FIRST Initiatives
Starting and Mentoring FLL Teams
In 2021, Team 4450 launched two FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge teams, and in the fall of 2022, we added another FLL team and an FLL Explore team. Each team of 10 students received personal coaching and mentoring from ORF. The students demonstrated strong enthusiasm for FLL and were committed to continuing their participation in the program the following year.
Starting and Mentoring FLL Teams
FLL teams were invited by ORF to participate in a mock judging and robot game competition designed to help them prepare for their upcoming events. During the visit, ORF team members offered valuable feedback on the students' presentations and robots. This event provided a great opportunity for the FLL teams to gain firsthand experience and learn from ORF members with prior FLL experience. The students received constructive criticism that enabled them to refine their skills and improve their performance. As a result, the teams left feeling more prepared and confident for the upcoming FLL competitions. Overall, the visit ORF HQ proved to be an invaluable experience, offering expert guidance and feedback that will help the teams excel in future events.
FTC Competitions
For the past 10 years, ORF has hosted the FTC Lovelace League at our home base, providing most of the volunteers and handling event setup and teardown. This event offers FTC teams in Thurston County a platform to showcase their skills. Additionally, ORF volunteers at the nearby FTC Lovelace League 2 event. For the past 8 years, ORF has hosted and run the FTC Watt Interleague. Similar to the FTC Lovelace League, ORF also provides volunteers, does the logistical management of the event, runs concessions, and cleans up everything.
FRC Menstrual Equity
In partnership with FRC Team 2980 we co-hosted the 2023 Pacific Northwest District Championship menstrual equity efforts! At this event we carried out the menstrual equity initiative by:
Purchasing menstrual products
Distributing supply bags to 50 teams
Discussing the importance of menstrual equity
We also hosted the menstrual equity efforts at the 2024 Glacier Peak Event!
FRC Competition Setup
ORF members have supported the setup for several competitions, assisting with field and table preparations at the 2023 Sammamish District Competition, the 2023 Wilsonville District Competition, the 2024 Auburn District Event, and the 2024 PNW District Championship!