Washington State has around 200 FIRST® LEGO® League Explore teams each year. Teams are formed in schools, community organizations, and neighborhoods. They can be formed by any interested adult willing to facilitate team logistics.

Within Washington, many FIRST® LEGO® League Explore teams are formed through schools, so the first place to look for opportunities to join a team is with your child’s school. Generally, the school-based teams are open only to students attending that institution because interest often exceeds capacity. If your child’s school does not currently have a team, you may want to work with a teacher or administrator there to help form a team within the school.

Other Washington teams are formed through community organizations such as 4-H, YMCA, Scouts, or Boys & Girls Clubs. Generally, this is only one of many activities that the organization facilitates for its members, but if your child is interested in one of these organizations overall, this might be an avenue to pursue in your local area.

The remaining teams in Washington are formed through homeschool groups, religious organizations, or neighborhood groups of friends. While these groups are not specifically closed to other students, they do not usually engage in recruiting members.

Since finding an opportunity with an existing team may be difficult, many experienced coaches and parents advise families new to the program to start their own team. The benefits to your child and for those who have an opportunity to participate are well worth the effort. If you need additional resources or encouragement, contact us at FIRST® Washington.

The FIRST® LEGO® League Explore season opens in May, but teams can register throughout the year. Teams typically meet for 6-10 weeks and then participate in a FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Festival hosted by FIRST® Washington or hold their own in their local community.

The FIRST® LEGO® League Explore program is designed for young people in 2 – 4 grades.

Due to the non-competitive nature of FIRST® LEGO® League Explore Festivals, there are no awards to compete for. We like to celebrate every team and team member’s achievements!

Teams are able to talk with reviewers at any Festival they attend about what they have done. This helps the youth get comfortable with presenting their ideas to adults in the future!