What's going on everyone?! It's been a while since we have seen each other en masse. I hope you all have enjoyed this summer because it's winding down quickly. It was go-time from January to April and then we had to finish the school year and catch up on work. Between build season, keeping up with personal lives, school, not to mention trying to sleep. You all have earned some vacation time. I hope you DIVE into something good for your mind and body. Summer never lasts long enough, and before long we'll be back in the pits for REEFSCAPE!

Before the new school year begins, I want to check in with all of our teams and see how your team is doing. Take a moment to complete this Team Health Survey. This information will be kept safe from prying and judgemental eyes. We're going to use the info you give us to tailor our help and resources to the places, and the people, that need it most. If there is a certain kind of help you need before we DIVE in, this is one way to let us know.

In the meantime, "just keep swimming."

This was a pretty fun season. When the game was revealed, I was a little underwhelmed. Only one game piece? That low chain looked easy to grab onto and climb. Yet everything was more challenging than anticipated. Did anybody else have a corner touching the ground at endgame? That was frustrating, but that's part of what makes this so fun. I can't speak for you, but this season did not disappoint. I'm grateful I could witness your stellar performances and meet our wonderful community.

I have to give a special shout to our teams who rocked the world stage in Houston this year. It's amazing to see our district represented among the best in the world.

Team 422, The Mech Tech Dragons were ranked 5th in the Daly division and were the Captain of Alliance 4. Team 836, The RoboBees were ranked 4th in the Newton Division and were the #3 Alliance Captain. Team 1629 Garrett Coalition, Team 1727 REX, Team 3136 O.R.C.A and Team 5804 TORCH each qualified for the playoffs in their respective divisions.

Team 1727 REX also won the Industrial Design Award for the Milstein Division! That's how you show out on the world stage!!

Special shout-out to Team 9072 TigerBots for winning the Hopper Division!! They made it all the way to Round 3 of Einstein! Absolutely, positively spectacular!!!

Picture taken from "The Lighthouse" publication in April 2024

We are thrilled to unveil the REEFSCAPE schedule for the upcoming 2025 FRC DIVE season. This exciting season will feature 6 district events leading up to the District Championships in Upper Marlboro, MD. Prepare for an action-packed journey of innovation, collaboration, and thrilling challenges.

The official events begin Feb. 28, 2025!

There are also several Off-Season events taking place this fall. Make sure you don't miss out!

Saturday, Sept. 28, Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker at Hayfield Secondary School

Saturday, Oct. 19, Blue Ridge Brawl at Andrew Lewis Middle School

Sunday, Oct. 20, Battle O' Baltimore at Glenelg High School

Saturday, Oct. 26, Rumble #9 w/ Cheese at Deep Run High School

Registration is open for all three of these events so don't delay!

I love this program, but saying that FRC is "a lot" is a gross understatement. Getting into this program is like trying to drink from a firehose (a phrase I heard and felt a lot this year).

So to raise the caliber of all our FRC teams, especially new and young teams, FIRST Chesapeake is starting a Team Support System. We're still crafting a clever name, but the objective of this system is to raise the caliber of the lower-performing teams so they can attend both district events, pass inspection on the first attempt at each event, and play in all of their qualification matches.

It's safe to say that I have been motivated by the great efforts of the FRC teams I've met. I have learned a lot from our community. This system is a way to support our teams/mentors who need it most and to make it easier to connect them to their peers. This system will include a training program for mentors so that the "firehouse" of information is easier to manage. It will also include a team-to-team mentoring component. Some teams have already engaged in mentoring other teams. We plan to incorporate that model here.

We are looking for 10 teams across FIRST Chesapeake to volunteer as GuideSquads, to help guide and support the teams we bring through. Reach out to me if you're interested and I'll get you more info soon.

"Each one, Teach one."

Are you passionate about FIRST Robotics and supporting the next generation? Are you looking for ways that you can support your local FIRST community?

FIRST Chesapeake is seeking several enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team!! We are looking for part-time Sub-district Volunteer Coordinators and Equipment Managers!

In these vital roles, you'll be key in supporting our FTC and FRC teams and events.

The Sub-District Volunteer Coordinator plays a vital role in recruiting, managing, and coordinating volunteers for local events within the FIRST program. This individual will work closely with the District Volunteer Coordinator, Program Directors, District Volunteer Leads, On-Site Volunteer Coordinators, and Planning Committees to ensure effective volunteer engagement and a seamless event experience. The position requires a commitment of 5 to 10 hours per week, with some flexibility for weeknight and weekend work.

The Equipment Managers will support FRC and FTC events in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. The role involves operational, production, and event support responsibilities like packing/unloading PODs, setting up power and AV systems, and providing training. Applicants should have FIRST experience, especially in event setup and AV. The position requires the ability to attend training sessions, work several event weekends, and perform physical tasks like standing and lifting.

We are still looking for applicants in all of MD, southwest VA, and northern VA. If you are interested, click the appropriate button below to apply.

The FIRST®/BAE Systems Team Grant Application period is now open for FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams. Interested teams may apply via this link.

While all teams are eligible to apply for funding, BAE Systems may prioritize applications meeting at least one of the below criteria:

• Teams located within 75 miles of a BAE Systems site (see application for a list of our locations)
• Teams with BAE Systems mentors; if you are interested in having a BAE Systems mentor, please tell us in your application so we can do our best to match you. 
• Teams with an existing relationship with BAE Systems
• Teams demonstrating diversity in STEM (meeting one of the criteria below):
• Teams affiliated with Title 1 schools
• Teams with high needs (more than 50% free/reduced lunch rates at affiliated schools)
• Teams made up of more than 50% underrepresented populations in STEM fields (women, LGBTQ+ youth, BIPOC and Latinx students, youth with disabilities)
•  Teams with exemplary community outreach to underrepresented population

The FRC deadline is September 13, 2024. If you have additional questions, please contact bae.firstrobotics@baesystems.com.