January FRC Link: Stay Informed and Connected!
- Bonnie Crites
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Check out this month's highlights and reminders!
Queuing Up - Gear Up With the Latest News
REBUILT Starts Now!
Start Your Volunteer Outreach
Volunteer at FTC Events
KitBot Error Not to Miss
Spread the Word - Grants, Fundraising and Outreach
Turn FIRST Grads to FIRST Alums!
Host Next Year's FRC Events!
New and Returning Coach Chats
Sign up for Chesapeake Corp
Become a Lead Volunteer
Outfit Your Team with FRCTees
Watch the Replay - Key Topics from Last Month
Event Rule Changes and Updates from FIRST
REBUILT Starts Now!
The Manual is DECODED, the field is UNEARTHED, and now it's time for FIRST Robotics Competition to be REBUILT! If you missed the Kickoff video, watch it here now! (a little hint, the fun stuff starts around 33:00)
Get the in-depth scoop at FIRST's blog linked HERE and fast-forward with these handy links -
A Tour of the Field (mind the Bump)
All your Season Specific Material
Make sure your software is up-to-date for this year's game with WPILib's Quick Start Guide
We will be sending out weekly updates with key reminders, important game information, and timely tips - Check your inbox every Monday this season!
Don't start building until you get all the facts! Ready your manual carefully and note these key changes -
R104 - Robot perimeter is reduced to 110.0 in
R105 and R106 - Max extension of 12 inches in one direction at a time
R107 - Vertical limit is 30.0 inches
No limits to number of game pieces a robot can control or hold this season!
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.
Click the link below to see volunteer positions at FRC Events near you!
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!
KitBot Instructions Updated!
Teams who bought the KitBot - if you are still using the paper instructions, stop the saws! An error on page 8 gives incorrect measurements that could ruin a vital component. Download the online instructions today and go to the KitBot webpage for more details.
Help Turn FIRST Grads to FIRST Alumni
Help us celebrate your graduates and keep them in the FIRST community. Your team’s growth in FIRST is something to be proud of. The skills your students have developed- curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration-will stay with them beyond graduation. Many will pay it forward by becoming mentors and volunteers who inspire the next generation of STEM students and professionals. By supporting FIRST programs with their time and energy, your graduates ensure that more students gain the same skills, community, and inspiration that robotics provided them.
FIRST Chesapeake wants to support your graduates on the next steps of their journey. Every graduating FIRST team member is a potential volunteer, mentor, and coach. Please share our graduating senior survey with your seniors so we can keep in touch, share local events and opportunities, and gauge their interest in supporting FIRST.
Talk to your teams about volunteerism, and continuing to support STEM access and education. The future of FIRST starts with you and your graduates! Share the Graduate Survey with your seniors, and let's build robotics together!
Become a Lead Volunteer!
FIRST is only possible because of the dedication and expertise of its volunteers. At the core of every event are the Lead Volunteers, fulfilling vital roles to put on the game safely, fairly, and consistently. FIRST Chesapeake is seeking new applicants to expand our Lead Volunteer community. Roles include :
Head Ref
Field Technical Advisor
Lead Robot Inspector
Judge Advisor
Equipment Manager
Volunteer Coordinator
Event Manager
And More!!!
Read more about the roles at our Volunteer page, and fill out the form below to express your interest in becoming a Lead volunteer today!
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
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!
Outfit Your Team with FRC Tees!
FRCTees is offering teams in FIRST Chesapeake $100 off their first order this season. Teams can either send sales emails over to chesapeake@frctees.com, or mention the Chesapeake promo when getting a quote on their website. Go to https://frctees.com/ to get get your quote and show your team spirit!
Event Rule Changes and Updates!
Keep on top of these exclusive tips and previews on the FIRST Blog!
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
We now know 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.
Miss Something From Last Month?
Visit the FIRST Chesapeake Blog to read:
NEW FIRST Learning Management System
New Process for Requesting Field Carpet
Sign Up for Back to Build with the Maryland Robotics Alliance
Thank you,
FIRST Chesapeake Team
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