Kidz 4 Change Robotics

Charles County 4-H members of Kidz 4 Change Robotics Club celebrate their sucesses at FLL Robotics Competition, supported by the JC Penney After School Fund

4-H Robotics Club Shines at Competition

Charles County 4-H was well represented at the First Lego League Robotics competition this year, thanks in part to the support of the JC Penney After School Fund (JCPASF). The group received a mini grant which helped to fund materials, t-shirts and other support materials. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" and supports teams throughout the country. JCPASF and National 4-H Council joined together in a partnership to reach new youth across the nation and expand existing 4-H robotics programs. Area volunteers worked with youth throughout the fall and winter as they undertook a project that highlighted traffic issues and possible solutions in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The team also participated in a local competition sponsored by the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) which addresses problems in the Chesapeake Bay.

At the first competition, which was held in December, the teams received the Team Spirit Award and the Teamwork Award. At the State Competition in January, held at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the team again received the Teamwork Award!

Robotics Team

At the CSM competition, again the team received the Team Spirit Award! What a great testament to the fine job done by our volunteer coaches: Arthur and Rosalind Ellis, Sid Downs, Pat Hancock, Shelly Clark and 4-H Program Assistant Dale Bowling.

The Robotics program for 2010-11 will be starting up this summer. If you are interested in participating, call the 4-H office to have your name put on the waiting list for the coming year. If we have sufficient interest and coaches, we may form an additional team at the beginner level. We also hope to sponsor a team for the next level (middle school-high school) starting in August. Any adults interested in serving as coaches are also VERY welcome!

Steny Hoyer with the

Charles County Robotics Team

Additional photos can be found by clicking "4-H Photo Album" on the left.

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For more information, contact Charles County 4-H; 301-934-5404

Last updated: 10/10/2011