Parent Bootcamps are a great way to introduce families and supporters to the RECF Robotics competitions, and can help them understand what it means for a student to be part of an RECF Robotics Competition team. Whether your Parent Bootcamp will be held in person or virtually, the sample agendas in this article provide a flexible framework for sharing key information with families, setting expectations, and building a strong support system around your team. A Parent Bootcamp is a great way to kick off the season, foster community, and help parents feel confident and engaged in the robotics journey.
What is a Parent Bootcamp?
A Parent Bootcamp is a coach- or mentor-led meeting designed to help parents, guardians, and other supporters better understand the world of RECF Robotics. These sessions typically include:
- A short overview of the RECF Robotics Competition season
- Explanation of team roles and responsibilities
- What it means for a team to be “student-centered”
- A preview of what tournament days look like
- Family expectations for the year
- Simple ways families can get involved and support the team
Helpful Resources
- Important Behavior Guidelines for Adults
- Your Kid Just Joined a Robotics Team. What Does That Mean?
- How Can Parents Help?
The extended and condensed documents linked at the bottom of this article include sample agendas and talking points to get you started. You can customize the session based on your team's structure, schedule, and audience. Your Parent Bootcamp can be offered as a standalone event or as part of a team meeting, back-to-school night, or virtual info session.
Ongoing Support: Monthly Webinar Series
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) offers a monthly webinar series for coaches, mentors, and educators. These virtual sessions provide practical insights, tips, and strategies related to building and running a successful, student-centered robotics program.
Topics have included:
- Understanding the Engineering Design Notebook
- Judging: What to Expect and How to Prepare
- Student-Centered Policy: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Running Effective Team Meetings
- Preparing for Your First Tournament
- Fundraising and Community Engagement
Each session includes a live Q&A and is recorded for on-demand access. Invitations are sent via email each month, and sessions are promoted on social media and listed on the RobotEvents.com Workshops page.
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to start planning your Parent Bootcamp? Whether you're meeting in person or hosting a virtual session, this is a great way to bring families into the robotics journey and set your team up for a successful season. Check out either the extended or condensed version of a possible agendas linked at the bottom of this article—whatever fits your needs best!