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FLL UNEARTHED Blog: Volume 24

by | Jun 2, 2026 | FLL, FLL Challenge, FLL Explore, Newsletter

In this weeks Blog

Next season survey

We need your videos!

Make sure you read the entire blog!

Season Info

End of Season/Next Season Survey

I wanted to check in and see how everyone is feeling about next season!

I have heard some rumblings about FLL being ‘over,’ and ‘guess there wont be anything for K-8 students’. I wanted to clear this up!

FIRST is still having a full FLL season (both Challenge and Explore) for 26-27. FIRST is actively working on a new K-8 offering for teams for after the 26-27 season. (To read the blog post on the FIRST/LEGO partnership update, click here)

FIRST did just announce the will be supporting SPIKE (Prime and Essential) through 28-29. You can keep up to date on new info here

I unfortunately do not have more information on this new offering. When I have info to share, I will pass it on to you!

I would love it if you could fill out this short survey (you may do so anonymously if you’d like) so we know your thoughts and your plans for next season! 

Calling all FLL parents, coaches, and mentors!

FIRST Washington needs your help!

We’re putting together a season recap video celebrating the UNEARTHED season, and we’d love to include your footage.

If you or someone you know captured video during the season, please reach out to FIRST Washington Marketing and Communications Manager, Rylie Pope, at ryliep@firstwa.org 

Important Dates & Deadlines

 

More From FLL

FTC DECODE Blog: Volume 25

by | Jun 2, 2026 | FTC, Newsletter

Recording and slide deck from last week’s coaches chat have been posted

Thank you to everyone who attended last week’s coaches chat.  I think we had some great discussions! 

While we did record our presentation, we did not record the feedback session.

You can find the slide deck and recording here:  https://firstwa.org/webinars/  

Important Dates & Deadlines

 

FRC REBUILT Blog: Volume 30

by | May 26, 2026 | FRC, Newsletter

PNW Social & Potluck 

PNW FRC Coaches and Mentors, 

You and the mentors on your team are invited to attend the PNW FRC Mentor Social & Potluck on Saturday, August 15, beginning at 1:00 PM at the FIRSTWA Fieldhouse in Kent (22426 72nd Ave S, Kent, WA 98032). 

During the build season, it’s easy for teams and mentors to become somewhat siloed, and competitions don’t always provide the best opportunity to make meaningful connections. My hope is that this gathering will offer a relaxed environment for mentors and coaches to connect with others who share a passion for FIRST Robotics. 

If you plan to attend, please sign up using this Google form. 

For the potluck, please consider bringing an item based on the first letter of your last name: 

  • Appetizer or Snack: A–N
  • Dessert: O–Z

Don’t hesitate to attend even if you’re unable to bring something. 

Please share this invitation with the mentors on your FRC team. Water and soda will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their preferred alcoholic beverages as well. A few large ice coolers will be available. Because alcohol will be present, this event is limited to mentors and coaches who are 21 years of age or older. 

There is interest in reviving the mentor roundtables that were last held in 2019. We will take a few minutes during the social to discuss ideas and begin planning for future mentor roundtable events. 

If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out to me. 

Regards, 

Darren Collins 
FRC 2046 
Cell: 206-854-0630 

Alberta KDays FRC Off-season event 

Howdy teams from your northern western neighbours in Canada! 

 With the 2026 season now mostly being all wrapped up, I’d like to delay the wrap up of the season just a bit more to invite ya’ll to come out to our KDays off-season event, in Edmonton, Alberta from July 17th to the 19th! 

A Quick summary of the event 

KDays is a 10 day long festival in Edmonton Alberta. With live music, many amusement rides, and some very interesting snack selections, it’s a fun time for all who attend! 

Our off-season event happens on the grounds for the public to bear witness to our metal masterpieces! With a full field provided by FIRST Canada we’re expecting to show all who come out a good time!  

 Alongside our 2 day FRC event, we will be running an FLL event as well! So it’ll be back to back robotics action! 

 Robot registration – Now open! 

Registration is open now. $750 per team. If you’re a larger organization wanting to bring out multiple robots, additional robots will be $250. Mentorbot, or rookie bot, we’ll be happy to have ya! If we hit 16 registered orgs an event limited shirt will be made to commemorate the occasion! 

 Registration can be found here: 

FIRST Robotics Competition – FIRST Alberta @ KDays 

 Volunteers – Always needed 

Volunteers are always needed so if you know anyone that would be interested, please have them email me with a position they would like to fill! 

 If you have any questions, my inbox is always open (and yes, regional directors dream of answering emails) 

 Hope to see ya’ll there! 

 

Aaron Williams 

FIRST Robotics Competition Program Director (in-training) 

FIRST Robotics Competition Team 3560 Alum 

 

Important Dates

     

    FTC DECODE Blog: Volume 24

    by | May 26, 2026 | FTC, Newsletter

    Next FTC Coaches Chat is scheduled for TONIGHT, May 26 at 7:00 pm 

      

    On this coaches chat, we plan to: 

    • Talk (at a high level) about what next season will look like 
    • Get feedback from all of you letting us know 
    • What went well 
    • What you would like to see improved/changed 

    While we will be recording our presentation, we will not be recording the feedback session so make sure to attend if you would like to be part of the feedback session! 

    Click here to attend the meeting. 

     

    Important Dates & Deadlines

     

    FTC DECODE Blog: Volume 23

    by | May 12, 2026 | FTC, Newsletter

    Congratulations to all on an amazing season! 

    I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate all teams on a phenomenal season!  This was a fun game to watch and also (in my opinion) a hard challenge for teams.   

    Additionally, I would like to wish all of the teams luck that are competing in one of the many Premier events coming up in the off season.  Have a great time and make sure to talk with the teams around you so you can learn what FTC is like in other areas! 

    It takes a village to inspire the next generation of STEM Leaders and innovators, and I’m glad you are all part of my village! 

     

    Next FTC Coaches Chat is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00 pm

      On this coaches chat, we plan to: 

    • Talk (at a high level) about what next season will look like 
    • Get feedback from all of you letting us know 
    • What went well 
    • What you would like to see improved/changed 

    While we will be recording our presentation, we will not be recording the feedback session so make sure to attend if you would like to be part of the feedback session! 

    Click here to attend the meeting. 

     

    Important Dates & Deadlines