4-H Clubs compete in DogBot Challenge at regional contest

Forty teams of middle-school students from DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties displayed their technical and teamwork skills during the fourth annual 4-H Robotics Showcase in Elgin April 9. This year's "DogBot Challenge" combined robotics design and programming with a canine theme.

To open the event, U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, a Plano Republican, spoke, recognizing Illinois 4-H programs, local school districts, and the many teams, volunteers and families, as well as Altria, which provided a grant to fund 4-H robotics in this area.

"I love what you all are doing here, and I am so excited by it," Hultgren said to the dozens of teams and a cheering crowd. "Some of the most exciting things in America are tied to what you all are doing here today."

Hultgren, who serves on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, has been a strong proponent of STEM programs, including Illinois 4-H Robotics and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). His son, Kole, also competed April 9, as one of the 4-H members on the "#Awesome" team from Kendall County.

Throughout the afternoon, 4-H'ers showcased Lego Mindstorm robots in creativity, table performance, and technical categories. The 2016 DogBot challenge required each 4-H team to design a robot and program it to perform agility and obedience tasks similar to that of a trained dog, such as running obstacles. Each successfully completed task earned points in the table event portion of the showcase. Teams also were judged on a teamwork task.

"#Awesome" came out as the top dog, winning the Grand Champion honors. The team includes William Davis and Josh Greven of Newark; Adam, Audrey and Elijah Hartford of Yorkville; and Kole Hultgren of Plano, and is coached by Anna Hartford.

The Reserve Grand Champion was "Trinity Trailblazers" of DuPage County. Members included Elizabeth Berberich, Moriah Berberich, Jacob Reitzel and Max Reitzel of Villa Park; John Campbell of Naperville; Aidan Groppe and Joseph Kaufman of Westchester; Paul Kalapala of Elmhurst, and David Zimmerman of Northlake. The group is coached by Laura Bennett and John Groppe.

"This was our largest showcase yet," said Donna Nuger, 4-H Youth Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension. "Every team worked hard and learned from their experiences and from each other. This year's DogBot challenge really highlights the technical skills and creativity of our youth."

"These kids also develop critical life skills, like teamwork, organization, communication and problem solving. Plus, we have lots of fun!"

Additional DogBot honors went to teams from DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties:

• Programming Award: "Fox Formers" of Kendall County (team C)

• Engineering Design Award: "The Whovians" of Oswego

• Team Spirit: "The Brotherhood of Plastic" of Sandburg Middle School in Elmhurst

• Rookie Award: "K9Force" of Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst

• Teamwork Award: "Code 101" of Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst

• Most Creative: "Cyber Haique, Wolf Hawk" of Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin

• Best Table Performance with one robot: "We Forget" of Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove

• Best table performance with two robots: "Coded Canine" of Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove

• Judge's Choice Award: "SAMEK Bulldogs" of Dundee Middle School in West Dundee.

This Illinois 4-H regional event, which is the largest of its kind, was organized by volunteers and members of 4-H Robotics teams Blue Box Bots and Got Robot?, which both compete at the FIRST Tech Challenge level, and was hosted by Illinois 4-H and University of Illinois Extension at Abbott Middle School.

Many teams also have registered to participate in the eighth annual State 4-H Robotics Competition later this spring in Champaign.

"Through this great local event, our local teams have now experienced a competition format and have received helpful feedback from qualified judges," said Nuger. "The goal is to continue to learn, adjust and move forward, to get the most out of this program. It's not about how you finished, but where you end up. These experiences will benefit youth throughout life."

According to a Tufts University study, 4-H'ers are nearly two times more likely to pursue a career in science, engineering, or computer technology, and they are five times more likely to graduate from college.

In addition, because of 4-H activities, 93 percent of Illinois 4-H youth surveyed said they are encouraged to help others. This may be through community service, volunteerism, citizenship or leadership activities, Nuger said

"This component was embodied Saturday, and in the weeks of planning, by mentoring teams Blue Box Bots and Got Robot?," said Nuger. "We are so grateful for the outstanding leadership and service from these amazing 4-H members and coaches. We also extend our appreciation to all the volunteers, participants, coaches, families and special guests for making this event a resounding success. 4-H is truly about community."

4-H Youth Development programs include 4-H Clubs, Learning Enrichment, and other Youth Outreach activities. These positive youth development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery. For more information on the 4-H program in your county, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.