NOLABOTS ( TEAM #5953) began last year when a 14 year old kid asked his parents if he could build robots. Learning that most FRC teams in the Greater New Orleans were affiliated with specific schools and that there weren't that many teams in existence in our local area, we asked FRC about their interest in a homeschool / community team that would welcome any kid. They gave us an enthusiastic "YES"! With nothing more than a bunch of eager kids with no technical skills and parents who were willing to do anything to see us succeed, we began our rookie season. DOW gave us a grant for our first year and a couple of local businesses gave us protective gear and a place to build. However, the one thing we needed were people to teach the kids the necessary skills. With a few dedicated parents and some volunteers (not an engineer or mechanic in the bunch) we set out on a challenging 6 week quest that would stretch everyone involved and forge us into a family. The kids had to be taught gracious professionalism, safety, tool competency, basic design, group dynamics, computer skills, perseverance, and that it is okay to fail if you learn from it. When we began, the kids had no technical skills whatsoever and didn't even know each other, but they soon started utilizing power tools, applying the math and physics they had been learning in school, and programming. The competition was humbling but exhilarating. At one point the announcer actually uttered the words "Team 5953 needs a miracle!" because we did. However, with help, we recovered and went on to win the JUDGES AWARD for our team's enthusiasm, perseverance, and ability to compete at such a high level with such a low budget. Our robot, affectionately known as REDO, consisted not only of metal but of plywood and string as well. We are now in year two and build season has begun.
