FIRST Connecticut RegionalVirtual Volunteer Meeting
Jessica Boucher GradyCT Regional & Championship
Volunteer Coordinator203-233-9508 [email protected]
What is FIRST?
Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
“ …to create a world where science and technology are celebrated….where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes….”Dean Kamen
What are FIRST’s Programs?
Jr. FIRST LEGO LeagueAges 6-9Introduction to Science & TechnologyStudents learn real-world math & science concepts, teamwork, and presentation skills
FIRST LEGO LeagueAges 9-14Introduction to real-world scientific challengesDesign, build, and program LEGO-based robots to play in local and state tournaments
What are FIRST’s Programs?
FIRST Tech ChallengeProgram for Grade 9-12Accessible, affordable FIRST experience Lower cost per team No machine shop required
Teams use a modular platform to design and build robots
FIRST Robotics CompetitionGrade 9-12 students discover the value of education and careers in science, technology, and engineeringCombines the excitement of sport with technology to create a unique varsity sport for the mind
What makes the CT Regional great?
• One of FIRST’s original events!• 58 teams participating from USA & Brazil• Many nationally-powerful teams• All Volunteers show:
o Enthusiasm o Respecto Gracious Professionalismo A desire to create a GREAT competition
What is Gracious Professionalism™?
“FIRST does not celebrate being an incompetent jerk. In FIRST, one of the most straightforward interpretations of Gracious Professionalism™ is that we learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. We try to avoid leaving anyone feeling like they have lost. No chest-thumping barbarian tough talk, but no sticky sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, pride and empathy comfortably blended.
Understanding that Gracious Professionalism™ works is NOT rocket science. It is, however, missing in too many activities. At FIRST, it is alive and well. Please help us take care of it.
In the long run, Gracious Professionalism™ is part of pursuing a meaningful life. If one becomes a professional, and uses knowledge in a gracious manner, everyone wins. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that he or she has acted with integrity and sensitivity. That’s good stuff!”
Dr. Woodie FlowersMIT Professor, FIRST National Advisor & Co-founder of FRC
Where is the CT Regional?
Set your GPS to: Connecticut Convention Center200 Columbus Blvd Hartford, CT 06103
o Only 50 free parking spots donated at the Connecticut Light & Power lot on Thu & Fri
o First come, first serve - everyone else will have to pay to park at the Convention Center!
o Full CL&P lot available on Saturdayo $13/Day parking in Convention Center availableo Carpooling is encouraged!
Where is the CT Regional?
CL&P Volunteer Parking
CT ConventionCenter
How do I park at the CL&P lot?
Where do I park?
• Please lock your doors and take all valuables with you.
• If parking at CL&P, the gate will be open in the mornings - you will receive a card to leave.
• Please return the cards at the end of the event.
Regional ScheduleThursday, March 31, 2011 7:00 AM Volunteer Check In Begins 7:00 AM Breakfast Opens 7:30 AM Volunteers in Place for Open 7:45 AM 5 Team Reps Allowed in Pits 8:30 AM Pits and Machine Shop Open 8:30 AM-12:00 PM Team Registration and Inspection 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Practice rounds 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch 5:00 PM (approx) – Volunteer Check Out (non-pit) 8:00 PM – Pits and Machine Shop close, Pit Volunteer
Check Out
Friday, April 1, 2011 7:00 AM Volunteer Check In Begins, Breakfast 7:45 AM Volunteers in Place for Open 8:00 AM Pits and Machine Shop open 8:45 AM Opening ceremonies 9:15 AM-6:00 PM Seeding matches 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch 6:15 PM Awards Ceremony 6:45 PM Pits and Machine Shop close, Volunteer
Check Out 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Team Social
Regional Schedule
Saturday, April 2, 2011 7:00 AM Volunteer Check In Begins, Breakfast 7:45 AM Volunteers in Place for Open 8:00 AM Pits and machine shop open 8:45 AM Opening ceremonies 9:15 AM-11:30 AM Seeding matches 11:45 AM-12:00 PM Alliance Selections 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Lunch 1:00 PM-4:30 PM Final rounds 4:30 PM Awards ceremony 6:00 PM Pits and Machine Shop close, crates packed for
shipping, Volunteer Check Out
Regional Schedule
General Volunteer Info• Please check in with Volunteer Registration EACH DAY.
Also, please allow extra time on your first day to handle the initial check in process.
• Dress Code Closed toed & closed back & comfortable shoes! Must wear provided shirt, badge & accessories No rips, holes, stains Safety Glasses Required – bring your own! Regular glasses are
OK with side shields - get them at Home Depot/Lowes Bring your own water bottle to fill throughout the day
• Volunteer Service Pins Available to volunteers & team mentors Check in with volunteer desk or pit admin
General Volunteer Info
• After check in, please proceed to the 3rd floor for meals in the Volunteer Lounge. We are sharing the Convention Center with another group, so please be respectful.
• Coats may be stored in the Volunteer Lounge, but it will not be a locked room, so please do not leave valuables.
• FRC events are flexible - please note that you may be reassigned at any time to help fulfill a need.
• If you are unable to volunteer, please call Jessica Boucher at 203-233-9508.
Volunteer & Participant Safety
• Please be sure to have another responsible relative take care of any children in your care. You are not allowed to volunteer while taking care of a child.
• In case of an emergency, please evacuate with the teams and guests!
We need to ensure everyone is accounted for - so please be present.
• In case of an incident which should be reported (medical or non-medical - use your best judgment), talk to your lead volunteer or find someone with a radio and immediately have Jessica paged.
Forms to Fill Out: All Volunteers
Forms to Fill Out: Only the roles below
Foyer Area Floorplan
Volunteer Check In
Entrances to Field
Elevators & EscalatorsTo Volunteer Lounge / Street Entrance
Restrooms
Regional Floorplan
Exhibit Hall “Field Area”
Concessions
Pit Admin
Restrooms
Questions?
Please email [email protected] or call Jessica directly at 203-233-9508
• Useful websites:o FIRST Info: usfirst.orgo CT Regional info: ctfirst.org/frco Webcast: shsrobotics.orgo Site Info: ctconventions.com
• Share your experience:o Facebook: facebook.com/ctfirsto Twitter: twitter.com/ctfirsto Flickr: flickr.com/groups/ctfirst/
Know Your Key Volunteers
On The Field Andy Grady & Jack Kentfield Masters of Ceremonies Dave Goric Head Referee Ron Partridge & Peter Moore Game Announcers John Blondin Field Supervisor Mike Mullinax Scorekeeper
In the Pits Carmen Gonzalez Lead Team Queuer Joseph Carapella Lead Safety Advisor Chuck Gendrich & John Stanhope Lead Robot Inspector Pat Palmer Pit Admin Supervisor
Know Your CommitteeRegional Committee ChairMike Sperber
CT Regional Director Sue Glasspiegel
Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Boucher Grady
CT Regional Team ContactKathie Kentfield
Thank YOU!
