What We Do

FIRST is about more than just robots, and a large part of our team culture is giving back to our community, especially by bringing hands-on STEM activities to disadvantaged children. Beyond starting and mentoring FLL, FTC, and FRC teams, our community impact initiatives include teaching Girl Scout workshops and hosting free summer camps. We also run an official FLL qualifier every year and host our local FRC kickoff, catalyzing cooperation and collective brainstorming among our local FRC community. We also showcase our robots and program at countless demo events every year, reaching tens of thousands of people everywhere from our local farmers market to the Dayton Air Show.

Demos & Outreach

Food Truck Rally (August)

A fun festival with food, games, and, of course, robots!

Butler County Fair (September)

We love meeting everyone from children and families to business and political leaders at the Butler County Fair!

West Chest Pumpkin Fest (October)

We bring our robot to this fun event and invite families and young kids to learn about the robot and what FIRST can do for them.

Thunderhawks FLL Regional Tournament (December)

For the past 17 years, we have hosted the annual Thunderhawks FLL Regional Tournament. From setting up the venue to judging and field resetting, we run this amazing official FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition. After months of preparation, teams of students in grades 4 through 8 compete with LEGO robots they built and programmed and present an innovative solution to a novel problem facing our society.

Reach Out Lakota (Year Round)

Our team helps collect and donate personal care items and cleaning supplies to Reach Out Lakota!