Summertime!

It’s been a while since we have had a blog entry and there is so much going on that I have decided that it is time for an update!

June has been filled with the last push from students for good results on final projects and exams, with the selection of next year’s leadership team and with the graduation of our 8 seniors.  Kim and Eric were able to come from Boston for graduation and reported that it was a nice ceremony and that it was good to see all the seniors graduate!

And now school is officially out and that makes it summer!  Time for rest and relaxation – unless you are part of Rolling Thunder! We never stop, or so it seems!

Preparation is underway for a major demonstration of our robots at the Monroe County Fair.  Jason K. is leading the group in rebuilding the Breakaway field and the next build session is scheduled for July 10th.  He is still looking for some adult supervision for that day.  Parentor Peggy is coordinating the displays and team sign-ups.  There is still an opportunity for other FIRST teams in the area to come and join us as we play on the nearly full field!  The robots will be playing from July 14th through July 18th.  The busiest day will most likely be on Friday, July 16th as that is Children’s Day at the Fair.

College mentor, Josh, is organizing the decorating committee for the Penfield 4th of July Parade (to be held Saturday July 3rd in the morning).  Our float will be decorated in our team colors of red, black and white and will feature 5 of our robots – three on the float and two “walking” the route. The committee will be decorating the trailer on Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm and adding finishing details and decorating the truck on Saturday morning at 7:45 am.

Work was also done at the last meeting to get ready for our upcoming Lego camps.  The Legos were pulled out of the closet and five “tri-bot” bases were assembled by the end of the evening.  Parentor Val especially had a good time as she assembled an entire unit by herself and then assisted me in finishing up the last base as the bricks were attached to the other units.  She has the uncanny ability to spot the unique needed pieces in the whole pile of Lego parts!

In the shop, Thunderfoot has been getting a much needed replacement of its wheels.  Driving on asphalt and concrete at our carwashes and outdoor demos really chews up the wheels.  Mentor Mike was leading this activity and even had his lovely wife, Sharon, wielding a screwdriver.  Thunderfoot looked pleased to be getting a little TLC after the hard competition season.

Other July activities on the schedule are the next carwash on July 24th and a special team Karate Class on July 28th.  Need something to do to while away those summer hours?  Come and spend some time with us!