Our Friday morning began with an early wake up call from Jen. Can you and Dad run south to get the Trophies for todays tournament and bring them up to us in Thief River? Sure I was only going to dust and wash clothes anyway. We left within a half an hour of her call..I ate my toast in the car. Chance was a bit confused we hardly ever leave home that early in the morning.
One of the tournament volunteers who was in charge of bringing the Trophies forgot them in St Cloud..the head of the Department in St Cloud headed for Wadena ( One hour south of us. We met there within 2 minutes of each other.) We headed three hours North..and the roads were yucky..icy in spots with blowing snow. Jen talked us in to the College at Thief River..we had never been to that campus before. She was like our own personal GPS system and even had a parking spot for us…all via cellphone.
We delivered the Trophies..and were applauded!
Andy teaches Robotics. This was his baby. Jen was his Field Manager today.
A Vex Gateway Competition is all about two teams making an alliance and competing against another alliance. Red vs. Blue. They try to outscore each other..I never caught on how the scoring system went..I am too old to remember everything.
Getting ready..
Set..
Go robots! Each “match” was 2 minutes and 20 seconds..so it is a fast paced competition, with many qualifying rounds.
This competition was for Middle School and High School Students. There were teams with girls..in fact there was one two person girl team. Being part of a robotics team teaches teamwork, leadership and problem solving..not to mention some Science, Math and who knows what all. Noah would have been competing today..but he had to decide between robotics and basketball because they started at the same time last fall and met at the same time..so Noah could not do both. Noah chose basketball. Noah’s best friend Evan was competing with his robotic team today.
Andy is in charge of the Electronic Technology/Automated Systems Department..in fact he is the Department Head and tail because he is the only member. It was a fun day, and now I understand more about Andy going to work and playing all day.
One of the coaches was wearing this T Shirt..he let me take his photo..he told me “I do big bots, my girls one a Freshman and one a Senior do these little bots.”:)
You are a true hero to the robotic world, Connie! I wonder how the game is played, but it looks way too complicated for my little noggin. BTW, have you noticed that Blogger has changed the Word Verification to be a little easier to use? Very few of my regulars still use it, but now it's easier to read.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting - a few years ago the 4-H program also added robotics and I believe runs it a lot like their archery/shooting sports programs - it is big deal! Many competitions up to the national level! Kudos to Andy and his program - he will need to start adding volunteers!
ReplyDeleteNow that should win a award for one of the most unusual, and interesting blog posts. Expecialy since you guys saved the day!
ReplyDeleteJen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I miss the various robot shows they used to have on the TV. I enjoyed them all.
ReplyDeleteSorry the weather was bad, but glad you got to see it! :)
That is what I call spontaneous. We use to drive the boys south from Grand Rapids to meet up with their Aunt so they could go play in the cities with her. We would drive the two hours south and then return. The weather wasn't any problem for us. I think the robotics contest would be interesting to see.
ReplyDeleteI found this very interesting. I did not know they had these around here. I am not so much a sports nut and this would be more up my alley. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's something totally different. I watched the little video, and most of it was clear as mud, but I'm sure with some practice it would all make sense. I learned something new today:) And good on the Far clan for getting the trophies there on time!
ReplyDeleteWhew, go glad ya saved the day in true 'Bot' hero style!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun this looks like!
God bless and have yourself a super Saturday!!! :o)
Surprising what new programs are on the school program now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day you had.
ReplyDeleteLooks like all had a great time ! Awesome photos ! Have a great day !
DeleteThank heavens for moms and dads, who can drop everything and save the day. Glad you made the trip safely.
ReplyDeleteYay to you and Chance for bringing home the trophies. Great post. I love education programs that lets kids do hands on. They learn so much more.
ReplyDeleteWow, didn't know that they had such a thing. Thank goodness for mom and dad's that is for sure!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Glad you guys could deliver the trophies. Love the t shirt.
ReplyDeleteSomething else I had heard nothing about. Blog world is a great place to learn
ReplyDeleteYou two saved the day! Well, and Chance, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteI had no idea they did things like this in high school. Cool!
Oh, how much fun does that look!!!! Jen wrote about it but I am glad you posted pictures - - - especially the T-shirt - - - too cute.
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