Team 2881 – Lady Cans
Member Handbook
2014-2015 FIRST Robotics Team 2881
1. INTRODUCTION
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is the nation's prestigious robotics
competition for high school students. FIRST strives to inspire young people, their schools, and communities
with an appreciation of science and technology. Students learn to perform high quality, useful work while
learning and competing intensely, but treating one another with respect and kindness in the process – this idea
is specific and famous to FIRST: “Gracious Professionalism.” As a member of the FIRST family, you will enjoy
the satisfaction of knowing that you have acted with integrity and empathy because FIRST is not just about
robots, it’s about ideas and people, too. The Lady Cans’ partnership with Girl Scouts - who since 1912 have
been building courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place - created FRC Team 2881.
This unique partnership gives young women an avenue to pursue STEM principles freely in an atmosphere
that encourages learning from failure and challenging the status quo. Our efforts to inspire young children will
lead to a future where men and women can innovate equally and enhance cross gender cooperation in STEM
fields.
1.1. Mission
Team 2881 Mission Statement - “To introduce young women to science, technology, engineering, and math
principles while cultivating the skills within them to be successful in a variety of careers.”
Team 2881 Goals:
 To involve Team 2881 in the community and to involve the community in Team 2881
 To develop leadership and confidence in each member of Team 2881
 To promote a sense of responsibility and ethicality in our community
 To focus on organization, communication, and transparency to keep Team 2881 an efficient and
effective business
 To promote growth in our team, individually and as a whole
 To give young women the means to pursue their career choices
 To promote careers in science, technology, engineering, and math
 To focus on promoting FIRST, Inc. in Central Texas
 To keep Team 2881 led by young women with the guidance of mentors
 To build a sense of family and morale within the team and within the community
 To give our students and our community an enjoyable experience with science, technology,
engineering, and math principles
1.2. History / Awards
The Lady Cans are a FIRST Robotics Team based in Austin, Texas. Team 2881 was founded in the fall of
2009 through a partnership with Girl Scouts of Central Texas and FIRST, Inc. The founding team was
comprised of two Girl Scout leaders, one Mechanical Mentor, and 6 Girl Scouts. For more of our history,
including the full story of our name, mascot, and colors, you can visit our website (www.frcteam2881.com).
Awards:
2009
2010
2012
2013
2013
2014
2014
Lone Star Regional - Rookie Inspiration Award
Lone Star Regional - Judges Award
Lone Star Regional - Dean’s List Finalist
Lone Star Regional - Industrial Safety Finalist
GSCTX - Labor of Love Award
Alamo Regional - Spirit Award
Lone Star Regional - Spirit Award
We are proud of the variety of awards earned by Team 2881 as it shows the strength, well roundedness, and
intelligence of the young women who are a part of our team. While the robots we create are amazing, the real
success is the number of students we have inspired to pursue science and technology. Many of our graduating
seniors have gone into fields related to science, engineering, or business, and the growing number of team
alumnae stay involved with Team 2881. In addition, many of our current team members aspire to pursue these
majors in their post-secondary education due to their experience on Team 2881
2. BASIC CALENDAR/SCHEDULE
The Team Calendar is officially posted on the website (www.frcteam2881.com) – this is the most accurate and
up-to-date listing of team meetings and demonstrations. Team 2881 meets year-round with varying levels of
involvement by the “seasons”. We define our year into 4 categories: preseason, build, competition, and
summer. Throughout the seasons, there are events such as community service, demonstrations, and
fundraising which we use to spread our message to our local and worldwide community.
2.1. Preseason
Preseason goes from the beginning of September to the end of December. During preseason there are
approximately 15 weekly team meetings on Friday evenings. The Lady Cans cover team management,
including administrative tasks, the plan for the coming week and any upcoming deadlines during these weekly
meetings. The remaining meeting time is used for presentations, training, work sessions, or team building
activities. The team uses the preseason as a time for team building, fundraisers, community service, and to
learn the necessary skills needed for the upcoming build season.
2.2. Build Season
The build season begins with Kickoff on the first Saturday of January and ends the 3rd Tuesday in February on
a Stop Build Day. Team 2881 meets every day during build season. The Awards Recognition team works
Monday - Wednesday. The Build Team works Thursday through Friday evenings and all day Saturdays and
Sundays. Team members are expected to put in productive hours to design, build, program, and test the robot
during build season meetings. Near the end of build season Team 2881 collaborates with Team 2158 to host
Austin Robot Round Up, a pre-scrimmage event for local area teams, which is followed by the stop build day.
Kick Off, Design Week, Week 6 and trailer Pack Ups are required team attendance.
2.3. Competition
From March through April, is competition season and Team 2881 travels to regional competition sites. Team
2881 competes in the Lone Star Regional in Houston, the Alamo Regional in San Antonio and potentially the
World Championships in mid-April.
2.4. Summer
The summer season is May through August, with meetings once a week. The Leadership team (see section 5)
is formed at the end of the competition season to take full advantage of summer to plan the next year. This is
the time when Team 2881 starts community outreach activities and projects prior to preseason, including
demonstrations, fundraising, and community service.
3. STUDENT COMMITMENT
Student commitment is pertinent to the success of Team 2881 and for this reason attendance is taken at all
activities. Every team member will be allowed to travel to competitions regardless of their level of participation,
but payment for travel from team funds will be determined by the student’s involvement. A checklist of the
achievements required in order to receive trip compensation is located at the end of this handbook.
Definition of meetings, per Girl Scout and FIRST Inc. requirements: Must have at least two unrelated,
approved adult volunteers(SafetyWise) present at all times, plus additional adult volunteers as necessary,
depending on the size of the group and the ages and abilities of girls. Adult volunteers must be at least 18
years old (or the age of majority defined by the state, if it is older than 18) and must be screened by GSCTX
and FIRT Inc. before volunteering. One lead volunteer in every group must be female.
A team meeting is described as a calendared meeting, on approved property with SafetyWise adults. The
meeting should have an approved agenda that has been approved by the leadership/mentors and distributed
to the team via Gmail no later than the Wednesday before the Friday meeting. If the regular team meeting is
rescheduled then the agenda should go out no later than 2 full work days before the rescheduled meeting.
A leadership meeting is described as a calendared meeting, on approved property with SafetyWise
adults. The leadership team meets no less than 1 time in a month during off season. The meeting is required
to have an approved agenda that has been distributed to the team/mentors and SafetyWise adults no later
than 2 full work days before the leadership meeting. A majority of the leadership is required to be at the
leadership.
A build season meeting is described as a calendared meeting, on approved property with SafetyWise
adults. The meeting is required to have an approved agenda that has been approved by the
leadership/mentors and distributed weekly to the team via Gmail. The daily build season agenda will flow with
the completion of tasks.
A build season leadership meeting is described as a calendared meeting 2 times a week either virtually or in
person with approved SafetyWise adults.
3.1 General Attendance
The leadership is responsible for maintaining a spreadsheet with dates for team meetings and events, camps,
workshops and robot demonstrations. However it is the responsibility of the student to:
 RSVP to any and all events
 Record their attendance on the google document spreadsheet one week in advance of the event.
 Arrive on time
 Participate for the required amount of time
 Stay for clean up
 Leadership team reports their absences to a Mentor
Exceptions or special needs may be discussed with the team leaders prior to the meeting(s). If there is a
conflict, a team leader must be notified at least a week prior; failure to do so will reflect in team travel and
leadership opportunities.
3.2. Earning Credit towards Travel
Each team member will have the opportunity to subsidize their travel cost to competitions based on their
commitment, or achievement level. All students are required to pay the initial deposit and the remainder of their
travel costs per the following:
Achievement Level
Out of Pocket Student Travel Cost
100%
0%
75%
25%
50%
50%
25%
75%
0%
100%
3.3. Achievement Levels
Team 2881 relies on commitment from its members to be successful. Achievement levels are a way to gauge a
member’s commitment, and dole out credit where credit is due. It must be duly noted that team leadership
members are required to not only meet these criteria, but must adhere to being responsible, reliable, and
committed to Team 2881, its members, and its mission
The following includes differences between New Members, Returning Members, and Leadership expectations:
Table 3.1
Achievement
New Members
Returning
Members
Leadership
Demonstrations
20%
50%
80%
Community Service
5 hours
10 hours
15 hours
Build Season
66 hours 3x a week
66 hours 3x a week plus 90 hours 4x a week plus
Kick Off, Design Week,
Week 6 & trailer
pack ups
Kick Off, Design Week,
Week 6 & trailer
pack ups
Competition Season
At
least
Competition
Summer Season
60% and TRR
80% and TRR
80% and TRR
(Regular Team Meetings)
(5 meetings)
(8 meetings plus 1 off
season)
(10 meetings
season)
1 At
least
Competition
1 All applicable
competitions
Summer Camps and Camp 1 day of workshops
Prep
2
camp
workshops
Pre-season Meetings
7 meetings
9 meetings
10 meetings
Money-Earning Participation
3 events
5 events
5 events
Family Patron Drive
$250
$250
$250
&
3 2
camps
workshops
plus
&
1
off
6
(Regular meetings Sept – Dec)
3.3.1 Achievement Consequences
If these requirements aren’t met team members may potentially be prohibited from other competitions, and/or
lose special positions on Team 2881 such as Drive Team or Chairman’s Presenting Team. Team leadership
neglecting to meet requirements are subject to losing their position, as per team and mentor discretion. These
consequences are subject to change based on situation, severity, and mentor discretion.
Students should be aware that achievement levels are a baseline for subsidies, however outstanding
performance and participation may lead to additional leadership and position benefits (Drive Team or
Chairman’s team).
3.4. Achievement Opportunities
The entirety of Team 2881 is responsible for ensuring that there are adequate opportunities to fulfill
achievements. Though the Leadership team will provide guidance, all students, parents, and mentors are
encouraged to lead activities that the team can participate in. It is up to the students to take responsibility to
fulfill achievements. Students are encouraged to lead activities that they may need for achievements.
3.4.1. Demonstration Events
Throughout the year, Team 2881 participates in many demonstrations with the robot. These demonstrations
are not successful nor possible without effort from our members. Criteria for student participation includes, but
is not limited to:
 Active participation onsite
 Engaging and responsive with community
 Knowledge of the Team Fact Sheet
 Awareness of the task at hand

Participation in Set-up, Take-Down and Unloading activities
3.4.2. Community Service
The purpose of our team participating in community activities is to serve our community and to
spread the word about the FIRST program, gracious professionalism, STEM opportunities in Girl Scouts, and
Team 2881, The Lady Cans. Community activities will be posted on the team calendar. Suggestions for
community involvement are welcome and encouraged. Participation in the Rosedale Ride and Berry’s Kids is
required
3.4.3. Build Season
During the build season the team members must make every effort to balance build season requirements and
academic requirements. A suggested schedule of participation to obtain the minimum number of hours is 1
week day and 2 weekend days: a week day = 3 hours, a weekend day = 4 hours, minimum total = 11 hours a
week; (11 hours x 6 weeks =66 hours plus required events). However, students can put in hours in many ways
to suit individual schedules. These hours must be PRODUCTIVE hours for them to count towards achievement
levels. Students will be required to document their hours on a regular basis and with a team captain and
mentor approval.
3.4.4. Off Season Competitions
Texas Robot Round Up, TRR is an off-season competition hosted by FRC team #2158. TRR runs similar to a
normal competition but takes place over 1.5 days instead of 3 days. Team 2881 acts as hosts for several
different events at TRR (Mentor breakfast, for example) and also assists in set-up and take down of the event.
Texas Robot Invitational takes place in Houston during the summer. Texas RoboReboot takes place in Ft.
Worth during the summer. Houston Fall ReMix is an invitational and takes in Houston in the fall.
3.4.5. Summer Camps and Camp Prep
The Lady Cans teach and run several Girl Scout of Central Texas STEM camps throughout the
summer. Summer Camps are an excellent way to reach future members and keep girls excited in
STEM. Hours can be counted for helping/teaching at the camp and/or setting up for camp the Sunday
prior. This also includes LEGO sorting days. Program Aide Training takes place the Sunday before the camp
begins, this is a pre-requisite to being a teacher.
3.4.6. Project Team Participation
All students are required to participate in at least one project team (i.e. electrical, mechanical, marketing, and
programming) during the season. The student is required to declare their main project team by the 1st Friday of
December. A student may be on multiple project team. Quality work must be put into at least one project team
before expanding to other project teams.
3.4.7 Money Earning Opportunities
Money Earning is an important part of the team’s budget and therefore every student is expected to participate
in the team’s money earning efforts to their maximum ability. To meet the achievement goal, every new student
will need to participate in no less than 3 money earning opportunities, and every returning student will need to
participate in the number of money earning opportunities that have been agreed on by the team and approved
by council. All team members will participate in Fall Products and Girl Scouts Cookie Sales as required by Girl
Scouts of the United States and Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
3.4.8. Family Patron Drive
The Family Patron Drive is the opportunity for team parents to solicit sponsorships from local businesses. This
has the potential to be a successful and long term drive. This is an important way to let the community know
about our team. The achievement goal for the family patron drive is solicit 5 new businesses or to raise $250
per family.
4. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Lady Cans are expected to act responsibly and professionally at all events. They are responsible for
communication with team members and mentors. Members must be follow all rules and guidelines put in place
by the leadership and mentors, including safety and tool preparation rules.
4.1. Communication
Every team family must have a Gmail account as this is our primary means of communication. All documents
relevant to the team will be kept in Google drive and will be shared with all members of the team. Our team
calendar can be viewed on the team webpage www.frcteam2881.com. Our team email is frc2881@gmail.com
and administrative rights will be given to team members, parents, and mentors. Various other social media
accounts are run by team leadership and are per www.frcteam2881.com.
4.2. Behavior
Each team member is ultimately responsible for her own behavior. However, how team members behave
reflects on Team 2881, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, FIRST, and our sponsors. Team 2881 members are
expected, at all times, to be polite and respectful of everyone, and to refrain from activities that are considered
disruptive or disrespectful. Inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including
suspension from the team. Additionally, team members must be focused on Team 2881 and its goals at all
times. Cell phones and/or other distractions will not be tolerated and their use is dependent on team mentors
and captains.
4.2.1. Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary Action is taken on an as needed basis. This will be determined by Mentors and Girl Scouts of
Central Texas. The student will be given a verbal warning, followed by more serious consequences such as
requiring a parent to attend all team meetings until such time as the Mentors, Girls Scouts and Parents agree
that the Disciplinary Action has resulted in a positive change in behavior.
4.3. Uniforms
All team members will be REQUIRED to wear team uniforms (team shirt, black pants, team shoes, duct tape
accessory, and name tag) at competition and all demos, community service events, and money earning
events in order to represent the team and obtain credit for participating in the event. The two exceptions being:
new team members may wear a Girl Scout shirt and if an organization requires volunteer shirts (e.g.,
volunteering for marathons). Each active team member will be provided one team shirt, but additional shirts or
uniform pieces are available upon request.
4.4. Fall Products and Cookie Sales
Every team member must participate in some way with Fall Products and Cookie Sales. The team member
may have sales money go to their existing troop or may have the sales money go to the robotics team. The
robotics team must participate in these two Girl Scout money earning opportunities before the robotics team
can participate in any other money earning event.
4.5. Game Test
It is important that every team member have a good understanding of the current game as this understanding
is essential when the team is working on design concepts and game strategy. In addition, all team members
should be able to explain the basic principles of FIRST and the fundamental elements of the game to judges
and the general public. A test regarding the current FIRST Game Challenge will be created shortly after build
season Kickoff. Every team members is expected to have a written knowledge of the game rules.
Score
Drive Team & Pit Crew
100%
Scouting Team
90%
Returning Team Members
90%
New Team Members
80%
4.5.1. Retest Policy
The game test itself is viewed as a learning tool, and everyone will be allowed to take the test as many times
as needed until they pass. However, all tests MUST be passed before Team 2881’s first competition (Alamo
Regional in San Antonio). Extenuating circumstances that may prevent a student from fulfilling all of these
achievements should be discussed with the student, parent/guardian, and lead mentor for consideration on
how best to accommodate these circumstances.
4.6. Safety Training
Safety standards must comply with equivalent industry, FIRST, and Girl Scouts standards. Team 2881 will
communicate these standards through fliers, pamphlets, and DVD’s. Safety training provided by the mentors
will be mandatory for team members before building. Along with attending the safety training, each team
member is required to be First Aid and CPR Certified. At the beginning of build season, two student safety
captains are designated. These safety captains are responsible for ensuring that all team members follow
proper safety procedures. CPR/FIRST Aid training will take place in November.
4.7. Academic Achievement
As an extracurricular program, Team 2881 recognizes the importance of education and strives for its students
to achieve excellence. Students are expected to manage their school work load as a part of their time
management skills, however mentors and leadership are always available for academic guidance including
intra-team tutoring upon request.
4.7.1 School Absences
In the event of school absence, students are expected to inform their teachers in advance as well as submit
any pending assignments. If a school conflict arises, the student will attend school and come to competition as
soon as possible.
4.8. Forms
All students will be required to submit FIRST release, Girl Scouts release, permission slips and emergency
contact information as well as health-related forms in order to attend any of the team events.
4.9. Health
All students are responsible for their own health throughout the year, especially during build season. Students
are not permitted to provide any form of medication to other students. Any student that becomes ill or injured
during a trip should report to a chaperone for appropriate action.
5. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
5.1. Team Leadership
Team Leadership on Team 2881 will be comprised of students selected by lead mentors and elected by their
peers. The structure of the team is as follows:
Team Member
Report to:
Chief Executive, Operations, Technology
Mentors
Directors-Elected
CEO/Mentors
Project Team Leads-Girl Interest
Directors
Team Members
Project Team Leads
Chef
CEO/Mentors
Students interested in applying for leadership positions will apply using a written application that will be
reviewed by an application panel. The application panel, consisting of mentors and alumni, will narrow down
the list of applicants. Those who are selected must give a short speech to the team, which will be followed by a
general vote to elect students for the upcoming year. Elections for leadership positions will be held in May with
the term of office being June through the following May.
Application Process:
Applications due the last Friday of April; mentors review attendance eligibility of applicants;
mentors propose a slate of officers to be given to leadership team the Sunday after the last Friday in
April, leadership team approves slate of officers by Tuesday; applicants give 1 minute speeches to the
team on 1st Friday of May; online ballot opens Saturday at midnight and closes Wednesday at midnight;
mentors send out individual emails with results on Thursday. If there is a tie or an open position; then
the team will vote and nominate from the floor via a hands vote. New Leadership team established by
the end of the 2nd meeting in May.
5.1.1 Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Technology Officer
Responsibilities will include general roles and responsibilities including:
 Team Gmail Communications
 Weekly Meeting Agendas
 Weekly Meetings with Mentors
 Maintaining Calendar
 Documentation of Meetings
 Maintain all team documents
 Maintain Inventory of material
 Business Plan, Budget, Accounts Receivable,
 Oversee Money Earning Opportunities and Special Projects
 Set Up and Clean Up of all meetings
 Parliamentarian
 Historian
 Mark her attendance on the spreadsheet and report her absences in advance to a Mentor.
5.1.2. Directors and Responsibilities
Directors are responsible for ensuring that their project team meets all of its responsibilities throughout the
year. Each Director will create a job description and budget and maintain a book of assets and
accomplishments. Each Director will mark her attendance on the spreadsheet and report her absences in
advance to a Mentor.
In the beginning of the preseason, the leadership team and mentors will determine goals for each project team.
At the end of the project, Directors will give a presentation on what they accomplished.
The following is a list of potential Directors and their responsibilities, which are subject to change:
Director of FIRST Robotics Competition
FRC - bumpers - (design, duck tape, pool noodles, plywood, screws, girls, measuring tape)
FRC - Build - (drivetrain, shooter, 2 gear shifting, chain, motors, building girls/mentors, tool test)
FRC – SPIRIT Team during competition - (more heads, people to wear heads, places to store heads)
FRC – drive team – (schedules practices, maintains record of drivers practice)
FRC - pit design - (tent organization, pack list for competition, pack trailer, people to unpack)
FRC - competition- (talking with teams, using robot, mentors & girls present)
FRC – Rules tests – ( documents rules testing)
Director of VEX
VEX – Build – as per game challenge, introduced in August
VEX – Rules/Game Strategy
VEX – Drive Team/Programming
VEX – Engineers Notebook
VEX- Volunteers for competitions
Director of Strategy
Strategy/Strategic Design/Goals = meeting the goals and strategies for every aspect of the team
FRC – scouting (all aspects pit & stands, Ensure scouting sheets are available either as electronic or
paper copies during competition)
Help lead Scouting night at competition
Design scouting strategies and software that includes robot design and match results and train
members as necessary
Finances (Goal Setting, strategy to achieve)
Awards (set strategies to accomplish award goals)
Director of Education
Programming - (classes, robot, mentors, girls learning, computers, labview software)
Electrical - (mentors & girls, wires, tools for job)
Drilling - (drill press, drills, charge drill batteries, measure holes, people to drill)
Cutting - (metal, wood, Lexan, acrylic, jigsaw, band saw, measure, people to cut)
Milling – find out where, when & how
CAD - (Classes, designed whole robot, find a location, maintain software licenses, laptops, teacher to teach,
create a CAD library)
Director of Media
Media - (Instagram, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, establish a protocol for how to, when, format, who with
GS/Team permissions and all legal releases)
Spirit (duck tape, Jessica designs, giveaways, pit design, designers, implementers, team chant, mascot dance,
driver visual introduction)
Buttons - (designs, designer, printer, cutter, maker) need 500 per competition
Website - (someone to keep up with, designer, upload pictures to computer, edit using software, upload to
shutterfly, GS/Team permissions, and all legal releases)
Uniform - (pink t-shirts, new Jessica designs, designers, order shirts, collect money, people to collect money)
Mentor help - (communicate a schedule)
Photography/Videography – need cameras charged, software at the edge
Director of Awards
Awards submitted - (Safety Animation, Entrepreneurship, Media & Technology, Future Innovator, 3D Printer,
Woodie Flowers, Chairmans)
Awards earned - (creativity, excellence in engineering, engineering inspiration, gracious professionalism,
imagery, industrial design, industrial safety, innovation in control, team spirit)
Director of Safety
FRC - safety - (safety cans(100 per), safety puzzle, designated safety person in pit and stands)
CPR/FIRST Aid certified (contact CPR resources and set up a meeting in November)
Maintain a yearly safety log and keep safety log maintained
Designated safety person at each meeting
Safety Test for team in November, research, write, edit, give test, grade test and retest
Data Sheet Book
Director of Outreach
FLL - (Gold Award project, girl mentors, communication, meetings, plan meetings)
Gold Award Projects - (Claire, JosieKate, Sarah, Stephanie, Ariana)
 Demo’s - (Confirm team member attendance, make sure event is on the team calendar on the drive
and on the weekly email calendar, on the Wednesday before the weekend event, send out the specific
details about the robot demo. Confirm transportation to and from, create a pack list, find everything, and
pack the stuff. Make sure there are 2 safetywise adults going, make sure batteries are charged prior to
event, print out driving maps, check weather, create travel roster with phone numbers, responsible for
robot functionality for all demos)
Community service - (organize events, acquire girls for event, clean up, pack and unpack)
Search for new members
GS camps/workshops - (3 -Austin workshop, 3 -Austin summer camps, 6 -traveling workshops, 1-traveling
summer camp)
Mechanical Project Team and Lead
 CAD and document all robot components and assembly
 Design and build robot per challenge
 Ensure design tweaks are made both on robot and in CAD software
 Responsible for robot functionality for all demos
 Be proficient with power tools
 Ultimately responsible for integration of all robot parts that ensures full functionality of the robot,
including drive, manipulator
During competition season the Mechanical team is also responsible for:
 Study field design and determine critical components to build for field.
 Fabricate and assemble the field in time for pre-ship events
 Ensure that materials are stored/disassembled properly so Team 2881 can reuse material for later
demonstrations and fields
Programming / Electrical Project Team
 Understand wiring, motor characteristics, pneumatics, and sensors
 Learn Labview programming language
 Wireless communication and good code
 Responsible for robot functionality for all demos
 Ultimately responsible for a program that ensures full functionality of the robot, including autonomous
modes and/or sensors
Marketing Project Team
 Create team fliers, pamphlets, team newsletter and marketing items
 Ensure Team 2881’s webpage and other social media facets are up to date and compliant with FIRST
and Girl Scout standards
 Improve sponsor and community interaction
 Responsible for team image
 Record all team meetings and events through photo and video
Awards Project Team
 Responsible for writing of Chairman’s Award, Team business plan, and completing them prior to Build
season
 Responsible for submitting Chairman’s Award to mentors and team leadership in December
 Responsible for timely and professional submission of Chairman’s Award including essays, videos, and
the presentations
 Responsible for timely and professional submission of all submitted awards
COMPETITION SPECIFIC TEAMS will be selected by mentors at the end of build season
Drive Team
 Chosen through a tryout process by mentors
 Must meet criteria stated in team
 Create game strategy for current year with member and mentor input
 Document game strategies by year
 Train drivers and human players
 Schedule practice time for drive team both in season and off season
 Understand and comply to all rules for the current year
Safety Team
 Responsible for knowing all safety rules
 Responsible for talking to safety judges at competition
Chairman’s Presentation Team
 Selected by mentors and team leadership
 Preferably from the Awards team
 Responsible for having Chairman’s presentation memorized
 Responsible for knowing everything there is to know about the team
Project Teams might be allocated to different projects as the mentors and team leadership see fit. Project
Team leads are expected to work fully with Directors, Chiefs and Mentors.
5.1.3. Status Reports
Communication among team members is important to keep the team productive and on task. Team 2881
leadership meets weekly to discuss completed as well as pending actions for each team. The Director and
Project team lead is responsible for providing highlights of what their team has been doing, as well as
communicating information from the meeting to the rest of their team. During these meetings, any needs a
team has will be addressed and acknowledged by the other teams. These meeting will be held at leadership
and mentor discretion.
6. SPECIAL PROJECTS AND MONEY EARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Team 2881 encourages leadership and outreach in our members. Lady Cans may choose to organize their
own project in order to further our impact in the community. These projects may include Girl Scout Gold/Silver
Awards, donation drives, and money-earning opportunities. All projects and money earning opportunities need
to be documented in film and on paper.
6.1 Outline
The leader of the project is responsible for organizing the event. Before receiving team endorsement and
member help, the team leader must submit a written report to team mentors and Team 2881 student
leadership. Once project approval has been received the project leader may ask other 2881 team members for
assistance. The team leader may then publicize the project.
6.2 Report Guidelines
Make an abstract to describe the following:
 The issue your project will address and your target audience
 Relevance to yourself, Team 2881, and the community
 Resources, facilities, equipment, and approvals needed
 People or organizations you will involve
 An estimate of overall project expenses with payment solutions
 Methods or tools to evaluate the impact of your project
7. COLLEGE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The mission of FIRST is to inspire students in science and technology fields, and it is one of the team’s goals
to provide guidance in college and career opportunities for science and technology.
7.1. Scholarships and Engineering Opportunities
The Leadership group and mentors will provide information on the scholarships offered for FIRST students and
Girl Scouts. Mentors will be available to write recommendation letters for any students applying to college or
for scholarships. Scholarship information is also available online at www.usfirst.org.
In addition, the Leadership group, in conjunction with the mentors, will look for opportunities, such as a
shadowing program, for students to get better insight into the engineering workforce. In addition, members are
welcome and encouraged to join other engineering groups to further advance their engineering skills.
8. MENTOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1. Mentor Commitment
Helping the students reach their full potential is the primary reason for participating in FIRST. We know that
mentors have families, jobs, and other important commitments outside of FIRST. We ask that mentors properly
inform us upfront of how much time they think they will be able to contribute. Involvement may include anything
from preseason teams and meetings, fundraising, community service activities, to build season work. Mentors
are asked to participate outside of build season whenever possible, as it helps with team building and
accomplishing offseason team activities.
8.2. Mentor Leadership
The leadership of this team is a cooperative effort between mentors and student leaders. Mentors are
encouraged to support and participate in the Leadership team. Mentors are also expected to help lead and
guide the teams with the students.
8.3. Girl Scout Leader Roles/ Responsibilities
Girl Scout Leaders are of primary importance to the team and must fulfill these responsibilities:
 2 non-related female registered Girl Scout leaders must be in attendance at each team function
 Must have a current CBC on file with Girl Scouts
 During travel at least 1 leader must be TCCIII trained and at least 1 leader must be CPR/FIRST Aid
trained
 Facilitate communication with Girl Scouts
 Fill out all Girl Scout required paperwork
 Explain and implement Girl Scout rules.
 Head chaperones for trips
 Help with recruiting efforts and promoting any events or activities within Girl Scouts and the community
 Maintaining order and appropriate student behavior at team functions
 The main Girl Scout Leader will act as the team liaison, and will attend team meetings whenever
possible.
 Additional registered Girl Scout leaders’ support can be used to help facilitate teams, as well as to help
divide up supervision of competitions and other scout related duties.
8.4. College Student & Alumni Volunteers
College students and alumni are always welcome to come mentor the team in any faction of the team’s
structure. College alumni may take the lead as mentor within the limits of their academic requirements. They
also may come to competitions and the team may pay for their travel based on their level of participation.
Alumni are included in activities that Team 2881 participates in upon request.
9. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents/guardians are an integral part of our team and important to our success. Parents are always welcome
to any and all meetings, demonstrations, events, etc. Having the involvement of their parents will only
enhance the FIRST experience.
9.1 Parental Involvement
Parents/guardians must:
 Attend a Parent Info Session at the beginning of each season (4 meetings).
 Attend mandatory pre-travel meetings before each competition
 Attend three (3) team event during the year prior to competition
 Attend at least one of the following “competition” events in the Texas area: Houston Fall ReMix (late
October), Austin Robot RoundUp (mid February), Alamo Regional (early March), Lone Star Regional
(sometime in March), or Texas Robot RoundUp (late July).
 Provide at least two (2) meal during build season (Section 10.2 below)
 Providing accurate medical information for their student and informing the team leader of any changes.
In addition, Team 2881 would appreciate parental involvement in the following:
 Providing timely transportation for their student to/from team events.
 Assisting and supporting their student in money earning and community service activities.
 Chaperoning team trips.
9.2 Family Brings a Meal
Every family is asked to bring at least two meals and 2 snacks during the build season to show appreciation for
their Childs and the mentors’ hard work. Meals can include lunch and/or dinner. Snacks are any individual
servings of foods, like oranges, apples, individual teddy grahams or individual crackers. Full information as
well as signup sheets will be provided in December to ensure parents can fit this requirement to their schedule.
There are additional ways that families can help out if they choose to:
Paper products: Plates, napkins, and cups throughout the entire season
Beverages: Water during build season
Any other donations are truly valued and are crucial to the success of Team 2881.
9.3 NEMO
Any and all support that can be provided by you and your family is welcome. NEMO (Non-Engineering
Mentor Organization, www.firstnemo.org) helps parents volunteer with FIRST even if they’re not involved with
the robot. NEMO has a list that shows 101 ways that parents can help a FIRST team at
http://www.firstnemo.org/PDF/101_ways_parents_can_help.pdf.
9.4 IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Each team member will be supplied with information for the key leaders, mentors, teachers, and other team
contacts. Please check the forums and your email regularly for important information.
Girl Scout Mentor: Susie Rich
Email: sch.rich@gmail.com or frc2881@gmail.com
Girl Scout STEM Coordinator: Mitchell Wittaker
Email: mitchellw@gsctx.org
Cell at events: 512-626-6545
Work: 512-453-7391
STUDENT Contract
I agree that I understand the information presented in the Team Handbook, and that I understand
what I need to achieve in order to have full payment of my trips.
I agree and understand that I attendance is important and that I will mark my attendance on the
google spreadsheet no later than the Wednesday before the Friday meeting. Attendance must be
marked in advance of the event.
I know that I will have to place a deposit of $250.00, but if I fulfill all of the team achievements, the
team funding will cover the rest of my travel costs.
Team achievements include and are not limited to
1. Check email daily
2. Abide by safety standards
3. Appear in public in team uniforms (team shirt, black pants, hat & name tag)
4. Meet team fundraising achievements
5. Meet team attendance achievements
I understand that I must act responsibly and respectfully at all times, and that schoolwork comes
before team work. I must maintain my grades as required by the school in order to participate in team
activities.
Student Signature: _______________________________
Student Name: __________________________________
Date: __________________
Forms Due 1st Friday of September
Troop $250 dues due 1st Friday of December
_____GS Teen permission form for each event (Kick Off, Houston, San Antonio, Championships, Houston Fall ReMix, TRR, TRI, RRB)
_____GS Teen photo release
_____FIRST in Texas photo release
_____FIRST hard copy release event date & location left blank, we will copy and fill out as needed for Kick Off, Houston, San Antonio,
_____Championships if the electronic online form does not go thru.
_____Parent Permission forms
_____Medical forms
Fact sheet (keep)
Calendar (keep)
Handbook (keep)
PARENTS/GUARDIANS Contract
I understand that my student has chosen to be an active part of this team, and that while any level of
participation is encouraged, that my student must meet the team achievements in order to have team
funding for his/her travel. I also understand that I am part of those achievements. I agree to:
1. attend 4 parent information session,
2. attend pre-travel meetings
3. work one team event during the year
4. work one local competition event
5. attend 6 regular team meetings as part of 2 deep leadership,
I also agree to provide 2 meals and 2 snacks during build season.
I understand that parents can be a vital part of the team, and are a big help in getting many of the
team activities accomplished. I will do my best to support my student and the team in this endeavor.
Parent Signature: _______________________________
Parent Name: __________________________________
Date: __________________
Due by 1st Friday of September
_____ CBC double sided for both parents
_____Adult Registration forms