Recruit a team and at least one coach/mentor. 3-10 kids is best. Two or more adults makes the experience better for everyone.

Step 2

Register your team with the International FIRST organization. Registration opens early in May and usually closes sometime near the end of September. We recommend you register early as there is a spike in mid-August and all slots usually fill up before the September 30th deadline.

Step 3

When registering, order your field setup kit and, if needed, a Mindstorms or NXT kit. Make sure to write down your team number too.

Step 4

Coaches and mentors should join the Washington FLL (WAFLL) Yahoo group by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WAFLL/ and clicking the Join This Group! button. You will get email updates and have access to email archives.

Step 5

Coaches and mentors attend training sessions for team leadership and using the NXT. The schedule is usually available in early August.

Step 6

Build a practice table, the kit pieces, and start having fun!

Step 7

Register your team for the Washington State FLL tournaments. This opens in mid October after team registration closes.

Step 8

Check back at the official FLL Challenge site and the FIRSTWA FLL pages for updates. Pay special attention to the FLL Q&A Blog so your team adjusts strategy for rule changes and clarifications.