The ‘Big Metal-Lakers’ robotics team at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School has launched a campaign to raise the necessary funds to compete at the 2026 FIRST competition.
Ryan Smith, teacher and mentor of the robotics team, said their goal is to raise $25,000 to cover materials, travel, entry fees and advanced components.
“The money goes toward, first and foremost, our registration fees. So that tends to be the most expensive part of the team, our registration fee and then after that, the money goes towards buying parts and equipment for the robot,” he said.
Mayah Hamer, grade 11 student and part of the robotics team, said they are planning to participate in two competitions in March, one in Barrie and the other in North Bay.
She said they are spending the months leading up to March planning and fundraising to build the best robot they can for the competition.
“We also spend the time training the students in code and building, and also being able to drive and manage the robot,” said Hamer.
According to officials, the students take on the challenge of designing, building, and programming a robot in just six weeks to compete against teams across Ontario.
Maya explained that while the team has participated in previous events, the upcoming competition will be only the first or second for the current Grade 11 students.
“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity because we get to learn so many new things, like how to code a robot and how to build a robot. And we get to do it as a community, as a whole robotics team, which is a very nice thing to experience in your high school years,” said Hamer.
According to Smith, the team continues to grow every year, bringing together students of all backgrounds.
Smith said it is “pretty unbelievable” how, through team participation and mentorship, students with little prior experience or familiarity can build a robot capable of performing functions and tasks.
He said their next step will be to compete in international championships. Inquiries or donations can be directed via email to ryan.smith@tldsb.on.ca.
