar 15, 2019 at 9:34 AM Lord Of The Bricks < [log in to unmask]> wrote: > JMU Security Warning: The message below contains a link to a non-JMU > service where fraudulent sites are often found. DO NOT TYPE JMU PASSWORDS > INTO THE SITE. Do not click the link unless you're sure the site serves a > legitimate purpose known to you. > ------------------------------ > > > Also remember that VADCFLL pretty much always has startup grants > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__svtc-2Dva.org_2018_06_06_fll-2Dgrant-2D2018_&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=YzmTbFcHvOqWOC335szmMd0_FUho2wAjVnILcy14CTQ&e=> > at the beginning of each season. Keep an eye out for them, and make sure > to apply. For new teams, it is a great way to be able to afford to get > into the game! > > On Fri, Mar 15, 2019 at 12:00 AM Samuel Aparicio <[log in to unmask]> > wrote: > >> One of the simplest ways to find an FLL team for your child in NoVa is to >> join Nova Labs Robotics >> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__robotics.nova-2Dlabs.org_about_&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=MZQFto2eZuu1EGe3IBMu9Crwnb67lS1tUjEcnwFKlw8&s=ffb12ASRmCj9TQPqiw0WbmrlDOe2Fni9DZiewqLwzYU&e=>. >> We are a makerspace >> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.nova-2Dlabs.org_&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=MZQFto2eZuu1EGe3IBMu9Crwnb67lS1tUjEcnwFKlw8&s=ahNNpPRpkHGj_7X4yFbGEmKo7fnQ4UHcIrh_2LD-Vy0&e=> >> in Reston that fields 5-10 FLL teams and 5+ FTC teams every season. We have >> dozens of robot kits, mats, plenty of space to meet, coaches and mentors, training >> sessions (one this Sat) >> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.meetup.com_NOVA-2DMakers_events_258744773_&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=MZQFto2eZuu1EGe3IBMu9Crwnb67lS1tUjEcnwFKlw8&s=R6E7CmxR-ebjpYQoh4KTQ9ha7dg5zvVDxZHX2J7C8aQ&e=> >> / workshops and advanced fabrication facilities for producing project work >> and doing research. >> >> Many of our teams stick together for several years forming bonds between >> kids and deepening their teamwork. >> >> We do charge a participation fee to cover expenses (scholarships >> available) but mostly what we ask is for parents to get involved, perhaps >> becoming a coach, an assistant coach, or to help with the robotics program >> in some capacity. If it feels intimidating to coach, don't worry, there's >> training and mentoring available for coaches. >> >> Here's a story about one of our teams that had a chance to visit NASA HQ >> this season - >> https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__fllblog.wordpress.com_2019_03_08_teams-2Dout-2Dof-2Dthis-2Dworld-2Dvisit-2Dto-2Dnasa-2Dhq_&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=tBNHq5gTMPPqx-WKOq9VFTfAf8WqUXCseQtcepdSyIk&s=QEZGtFRvI3qrXUbnK9WXCXyP0iK6ol3UftUbeztzd5s&e= >> <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__fllblog.wordpress.com_2019_03_08_teams-2Dout-2Dof-2Dthis-2Dworld-2Dvisit-2Dto-2Dnasa-2Dhq_&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=MZQFto2eZuu1EGe3IBMu9Crwnb67lS1tUjEcnwFKlw8&s=VDI7V8kXkqa8OWR3HLi2CKt0MOGL4mpPjBnFw5W70h8&e=> >> >> If you're interested let us know - [log in to unmask] >> >> >> >> >> >> On Thu, Mar 14, 2019 at 10:46 AM David Y <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >> >>> Great information provided by Skip below and to provide another >>> perspective why often is better to just start your own team: >>> >>> >>> >>> 1. One of my team member has said that being a new kid on a >>> seasoned team was hard. He often felt lost and can’t keep up or understand >>> what’s going. The FLL season is short about less than 3 months and for >>> school teams that’s even shorter. So it’s best for teams to start learning >>> together. >>> >>> 2. As a coach, last year I had couple new members, it was a bit >>> more challenging to keep new and old members on the same page. You don’t >>> want to bore the old members while you have to teach the new members. So I >>> had to spend more time to come up with instructions to fit the members. >>> >>> 3. Team dynamic and chemistry also is very important. Not every >>> kid will get along with everyone. With all that said I can see why some >>> teams would be reluctant just accept new members. >>> >>> >>> >>> To start a new team does take a lot of work and resources, but don’t let >>> that stop you. I really enjoyed the time with my daughters while coaching >>> the team and they really enjoyed the experience. Below is a little more >>> info/yips on forming a new team. >>> >>> >>> >>> It would cost about $1000 to start a new team (robot, registration fees, >>> and maybe build a table). You could look for sponsorships and grants to >>> help with the cost or if start a team with your child’s school you would >>> often receive financial support from the school. There are other ways to >>> raise funds. >>> >>> >>> >>> A place to meet and have at least a computer to do the programming. >>> It’s best to have a permanent to meet so you don’t have to setup and tear >>> down every time you meet. >>> >>> >>> >>> As far as time commitment – that’s up to you and your team, but that >>> might be the biggest factor deterring someone to coach. I’ve coached for >>> 2 years now and our first year we met 3-4 time per week. This past season >>> we met twice a week and you will feel you never have enough time because >>> there’s always more things they can do. Anyways, above are just some of my >>> experiences and observations; I’m sure others would have more tips and >>> different experiences. >>> >>> >>> >>> Cheers, >>> >>> David Yang >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> *From:* First Lego League in Virginia and DC <[log in to unmask]> >>> *On Behalf Of *Skip Morrow >>> *Sent:* Thursday, March 14, 2019 9:08 AM >>> *To:* [log in to unmask] >>> *Subject:* [VADCFLL-L] How to find an FLL team for your child >>> >>> >>> >>> Every year we see many posts here from parents desperately looking for a >>> team that their son/daughter can join. This email will hopefully give you >>> some ideas. >>> >>> >>> >>> 1. The first place to look is at the school at which your child attends. >>> Many schools have teams, but not all. Some schools have EV3's and will say >>> they have "a robotics team", but they aren't competing in FLL. It might be >>> an after-school club or something like that. Be sure to ask if the team >>> competes at FLL tournaments. >>> >>> >>> >>> 2. Some churches and community organizations have FLL teams. These can >>> be a little harder to find because you pretty much have to just know about >>> the team. Although I have seen some public libraries forming teams, which >>> is really cool. >>> >>> >>> >>> If 1 & 2 don't work out, perhaps work with the school, church, >>> organization, public library, etc, and see about forming a team there. >>> Don't be surprised if they ask you to help coach! >>> >>> >>> >>> 3. There are some "neighborhood" teams which may be associated with a >>> business. Generally there is a fee associated with joining the team in >>> those cases. These seem to be getting quite rare. >>> >>> >>> >>> 4. If none of the first three options work, there's ALWAYS the option of >>> starting your own team. Some teams work out of their garage, or maybe a >>> basement or in that little-used dining room. This is a lot of work, but it >>> is very rewarding and, in my opinion, very much worth the effort. There are >>> often grants available for new teams, which can make it financially a lot >>> easier. By starting a team of your own, you may be able to open it up to >>> other kids in your area that are also looking for a team to join. You can >>> work with those parents and see if they can help you with the coaching. >>> >>> >>> >>> Please don't think that "you can't do it" or stress over the fact that >>> you may not have ever done anything like that. Or maybe you don't think you >>> know enough about robotics. We were all first year coaches at one point. >>> When I was a rookie coach, I wasn't smart enough to ask the community for >>> help. Many of you that come to this listserv looking for teams are already >>> ahead of where I was in my first year. Trust me, you can do it. The very >>> nature of FLL will ensure you will have no shortage of help from this >>> virtual community, and from other teams. Please, if you can't find an >>> existing team to join, I strongly encourage you to form a team of your own. >>> The FLL experience is too valuable to pass up simply because you couldn't >>> find a team. >>> >>> >>> >>> Please post questions about forming teams here on the listserv. I'm not >>> kidding when I say there are teams that would EAGERLY offer help with >>> getting a new team up to speed. >>> >>> >>> >>> Have fun, and good luck. >>> >>> >>> >>> Skip Morrow >>> >>> FLL Coach, Norfolk Collegiate >>> >>> >>> . >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit >>> https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or >>> leave the list". >>> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via >>> VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit >>> https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to >>> subscribe. >>> ------------------------------ >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit >>> https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or >>> leave the list". >>> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via >>> VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit >>> https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to >>> subscribe. >> >> ------------------------------ >> To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit >> https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or >> leave the list". >> VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via >> VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit >> https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to >> subscribe. > > > > -- > Shari Robinson > Head Coach > Lord of the Bricks Robotics > FIRST Tech Challenge Team 7039 > FIRST Lego League Team 9076 > Jr. FIRST Lego League Team 933 > > SolidWorks Engineering's May 2016 Women in Engineering spotlight honoree! > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__blogs.solidworks.com_swcommunity_2016_05_solidworks-2Dwomen-2Dengineering-2Dseries-2Dshari-2Drobinson.html&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=ScOI0slBGHlrwcasXeRDzmtzRyFz_kHNJPgl2_SkkZ4&e=> > RichTech 2017 Finalist - Innovation in Education Award > > lordofthebricks.wildapricot.org > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lordofthebricks.wildapricot.org&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=smkHP8aTNIyB0gUX8aXIL_QtavjVxdfHnOKh1me0avo&e=> > lordofthebricks.webs.com > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lordofthebricks.webs.com&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=G-jOU_cB8Z-xcQanZlmT7wD0FI1BGpAEQwHuHIlB9zc&e=> > > Facebook: > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_lordofthebricksftc&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=tBNHq5gTMPPqx-WKOq9VFTfAf8WqUXCseQtcepdSyIk&s=Eru0uTgf0O8MUWyzIMrHyCFaW8SU8AP1Z03z6ONtbpk&e= > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_lordofthebricksftc_&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=rLPebLUgviblVndnEvUvQPGTKWBMSKg1nk9mOt5-iOc&e=> > https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_LordoftheBricksFLL&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=tBNHq5gTMPPqx-WKOq9VFTfAf8WqUXCseQtcepdSyIk&s=54VQ3gl-0kLGOPgBIiW0wPnXRe2wwgge_qlYvjpQPNs&e= > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_LordoftheBricksFLL&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=gueV3xhuSWPdK8TPzObs7AKzP3jJLbccFjf1QcnWjH0&e=> > > Twitter: @LordoftheBricks > > YouTube: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.youtube.com_channel_UCr83o3A2-5F-5FpfcSRZg5z7zfw&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=tBNHq5gTMPPqx-WKOq9VFTfAf8WqUXCseQtcepdSyIk&s=0UIQW0G302VGJxPxGi2IBC9e7gAFj1oz8xYmr4biXmk&e= > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.youtube.com_channel_UCr83o3A2-5F-5FpfcSRZg5z7zfw&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=9hSt35qJlf_e75KhJALgt95fjT6tK3drN5v9p-n4PT8&e=> > > Homeschool Resources Group > PO Box 1701 > Mechanicsville, VA 23116 > 804-410-4474 > www.HomeschoolResourcesGroup.org > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.HomeschoolResourcesGroup.org&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=TOd2gBIpXv490dIOAlQICD6jK7nOkPDGiLo7BEc_I5A&e=> > Facebook: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_HomeschoolResourcesGroup&d=DwIFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=tBNHq5gTMPPqx-WKOq9VFTfAf8WqUXCseQtcepdSyIk&s=SSr9JG97Y9B_RKp2zPRRXJtPx2i_clBMfX40Qj2f834&e= > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_HomeschoolResourcesGroup&d=DwMFaQ&c=eLbWYnpnzycBCgmb7vCI4uqNEB9RSjOdn_5nBEmmeq0&r=k6Oa5GxfBPFMgGjb2r5QIoEOeBZs9xbNIpA0kLw_kFQ&m=ixXiTKbvkLRZzA-sFI-QbZb-uk1OFM6015LkpiMynQ8&s=Z26XW-Jp9ld_CTyqcyms0FzLDYY5RsG_WnRJD8HSjm0&e=> > > ------------------------------ > To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit > https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or > leave the list". > VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. > Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to > subscribe. > -- To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list". -- VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. 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