Time Commitments
We have had some questions from parents and students regarding the time commitment required for robotics. We also had a few of the students who thought McKamy Robotics Club would be like the Lego after-school program at some of the elementary schools or summer camps in the area, where the robot is pretty much done and they get to drive it and make enhancements.
We want to be sure that everyone who has expressed interest is aware that this is definitely NOT a club that meets one hour per week. That is just not enough time for a team to design, build, program, and learn to drive a robot from purchased parts in preparation for competitions.
Once the teams are formed, the number and length of meetings will be determined by each team and its mentors. It will also depend on what phase of the process the team is at and if there is an upcoming competition. As an example, Robot Destroyers a team of all 6th grade boys averaged about 3 hours per week over a shortened timeline as the club just launched. This team did meet during the week when practicing on the field but preferred utilizing time during school breaks, such as Thanksgiving and Winter Break, or on the weekend. Much of the time spent depends on the specific team's focus and vision of the robot they would like to build. A MINIMUM estimate of the number of hours required over the next 3 1/2 months until January 16th (VEX competition at FMHS) is 50 hours for a working robot that is able to compete.
For those who may feel that this is more of a time commitment than originally expected, we will be happy to refund the membership and joining fees if you notify us by noon on Wednesday, September 16th by replying to this email. We are unable to provide refunds after the 16th.
We hope this information has been helpful in clarifying time and level. We are excited to begin the team formation process at the end of next week! If there is NO change to your student's membership, you DO NOT need to respond.
