Robotics teams give kids a hands-on way to learn coding, engineering and teamwork. At Pulaski Community Youth Center (PCYC) in Fairlawn, children ages 8 to 12 can join our Lego League team, and teens ages 12 to 17 can join the Turing Squad, our award-winning FIRST Tech Challenge team. Here is how these programs work and how to get started.
What is FIRST?
FIRST runs youth robotics programs at three levels, in which teams work over a season to design, build and program a robot. The table shows the grades and ages FIRST lists for each program, which can vary by region (FIRST), next to what PCYC offers.
| Program | Grades (FIRST) | Ages (FIRST) | At PCYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIRST LEGO League | K-8 | 5-16 | Lego League team, ages 8 to 12 |
| FIRST Tech Challenge | 7-12 | 12-18 | Turing Squad, ages 12 to 17 |
| FIRST Robotics Competition | 9-12 | 14-18 | Not listed on our classes page |
Lego League at PCYC (ages 8 to 12)
In Lego League, children use STEM, leadership and problem-solving skills in a team setting to build a competition-ready Lego robot. It is a friendly first step into robotics: kids learn to plan a design, test it, find what went wrong and try again, all while working as a team.
Turing Squad: FIRST Tech Challenge (ages 12 to 17)
The Turing Squad is our award-winning FIRST Tech Challenge team. Teens use coding and engineering skills to solve real-world problems and build a robot for competition. It suits students who are ready for more advanced programming and design work, and who want to take on roles within a team.
What kids gain from robotics
- Problem solving: breaking a big challenge into small steps they can test
- Coding and engineering: writing programs and building mechanisms that have to work in the real world
- Teamwork: sharing tasks, listening to ideas and making decisions together
- Persistence: learning that a failed test is information, not the end
- Confidence: explaining their work to judges, mentors and family
Is robotics a good fit for my child?
Robotics is not only for children who already love computers. It often clicks for kids who like building with blocks, taking things apart, solving puzzles or working with friends toward a goal. Some children join for the building and stay for the teamwork; others discover they enjoy programming once they see a robot respond to their code. If your child is curious and willing to keep trying when something does not work the first time, they are ready to start.
How parents can support a young engineer
- Ask your child to explain how their robot works; teaching it back builds real understanding
- Praise the fix, not just the win: solving a problem is the skill that matters
- Keep building at home with whatever you have, from blocks to cardboard
- Go to events or showcases when you can; seeing other teams is motivating
- Stay in touch with the coach about meeting times and what the team is working on
How to get started
Start by calling 540-739-2209 or checking our classes and camps page for the current robotics season, and ask about meeting times and costs. Younger siblings may enjoy our K-5 before and after school care, and teens can also join our grades 6-10 afterschool program.
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child join a robotics team at PCYC?
Children ages 8 to 12 can join our Lego League team, and teens ages 12 to 17 can join the Turing Squad, our FIRST Tech Challenge team. Call 540-739-2209 to ask about the current season.
What is the difference between FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge?
FIRST LEGO League is for younger students, grades K-8 according to FIRST, and teams build LEGO robots. FIRST Tech Challenge is for grades 7-12, and teams use coding and engineering skills to build a competition robot.
How do we join or learn more?
Call 540-739-2209, see the robotics details on our classes and camps page, or contact us. We can tell you when the next season starts and how to sign up.
Sources
Published October 12, 2026 by Pulaski Community Youth Center.