The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Robotics Club Seeks Help

DAYTON, Wash. – The Columbia County FIRST Robotics Club 4-H group, which won the Research Award at the state competition in Spokane last year, is looking for community help to meet several needs.

First, in order to apply for a Boeing grant, the team needs to be mentored by a current or former Boeing employee. Coach Jeanne Walter said the mentoring time can be brief; as little as two hours.

The club is also in need of new or used tools including:  tool cabinet with wheels, Dremel tool or disk sander, hex keys, hand drills, small screw drivers, tape, tie wraps, wrench metric set, wrench SAE set, zip ties, Allen wrenches/T Hex keys, ball hex screwdrivers, band saw, bench grinder, belt sander, chain breaker, demurring tool, drill press, drum sander, glue station, hack saw, hot air guns, jigsaw, metal file, needle nose pliers, nut driver, sheet metal bender, sheet metal brake, table/radial arm saw, tubing cutter, variable speed drill, vise, safety glasses and ear protection.

"The kids are fundraising like crazy and I am writing grants, but robotics is expensive. "These programs are the two largest youth development programs in the country. Let's give our kids the opportunities the bigger cities have in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math!" Walter said in a Facebook post.

The club, which currently meets in Walter's basement, is also in search of a free meeting place.

Lastly, a new leader is needed for the FIRST Lego League 4-H Club, for kids ages 9-14. Walter said she is willing to mentor and supply most of the material components.

Walter is very proud of the team's accomplishments.

"They scored very well in all three judging sessions at State and fixed their robot and programming after a major problem where the robot was drifting. They all handled the pressure of State incredibly well and learned so much. I am very proud of them," Walter said.

Those wanting to help or donate to the club can contact Walter at (509) 540-1433.

Learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge at FIRSTinspires.org.