TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools officials are seeking volunteers to serve in key roles during upcoming robotics tournaments.

The Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation and VEX have partnered to provide free online training, testing, and certification for those interested in serving as volunteers.

“Each event needs a certified head judge and a referee,” said Dr. Michael E. Grubbs, BCPS coordinator of career and technical education. “In addition to judges and referees, we need volunteers for other key roles, too. Experience and/or a technical background are helpful but not required. Most of all, good volunteers listen, collaborate, and give their time to students who are eager to show their knowledge and demonstrate their creative robot designs on the playing field and during the interview process.”

Those interested in volunteering at any of the following events are asked to contact the event organizers.

VEX IQ Competition (VIQRC) Full Volume Stampede State Qualifier Tournament (VEX IQ, Grades 4-8)
Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hereford Middle School, 712 Corbett Rd., Monkton 21111
Contact: Chris Putnam, [email protected]

VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) Hereford Zone Robotics Over Under Stampede Tournament (VEX VRC, Grades 8-12)
Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hereford Middle School, 712 Corbett Rd., Monkton 21111
Contact: Mike Doddo, [email protected], or Chris Putnam, [email protected]

Ridgely Robotics IQ Extravaganza 2024 (VEX VRC, Grades 8-12)
Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ridgely Middle School, 121 East Ridgely Rd., Lutherville 21093
Contact: Greg Kallaur, [email protected]

BCPS CTE VEX VRC Winter Over Under Winter Tournament (VEX VRC, Grades 8-12)
Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Parkville Middle School, 8711 Avondale Rd., Parkville 21234
Contact: Robin Bowden, [email protected]

2023-2024 Maryland VEX Robotics Competition Middle School State Championship – Over Under (VEX VRC, Grades 6-8)
Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hereford Middle School, 712 Corbett Rd., Monkton 21111
Contact: Mike Doddo, [email protected], or Chris Putnam, [email protected]

2023-2024 Maryland High School VRC State Championship – Over Under (VEX VRC, Grades 9-12)
Friday, March 1, 2024, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222
Contact: Patrick Dougherty, [email protected]

For additional information, potential volunteers can read REC Foundation volunteer and judging information and REC Foundation judging information or learn more about the official VEX IQ (Grades 4-8) and VRC (Grades 8-12) games for this school year.