Robotics
Participate in a Girl Scout robotics team.
Girl Scouts of Utah offers FIRST robotics teams, which includes Lego League Explore and Tech Challenge. By joining a robotics team, Girl Scouts learn STEM skills like engineering and programming, as well as important life skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Teams are formed annually based on coach and location availability. We do our best to form teams where there is interest, but we cannot guarantee that a team will be formed for your Girl Scout’s age range every year. Teams may be available in three levels:
- FIRST Lego League Explore (Grades 1-4, ages 6-10) — Girl Scouts build and program a simple machine based on the theme of the year as well as make a poster about research they have done on that topic. Teams show their machine and project at an Expo. A team consists of two coaches and 4-6 girls.
- FIRST Lego League Challenge (Grades 4-8 , ages 9-14) — Girl Scouts build and program a Lego robot to perform challenges based on a theme. They also design and share an engineering project based around the same theme. Teams compete in a regional competition and may move on to the state tournament. A team consists of two coaches and 5-10 girls.
- FIRST Tech Challenge (Grades 7-12, ages 12-18) — Girl Scouts build and program a robot using various mechanical and electrical components, which include design, machining, and circuitry. The team works with mentors on a variety of topics and the community doing outreach events and activities. They have a competition and may move on to other tournaments. A team consists of two coaches and 8-10 Girl Scouts.
Joining a Robotics Team
If you have a girl who is interested in a FIRST team or you are interested in coaching, complete the interest survey. A member of the program team will contact you as teams form. Keep an eye on our event list for open houses during the summer.
Youth who join a robotics team must be Girl Scouts of Utah members. There may be a small fee for the season, which can be paid with Activity Credits or activity scholarships.
Lego League teams are formed in late summer and early fall based on the location and availability of girls and coaches. These teams run early fall through early winter but may vary based on level and timing of competitions. Tech Challenge team meets year-round, and sign-ups are ongoing.
Please email questions about FIRST Robotics teams to programs@gsutah.org.
Robotics Team Coaches
Coaches can be any gender but must become a Girl Scouts of Utah member, pass a background check, and complete Youth Protection training. Additionally, coaches must also complete a background check and youth protection training with FIRST Robotics.
Coaches do not need to have a STEM background to coach, just a willingness to learn. Some training is provided and a council staff member will provide support. One coach must be certified in CPR/First Aid.
Coaches must be willing to follow all GSU safety guidelines (PDF), model FIRST’s core values, communicate regularly with council staff, and implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through hands-on, Girl Scout-led programming.
