How to Join

Grade Levels: 9 - 12
Purpose: We compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), a worldwide organization of 4000+ active high school robotics teams. Every January we get a brand new challenge and have 2 months to design, build, and program a 120 lbs robot to play a game in 3 v. 3 matches on a big field. Dubbed “a varsity sport for the mind” FRC combines difficult technical challenges with the excitement of competition to inspire students in STEM pursuits.
Months:

Pre-Season: September - December
Thursday 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Build/Competition Season: January - April
Monday-Thursday 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

  • Design & Controls teams: Minimum 12 hrs/week
  • Scouting, Manufacturing Support, and Business and Branding teams: minimum 6 hrs/week

Field Set Build: January – February
Saturdays and other as scheduled starting 2nd Saturday in January through completion (~Mid February).  Applies toward volunteer hours

Fall: Official FRC season event registration
January - February: the six-week robot design and build period with robot shipment deadline in late February
March - April: Regional and Championship events for qualifying teams
April: World Championship events for qualifying teams
Summer: we may compete in optional summer competitions and strongly encourage our US 9-12 students to help with robotics summer camp
Practice Location: Robotics HQ within 1 mile of campus
11563 Grooms Road, Blue Ash, OH  45242  (map)
Meet / Competition Info:

2 regional tournaments involve overnight travel and missing a few days of school:

  • Thursday, 03/24/22 - Saturday, 03/26/22 - Cleveland (Spring Break) - UltraCamp Registration opens 01/15/22; closes 02/01/22
  • Thursday, 03/31/22 - Saturday, 04/02/22 - Pittsburg - UltraCamp Registration opens 01/15/22; closes 02/01/22
Cost:
  • $275 + provide 3 team meals during the build season + regional tournament travel expense
     
  • All students receive a Tshirt. Additional team items (hats, jackets, etc.) available for purchase.
  • Transportation provided from CHCA to Robotics HQ for after school meetings.
  • Tournament travel requires additional fees to cover transportation and lodging expenses. These are communicated well in advance and registration timing is noted above.
  • Scholarship opportunities available; contact the coaches for details.
Anticipated # of Students: 30
Expected Parent Involvement:

We welcome family members to attend competitions. Every family is expected to:

  • Volunteer at Beak Squad hosted events
  • Provide 3 team meals during build season
  • Transportation provided from CHCA to Robotics HQ for after school meetings
Notes:
Facilitators: Christy Hansell (christy.hansell7@gmail.com) and Scott Reuter
How To Register:

Every year you must:

  1. Register with CHCA by 12/10/21 at 11:59 p.m. You will be given a link in your confirmation email to use for step 2.
     
  2. Register with FIRST so they know about you by 12/31/21 at 11:59 p.m.  A link and instructions are in your UltraCamp Confirmation email.
     
  3. Download TeamSnap to receive team communications. Students are automatically invited when registered and will add parent emails to give parent access. Students are required to register attendance in TeamSnap for all meetings so that meals and work planning can be sized for attendance.
Beak Squad Robotics team 2018

 

The Beak Squad wins the 2018 World Championship Autonomous Award, Sponsored by Ford, and are Championship Division Finalists.

 

 

 

Gr 9-12 Beak Squad team - 2016

CHCA Beak Squad wins 2016 Ohio State FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Championship as the Alliance Captain and 1st Place Alliance, remaining undefeated for the entire tournament!

 

Gr 9-12 Beak Squad team - 2015

CHCA Beak Squad takes 1st Place in the 2015 FedEx Innovation Challenge!