FIRST technology challenge

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a company that was founded by an inventor to give kids more exposure and inspiration with the engineering and technology fields.  they operate day camps and summer camps at their homebase in new hampshire.  but what they're best known for is their annual competitions that involve robots and students world-wide.  they have different levels that accommodate kids ages 6-18.  the kids get together on teams of 3-10 students, along with a coach (usually a parent) and spend several weeks building and programming a robot.  then they take it to competitions.  this is luigi's first year participating and he seems to have had fun.  his team has competed in LA, SD, and vegas.  they are judged on community involvement (gaining sponsorships and fundraising), teamwork, points during competition, a notebook (where they have to track their whole process), and presentation at the competition.  it's a great all-around learning experience.