Frequently Asked Questions

Never built a robot before? No problem! This is the perfect place to start. You’ll gain valuable, hands-on experience by working directly with our fantastic team and knowledgeable mentors. We are excited to help you discover your potential!

As long as you're an active student at Gaylord High or Middle School, there’s a spot on the team for you!

Absolutely! We invite you to explore all the possibilities and find what truly sparks your interest. Our team offers so many options, including building, designing, programming, marketing, business, animation, and event planning. There is a role for everyone!

There are no fees to join our robotics team. All our essential costs, from building materials to hotel accommodations and meals during tournaments, are covered through our team's fundraising efforts and grants. The only personal expense you may have is any optional spending money you'd like for tournament weekends.

We know you're busy, and we're committed to being flexible. Our regular off-season meetings are:

  • FRC: Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 6 PM
  • FTC: Wednesdays after school until 5 PM

Once the season officially begins, our meetings will become more frequent as we prepare for tournaments in March. We understand that everyone has other commitments, and we’ll work with you to find a way to make it work.

The FRC season officially begins in the first week of January and typically concludes with tournaments in late March. The FTC season takes place in the fall, running from September through the end of October. It's a high-energy schedule for both teams, and their season will be extended if they qualify for state or world championships.

The off-season is our time to learn and grow in a fun, low-pressure environment. It’s when we build practice robots and focus on skill development with our mentors. We also typically compete in a single, relaxed off-season tournament in the fall to get a feel for the competitive atmosphere. This is a perfect time to get ready for the official season!

You are always welcome to join our team! While you'll get the most out of the experience by starting with us before the season begins, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute and learn even if you join later. Just a heads-up: If you join after tournaments start, our travel arrangements will be finalized, and you'll be responsible for your own transportation to the event.

Our mentors are the backbone of our team. They are dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds who share their time and expertise, whether it's technical or non-technical. They provide invaluable guidance on everything from programming and robot design to marketing, fundraising, and business management. Your knowledge—no matter the subject or time commitment—is a direct contribution to our students' success. We encourage you to learn more here.

As a parent, you are a vital part of our team's journey. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, makes a real difference. Whether it’s sharing your expertise as a mentor, providing a few snacks for a long build session, or simply cheering for us at tournaments, we welcome your support. We would love to have you as part of our team!

FRC Team 5183

FTC Team 31908