FAQ
Q: Are you guys like Battle Bots?
A: Kind of; we are a team that builds robots and attends competitions, but we do not fight or destroy each other's robots.
Q: What is the commitment like?
A: Since Cache Money is a large club, we have a flexible commitment. We have multiple build sessions each week after school, but the idea is that you come on the days you are available. There is also a weekly virtual full-team meeting. There is no minimum commitment level required; you get out of it what you put in. While we are flexible. we expect some investment in the team.
Q: When do you meet?
A: During our pre-season (until January), we meet virtually most Mondays from 7:30-8:30 PM. Our in-person build sessions are on Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00 PM, and Saturdays from 1:00-6:00 PM. The idea of long build sessions is not that every person comes to every session for the full duration, the times are wide open to fit as many schedules as possible. Keep in mind, you get out what you put in, so those who devote more time to robotics will get more fulfillment out of it!
Q: What if I want to do sports or another high-commitment Club?
A: Our meeting model is designed to work around your schedule so that you are not overwhelmed. Many of our members participate in sports (swim team, cross country, etc.) and other high-commitment clubs (MUN, SciOly, etc.) and they are still able to find plenty of time for robotics and schoolwork.
Q: Who runs the team?
A: The team is student-run and student-led. We do not have a strict hierarchy or a specific team captain. We have a council of student leaders elected by the students, who coordinate the team's functions. All team decisions are made by the whole team, and we value each member equally.
Q: Is it a super competitive environment?
A: While FRC is a competition, it is not a cutthroat "all about winning" style competition. Only three of the over 3,500 teams will be crowned winners. We compete not just to win, but to learn and grow. One of the core principles of FIRST Robotics is Coopertition, which is the idea of competing in a friendly way, where everyone is working towards a common goal.
Q: What is FIRST?
A: FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global organization that focuses on preparing students for the future. You can find out more about them at https://www.firstinspires.org or you can watch the documentary about them on Disney Plus: More than Robots.
Q: What experience do I need?
A: You don't need any experience with robotics or technology at all. We will teach you everything you want to learn. If you are interested in software, we can teach you to code. If you are interested in manufacturing we can teach you how to 3D print and use a CNC router. If you are interested in business we can teach you how to work with companies and manage funds. Whatever you want to learn, we can teach you.