December FRC Link: Stay Informed and Connected!
- Bonnie Crites
- 14 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Check out this month's highlights and reminders!
Queuing Up - Gear Up With the Latest News
Start Your Volunteer Outreach
Volunteer at FTC Events
FRC Coach Chat Schedule
Introducing Chesapeake Corp
Event Rule Changes and Updates from FIRST
Spread the Word - Grants, Fundraising and Outreach
Host Next Year's FRC Events!
New and Returning Coach Chats
Print and Build with CHS Hubs
Back-to-Build with Maryland Robotics Alliance
Virginia JCI Senate Scholarship Opportunity
Watch the Replay - Key Topics from Last Month
FIRST Learning Management System is LIVE!
New Kickoff Worksheet - Prepare for the New Game
FRC Resource Hub
Now Hiring - Warehouse Associate
Event Volunteers Needed!
FIRST events can only happen with the help of dedicated and engaged volunteers! Start talking with your community now to help fill the many necessary roles. Direct interested potential volunteers to the link below for more information and how to apply.
Volunteer for January FTC Qualifiers!
January FTC Qualifiers in vital need for volunteers! FTC Qualifiers begin in just a few weeks. Follow the links below to apply for all positions today!
Click the link below to see available volunteer positions at FRC Events near you!
Introducing Chesapeake Corp: Mentor-to-Mentor Support
FIRST Chesapeake is excited to launch a new mentor-to-mentor support initiative designed to strengthen and connect our FRC coaching community. This Year 1 pilot focuses on pairing mentors who are looking to build skills or gain guidance with experienced mentors who are willing to share their expertise — all coordinated directly by FIRST ’s Senior Mentors (FSMs).
Whether you’re a new mentor navigating your first season or a seasoned coach with knowledge to share, this program creates a district-wide support network powered by the expertise already thriving in our community. Mentors can sign up in two ways:
Need Help: Request support in areas like technical skills, team organization, awards, or culture-building.
Willing to Help: Share your experience, offer guidance, and strengthen our mentor ecosystem.
Connections will be coordinated by FSMs using Slack and a simple Google Form, ensuring thoughtful pairings based on expertise, location, and availability. Over the course of the season, we’ll gather feedback to shape future improvements — including FTC integration and possible in-event support options for Year 2.
Be part of building a stronger, more connected Chesapeake mentor community.
👉 Sign up to get help or to support another mentor today!
Event Rule Changes and Updates!
As we countdown to Kickoff on Jan 10, FIRST is releasing new rules and program updates all the time! Keep on top of these exclusive tips and previews on the FIRST Blog!
Load In - R304 will be sunset, clarifying what teams may do once the event begins. See updated rules at Kickoff!
Pit Changes - Automated tools may not be run in pits overnight, and teams are reminded to be mindful of shared pit power access.
Practice Area Changes - Practice Areas will now be called Test Areas, and are not meant for multi-element Auto modes or full field play
FIRST Tech Challenge will begin the transition to standardized controllers and motors in the 2027-28 season. The transition is planned to last through 2030-31 to create parity between FTC, FRC, and teams across the community. Alpha test applications closed Nov 14 and will be announced in future blog posts.
Kickoff is still a month away, but there are still clues in the wind on how the new game will work! Could it have anything to do with the FIRST Age reveal video???
We now now everything in the KitBot not included in the Black Tote. Get your shopping done early this year, but if you opted out of the Tote, you still won't know what's inside until Kickoff.
Do You Have What it Takes to Host FIRST Robotics Competitions?
Most of our events are hosted by FRC teams and schools just like yours! Hosting a FIRST Robotics Competition event is an exciting way for FRC teams, schools, and organizations to support STEM education, gain behind-the-scenes experience in event management, and connect with other teams and volunteers. By hosting an event, you play a key role in making robotics accessible to more students while strengthening your own FRC community.
Fill out the survey, and you may be one of next years events!
New to FRC Coaching?
FIRST Chesapeake now offers Coach Chat Sessions for new coaches or coaches looking for a place to engage with fellow mentors for Q & A.
Save the dates and click on each session for full details:
Topic: Preparing for Competition
Topic: Building a Sustainable Team
Mark your calendars and join us!
If you miss a session, each chat will be recorded, and can be accessed from our public drives via the link below
Print and Build at CHS Hubs!
CHS Hubs is an initiative to connect FIRST teams with other local teams willing to share 3D printing and machining resources. Teams in need are able to identify nearby CHS Hubs teams, source specific needed manufacturing capabilities, and contact CHS Hubs teams without combing through websites or social media. Many thanks to members of our FIRST community for building this tool!
Back to Build with the Maryland Robotics Alliance
Mentors Only
Get insights on the current game from experienced referees and other officials who have analyzed the game and rules. Featuring a short presentation, dinner, a valuable Q&A, and a perfect chance to network with fellow mentors across the district!
January 19, 2026 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm - Hosted by the TigerBots in Hanover, MD
Virginia JCI Senate Scholarship Now Open — Ideal for FIRST Robotics Seniors
Scholarship opportunity perfect for our FIRST community. The 2025–2026 Virginia JCI Senate Scholarship is now accepting applications from Virginia high school seniors. FIRST Robotics students, known for leadership, technical skill, and community service, are strong candidates for this competitive award.
Who Can Apply
Any vocational or college-bound graduating senior in Virginia
How to Apply
Visit the Virginia JCI Senate website for full instructions
Apply by Jan 12, 2026
Two or more students will be moved forward for a potential of $1000-$2000 towards their education and training. Good luck!
FIRST Learning Management System is LIVE!
For Coaches: Become Mentor Ready!
Mentor Ready is a self-paced path of 4 trainings:
Welcome to FIRST
Youth Protection Training
Role of a Mentor
Data Privacy for Mentors
Mentor Ready is designed to align onboarding and safety for all mentors. It takes less than 2 hours total to complete. You can complete it in one sitting or module-by-module. Access the training via your FIRST Dashboard → FIRST Training. You’ll earn a digital badge upon completion.
Note: Mentor Ready training is highly recommended for this season. It will be required for all mentors beginning May 2026.
In addition, level up your skills with the FIRST Learning Management System: short, self-paced modules. Modules can also be completed by students.
Topics Include:
Introduction to FIRST Robotics
Introduction to CAD and 3D Printing
Fabrication Tools and Safety
Preparing for Build Season
and more...
Perfect for off-season or early-season training.
For Volunteers: Become Volunteer Ready!
Volunteer Ready is a quick, optional path of 2 trainings:
Welcome to FIRST
Youth Protection Training
It is designed to help new and returning event volunteers get oriented and confident. Access the training in your FIRST Dashboard → FIRST Training after you apply to volunteer. Volunteer Ready is optional this season, but highly encouraged.
Kickoff Preparation Worksheet
FRC Kickoff introduces teams to a heap of information. How do team members determine what's old hat, and what's the pathway to victory?
Introducing the Kickoff Worksheet, based on the work of mentors and alumni from FRC 2791, this worksheet includes all the questions teams should be asking themselves at kickoff - How have the rules changed? What scores points? How is strategy affected? If you want your team to attend Kickoff with purpose, print out a few copies of the worksheet in preparation for January.
FRC Resource Hub
Need to Decode the FIRST Robotics Competition? Click the button below! FIRST Chesapeake has compiled resources on every facet of program, from team management and fundraising to building and competitions. Check out the hub for new guides and grants too!
We're Hiring! - Warehouse Associate
FIRST Chesapeake is looking for a Warehouse Associate to join our team in Savage, MD.
Seeking a dependable, hands-on Warehouse Associate to support our warehouse and logistics activities. The ideal candidate will take ownership of warehouse operations—including inventory control, shipping and receiving, and equipment management—while also assisting with general logistics, IT, and event preparation. Role can be structured as full-time or part-time, offering flexibility for individuals seeking to contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven organization while balancing other commitments.
Highlights:
Full- or part-time (flexible scheduling)
In-person 2–5 days/week
Great benefits + mission-driven team
Join us and help power STEM inspiration across the region!
Miss Something From Last Month?
Visit the FIRST Chesapeake Blog to read:
NEW FIRST Learning Management System
Information on the Women in STEM Scholarship
She Leads FIRST Awards Nominations
New Process for Requesting Field Carpet
And more!
Thank you,
FIRST Chesapeake Team
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