TRAVEL LOGISTICS

TRAVEL PLANS

• If you have not yet determined travel plans (if your regional is not local), assign someone (a parent, mentor) to do this ASAP.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

• If you have not yet made hotel plans (and need to), assign someone (a parent, Mentor) to do this ASAP.

• TIP - Much information is available regarding travel tips with high school FIRST teams. See ChiefDelphi and the NEMO (Non-engineering Mentor Organization) posts.
  

TEAM DINING

• If you would like to arrange for group dinners during competition events, make the reservations now.

TEAM TRAVEL

Nothing reminds you more that this is a high school program more than travelling with a team of high school students.  For Adults: If you have not yet traveled with high school students, you are in for a treat.  If you have, we are glad you are still with your team. ; )

Kidding aside, it is important that you are prepared for your team to travel so you can spend more of your time cheering for your team and competing.

TEAM RULES / EXPECTATIONS AT COMPETITIONS

If you do not already have a list, it is strongly suggested that you compile your expectations for team member behavior at the competitions.  It may also be helpful to have a clear understanding of what the repercussions are for team members who do not abide by the rules.  Communicate this to the team prior to traveling to the competition and ensure they understand it.

FOOD / MEALS

Some venues this season will have lunch menus for pre-ordering lunch for your team.  Take advantage of this if you can.  Practice and competition days are long.  Sometimes, your pit crew has little time to eat lunch.  Consider this as you make your plans.

Check out the Regional information for your event to see if pre-order lunches are available.  

ROLES FOR EVERYONE

Ensure that each team member has an assigned role prior to the competition and that each person understands what the responsibilities associated with that role are.  Once you are at the competition, it may be difficult to assign roles.  Think outside the box.  In addition to competition team and pit crew, assign team members duties like team spirit, scouts (more later), and even judges for awards your team may give out to others.

GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

The FIRST NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentor Organization) has compiled great advice for mentors travelling with high school students.

*DOWNLOAD* NEMO Tips For Travel