by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 26, 2013 | Blog, Featured News
On September 7th, three separate FTC Kickoffs were held throughout California to announce this season’s new challenge – BLOCK PARTY!
Take a peek at how each region in California announced BLOCK PARTY! with their own flavor and FUN. NORCAL:
The FTC BLOCK PARTY! Kickoff for NorCal FTC took place at The Play Space in San Jose. We held 7 morning workshops and 6 afternoon workshops all full with standing room only! There were more than 45 teams represented and more than 500 total attendees for the 12:30pm game unveiling. We were honored to have Ken Johnson, FTC Program Director, join us for kickoff, including hosting a “I’m new to FIRST” workshop for some of the rookies in attendance. We were also pleased to be able to introduce our FIRST VISTA, Paulene Rejano, the the community. outlet iphone 7 case online We are looking forward to Paulene’s contributions in helping to bring FIRST Tech Challenge to more of the underserved communities in the SF Bay Area! — Mark Edelman and Jill Wilker, NorCal Affiliate FTC Partners
Above photo: FTC Program Director, Ken Johnson 
Additional photos from the NorCal FTC Kickoff can be found here.
LOS ANGELES:
Los Angeles FTC Kickoff this year was amazing! We had over 450 people from 61 different teams attend the event. cheap iphone xr case online We did something really special this year and “scooped” FIRST with the game reveal by two hours (yes…we got permission first) and gave out game elements and printed game manuals to every team that attended. What’s more, we had two incredible regional team sponsors who came to meet the teams they are supporting: Todd Kinsey from NRG, and Alex Heil from Rockwell Automation. cheap iphone 7 case outlet Both before and after the game reveal we held different workshop sessions for rookies and veterans, as well as for mentors and parents. cheap iphone xs case outlet I’d say that we are definitely ready for this year’s FTC BLOCK PARTY! — Liberty Naud, Los Angeles Affiliate FTC Partner
Above photo: NRG sponsored teams 
Above photo: Rockwell Collins grant teams
SAN DIEGO:
The kick-off party for San Diego FTC was graciously hosted by the Stuffed Dragons, Team 6565 of the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego, Linda Vista Teen Center. iphone 7 case outlet Over 20 teams attended who got a chance to view the kickoff video, get hands-on experience with the field, ask rules questions, and brainstorm. The event also featured the first-annual “tossing of the swag” — in which free game pieces were lobbed to each attending team by a strong-armed volunteer. cheap iphone 8 case online No major injuries were reported.
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 25, 2013 | Blog, Featured News
The Powerhouse Science Center, along with a grant from Intel, sponsored the first Sacramento area off-season FRC competition at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove. cheap iphone xs case Powerhouse Pwnage took place on Saturday, September 14, 2013 and featured 23 robots playing the 2013 FRC game, Ultimate Ascent. iphone 7 case for sale A couple of teams brought two robots to play the game and one team even brought 3 robots! Besides getting to play last years game again, many teams used this opportunity to introduce FIRST to incoming freshman and other new team members, and to try out new drive teams for the 2014 season. iphone 7 case for sale 
There were several guest speakers, including Kristen Beck who talked about her experience as a female in the tech industry. Kristen runs a program at UC Davis called Girls Who Code, a national program that aims to close the gender gap in computer science. Many of this summer’s participants were at the competition with their teams. cheap iphone xs case One of the highlights and unique things about this competition was the Chicks-n-Charge exhibition matches which featured all-female drive teams. It was quite exciting and definitely not the last you will see of an all-girls drive team challenge. 
Probably the most impressive to me would be the level of energy all day long. iphone 7 case Everyone seemed to be having a great time, from the students and spectators, to the organizers and volunteers, even some members of a new 2014 rookie team! Congratulations to the winning alliance: Team 1678, Citrus Circuits; Team 9973 (Team 973 #2), Greybots; and Team 9859 (Team 3859 #2), Wolfpack. Thanks to Citrus Circuits, you can watch the Elimination Matches from Powerhouse Pwnage here. Much thanks and kudos go out to the small handful of students (yes, students) that did a majority of the planning for this event and the absolutely tireless dedication of some amazing FIRST Volunteers that helped bring this competition to the Sacramento area. outlet iphone 8 case Here’s a list of the other California off-season FRC events in 2013:
I am already looking forward to next year! — Janet McKinley, NorCal FRC Asst.
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 25, 2013 | Blog, Featured News, Silicon Valley
Congratulations to ALL Teams, Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Silicon Valley Regional and helped to create an exciting and memorable weekend. cheap iphone xr case outlet iphone xs case outlet uk The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Regional and will be going on to compete at the Championships in St. Louis in April. We wish them the best of luck! Regional Chairman’s Award Team 604, Quixilver – San Jose, CA 
The Silicon Valley Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. Iphone 8 case It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. cheap iphone 8 case cheap iphone 7 case The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events. iphone 8 case outlet uk cheap iphone xr case iphone xs case for sale Here’s what the Judges had to say –
“This year’s Regional Chairman’s award winner is “leading the way” by successfully bringing new high-level technology classes to its campus, as well as to other regional schools. iphone xr case outlet outlet iphone xs case iphone 7 case for sale Actively involved in multiple FIRST programs, over the past three years this team has put on numerous workshops, held qualify tournaments and mentored and supported over 20 teams for participants of all ages. iphone 7 case on sales iphone 8 case outlet uk In partnership with its sponsors, this team developed and deployed innovative and user-friendly classroom curriculum. iphone xr case for sale iphone xr case outlet cheap iphone 7 case online This year their internationalized versions of this material are being used in foreign language classes at their school and are in the process of being extended to the rest of the school district. Taking “international cooperation” to a new level, their impact extends to four countries and features long-term educational partnerships. outlet iphone xs case iphone xs case for sale cheap iphone 8 case Members of this committed team have invested months of their own time teaching STEM concepts and FIRST principles in remote villages and schools. This year, the team created dozens of exciting school and community presentations and member workshops. iphone xs case on sales For a recent project, the team borrowed specialized equipment from its sponsor to create a robot building day on campus where participants learned basic building and programming concepts. outlet iphone 8 case online Whether they are busy sending books to local schools or inspiring children in India and Tanzania, this team knows how to spread STEM excitement. In the final analysis, the enthusiasm, passion and professionalism displayed by this team’s presenters proved to the judges that this sterling group of young leaders belongs at the top of the pyramid. cheap iphone xs case outlet The Silicon Valley Regional Chaiman’s Award is awarded to Team 604, Quixilver.”
Engineering Inspiration Team 233, Team Pink – Rockledge/Cocoa Beach, FL 
The Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. iphone xs case outlet uk Iphone 8 case This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 grant toward registration. cheap iphone 7 case outlet Here’s what the judges had to say –
“This team is a book with a striking cover, but don’t judge! The story inside is incredibly compelling. iphone xr case outlet This team shows incredible entrepreneurship, far-reaching mentorship and inspiring outreach. outlet iphone 7 case Their story speaks volumes at high volume! A team so inspirational that they will make you dance. iphone xr case for sale cheap iphone xr case outlet The Engineering Inpiration Award goes to Team 233, Team Pink!”
Regional Winners 
Team 254, Cheesy Poofs, San Jose,CA Team 118, Robonauts League City, TX Team 1967, Janksters San Jose, CA Rookie All-Star Award Team 4543, Apollo Robotics from San Jose, CA 
This award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. cheap iphone 8 case outlet Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplis
h and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. cheap iphone xs case outlet This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right. cheap iphone 8 case outlet Here’s what the judges had to say –
“Reaching out applies to more that extending robot arms up the pyramid. cheap iphone xs case outlet This team started from scratch, going far beyond their circumstances and experience to touch classmates, familes, community and other teams. cheap iphone 8 case outlet iphone 7 case outlet iphone 7 case outlet iphone 7 case outlet They propelled themselves and those around them, fielding a multi-funtional robot. cheap iphone xs case online iphone 8 case for sale Apollo is synonymous with inspiration and so is this team. iphone xr case for sale The Rookie All-Star Award goes to Team 4543, Apollo Robotics.”
Woodie Flowers Finalist Award Dr. iphone 7 case for sale John Best Mentor for Team 604 
A few years after helping Dean Kamen create FIRST, Dr. outlet iphone xs case online cheap iphone 7 case outlet William Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award with the intent to celebrate effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. At the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, the essays of this year’s finalists will be combined with previous finalists. One mentor will receive the Championship Woodie Flowers Award. Here’s what the judges had to say –
“One essay described a mentor who does it all. This mentor guides his students in mechanical, electrical and software design while still finding the time to mentor other teams in all aspects of an FRC team. cheap iphone xr case outlet iphone 7 case This mentor has a vision for the broader scope of FIRST and has remained involved in FLL while still serving as a key volunteer at regional events. He continues to mentor long after his son has graduated. iphone xs case on sales This mentor truly brings out the best in everyone. Please join us in congratulating the 2013 Silicon Valley Woodie Flowers Finalist Award winner from Team 604, Dr. John Best.”
Dean’s List Finalist: Honoring FIRST Student Superstars FIRST Dean’s List Finalist #1 – Tiffany Chen, Team 4765 – Los Altos Hills, CA FIRST Dean’s List Finalist #2 – Brian Silverman, Team 971 – Mountain View, CA 
In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. iphone 8 case on sales This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. cheap iphone xs case online cheap iphone xr case online FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List. iphone xs case on sales iphone xs case for sale Additional Awards Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Silicon Valley Regional! See the list here. iphone xs case on sales cheap iphone xr case outlet iphone xs case outlet uk Share Your Stories! We hope you too had a profound experience at the Silicon Valley. cheap iphone xr case outlet We’d love to hear your stories. iphone 8 case on sales Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page.
by Rebecca Berggren | Oct 21, 2013 | Blog, Featured News
Organized by WRRF, the 2013 CalGames event was held at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California on October 4 & 5 with host team #3501, the Firebirds. Volunteers and many teams began setting up the field and pits on Thursday night and during the day Friday. The rest of the thirty-six teams began arriving on Friday and completed a whirlwind inspection with a first match set on Friday evening. Four rookie teams competed out of the 36, with two of those rookies having never competed in FRC before. Iphone 8 case Saturday began early with qualifiers until early afternoon, followed by a traditional set of FRC elimination finals. The Awards ceremony wrapped up the long day. Photos and Video can be found at:
Congratulations are in order for the following teams and individuals: Winning Alliance: Team Tators (#2122) led the winning alliance of Citrus Circuits (#1678) and Spartnics (#4171). 
Finalist Alliance: Spartan Robotics (#971) led the finalist alliance of The Wildhats (#100) and Robodores (#4255). 
Mentor of the Year: Ann Wettersten, from Space Cookies (#1868) 
This mentor has provided continued leadership for a team reaching for the stars.As this team has grown, developed, and blasted off, this mentor helped team members CREATE a sustainable structure for leadership and continued achievements. This mentor TAUGHT teamwork skills that will last a lifetime – conflict resolution, project planning, self-organization, and leadership. A booster rocket for each team member, this mentor ensured that team members develop to their full potential by rotating and orbiting each member across the different tasks of the team. While this mentor was hands-on when it came to mentoring, It was hands-off when it came to the team’s work because this mentor ENABLES team members to take responsibility and to do it themselves.
Directors Award: Schuh family – Michael, Wyn, Austin, and Travis 
This group of people is just like an organization in the scope of their support. iphone 8 case outlet They sail towards off-season events, helping teams and organizing groups to move forward. CalGames would likely not field events if they were not here. Problems with a robot connecting? They make it happen! Helping throughout the year, whenever needed. Always taking initiative, with empathy and graciousness. For this consistently strong effort and support of the WRRF community at large, the WRRF Board of Directors wishes to thank to…The Schuh Family: Michael, Wyn, Austin, and Travis.
Volunteer of the Year: Mike Schmit 
The idea of long term, consistent support spoke to us and one name stood out. Helping WRRF for more than 7 years, teaching workshops every year & at every workshop event, helping students learn about Ohm’s Law, & role modeling project management skills. Steadfast WRRF BOD member & officer. Helping at every turn, always there to help students learn about electronics, the master scheduler for CalGames, belaying his expertise to all.
System Design Award: Team 1351, TKO, from Archibishop Mitty High School 
Two roads diverge near the pyramid and this team definitely took the one less traveled. The vertical road… and that made ALL the difference. This team climbed above and beyond the competition and crowned the pyramid with Frisbees. cheap iphone 8 case outlet In fact: they took robotics to new heights Forgoing the usual road of throwing Frisbees this high-climbing team reached the pinnacle of success.
Autonomous Mode Champion: Team 1678, Citrus Circuits, Da Vinci High School 
This team did an excellent job autonomously collecting disks, targeting and shooting, to eliminate the competition. This team’s autonomous mode was far from a lemon, as the robot accurately achieved its tasks. O…r..
.ange … you going to be excited to hear that the winner of the autonomous mode challenge award is Team 1678 Citrus Circuits, the E-lime-o-nator!
Rookie Inspiration (& Highest Seeded Rookie): Team 4498, Team X from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento 
Their robot makes its present KNOWN on the competition floor. Shooting, Scoring, Hanging– the team is out to win. But that is not what inspired this judge. This team wants to help everyone be safe and believes in Safety First, sharing this maxim with other teams. Visit their pit and see their Xceptional Safety Manual & First Aid Kit for all to use. cheap iphone 7 case This rookie team is launching FLL & FTC teams, part of their two year Xtended plan.
WRRF Video Award: Team 649, MSET-Fish, Saratoga High School 
With images and graphics,showing how teams work hard day and night, mentors and students working together, this video demonstrated HOW robotics competitions inspire young people to pursue Science, Engineering, Technology, & Mathematics (STEM) careers. We are a community and this video spoke to that feeling in visuals and language. It connected the CalGames 2013 graphic, WRRF’s logo, and its mission, to share info about the CalGames 2013 event.
Entrepreneurship Award: Team 846, Funky Monkeys, from Lynbrook High School 
Every interviewed team showed the judges: Great outreach and mentoring; Professional and effective sponsor recruitment; and strong sustainability. One STOOD out: RAISED MONEY FOR OTHER TEAMS with a true spirit of community; PERVASIVE USE OF ART, IMAGE, AND COLOR to create strong branding; STRONG MULTI-FORMAT MESSAGING with newsletters, website and blogs.
Judges’ Award: Team 2122, Team Tators, from Treasure Valley Math & Science 
One potato, two potato, three potato, four. All eyes were on this hot potato moving in all directions on the floor. iphone 8 case outlet This team has real a peel….with an efficient scooper and spudtacular slinging capability.
AMD CAD Award: Team 3256, WarriorBorgs, from Valley Christian Schools. iphone xs case outlet 
This team made a COMPLETE CAD design before even touching the manufacturing stage. They showed they are as much of an athlete as a fighter-bot by hurdling obstacles, by over exaggerating the force that would be applied, designing a strong robot. Growing and teaching the next generation in their team, with the skill to quickly learn from and teach each other like…. Cyborgs. They grew from last year, even better than before.
The Western Region Robotics Forum (WRRF) has been organizing CalGames since 2001. From 2002 until 2006, 24 teams competed on one day. Over the subsequent years, WRRF has grown the event with 36 teams since 2009 and adding a Friday set of matches in 2010. Judged awards were added in 2008.
On September 7th, three separate FTC Kickoffs were held throughout California to announce this season’s new challenge – BLOCK PARTY! 
Above photo: NRG sponsored teams 
Above photo: Rockwell Collins grant teams 
