August FRC Link: Stay Informed and Connected!

Bonnie Crites
Aug 15
4 min read

Updated: Sep 19

FIRST Chesapeake's FRC News

Welcome to the August FRC Link Newsletter!

Check out this month's highlights and reminders!

Queuing Up - Gear Up With the Latest News

VITAL Dates for Registration and Preference Selection
Event Preferencing Timeline
FIRST Chesapeake 2026 District Event Schedule
Off Season Events
Kit of Parts and Opting Out

Spread the Word - Outreach and Fundraising

Outreach & Fundraising Opportunity: FLL-E Maryland
FRC Education Day
Equipment and Event Managers Wanted - Last Chance for Training!

Watch the Replay - Key Topics from Last Month

REBUILT Registration

VITAL DATES

Register your team withFIRST Inspires - Open Now!*
You do NOT need to pay the fee at the time of registration or before preference selection.
Round One Preference Selection - Sep 25 - Oct 2
Teams MUST have two lead coaches with completed YPP Screening by this date to preference.
Round Two Preference Selection - Oct 16 - Oct 23
Event Registration Closes & Payment Due - Nov 18
For Deadlines and Fees: Registration and Event Preference Selection
Rebuilt Season Kickoff - Jan 10, 2026

Key Points

Teams may submit and make changes to preferences up to the deadline on November 18.
Your team may be assigned to any event you select as a preference. Please select all the available events you can attend in your ranked preference order. Only four slots are reserved for late registering local teams at each event this season.
If you are waitlisted, you will only be waitlisted at the one event you indicate as ‘Allow Waitlist’ on your preferences. This indication defaults to the first event you list.
IMPORTANT! The preferences you make during the first round of preferencing are independent of those you make during the second round. Your preferences will be removed between the first and second rounds. During the second round, you will start with a clean slate.
The information you see on the event preferencing screen is automatically submitted to the system. There is no ‘Save’ or ‘Submit’ button. If you change any information on this screen, those changes are saved automatically.

Click the Button to Learn More About Registration and Preference Selection.

FRC Registration and Event Preference Selection

FIRST Season Important Dates

FIR Chesapeake 2026 District Event Schedule

Full FIRST Chesapeake FRC Schedule

Off Season Events

September 27, 2025: Chesapeake Robotics Icebreaker at Hayfield Secondary School - EVENT FULL
October 4, 2025: Blue Ridge Brawl at Salem High School
October 18, 2025: Battle O' Baltimore at Dulaney High School
October 25, 2025: Rumble #10 at Deep Run High School Sign up here!

Battle O' Baltimore Volunteers Needed! Sign up here!

What's in the Box!? Kickoff Kits and Black Totes

Each season, FIRST Robotics Competition teams receive Kits of Parts (KoP). The KoP consists of various parts, materials, and software tools. Most components come from suppliers across multiple industries.

The Kit Consists of:

A season-specific box of parts
The ominous "Black Tote" with a selection of basic components
A Drive Base Kit to build a basic drive base for your robot
(for Rookies Only) a Gray Tote with additional components

Veteran teams may opt out of the Black Tote in exchange for two $125 vouchers to AndyMark and REV Robotics and/or the Drive Base for a $450 voucher to AndyMark. All of these vouchers may be used in the FIRST Store during the season.

Teams choosing to opt out must do so before Sep 23! Those who do not request to opt out will receive the whole kit.

Outreach & Fundraising Opportunity with FIRST LEGO League Explore - Maryland

Is your team looking for a fun and meaningful way to give back? FIRST LEGO League Explore introduces children ages 6–10 to the exciting world of STEM and FIRST—and your team can be part of that journey!

Opportunities include starting a team, mentoring existing teams, or hosting an FLL Explore Festival. Supporting FLL Explore is a great way to inspire future innovators and strengthen your team’s outreach and fundraising efforts.

See this slide deck to learn more about the benefits of supporting FLL Explore Festivals and Teams.

Intrigued? Connect with Maryland’s FLL Explore Program Delivery Partner, Amber Driesman at adriesman@firstchesapeake.org.

FRC Education Day

November 15th, 2025

Park School

Join us for the 2025 FRC Education Day in Baltimore this November 15! Hosted by the Maryland Robotics Alliance, this annual event is a cornerstone for FRC teams across the District.

Whether you're a rookie team gearing up for your first season or a veteran team aiming to refine your strategies, Education Day offers a wealth of workshops, technical sessions, and networking opportunities to elevate your robotics game.

Show your interest in attending!

Equipment and Event Managers Wanted

Last Chance for Training!

Equipment Managers - Guide the setup and breakdown process, assist with equipment and AV, and make our events memorable!

Event Managers - Guide and lead event execution, day-of leadership, and be the main point of contact for competitions in your area. Be part of a mission-driven team working to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Apply Today!