Joining the C.A.R.D.S.

Welcome! This page will walk you through the steps to officially join the C.A.R.D.S. for the 2024-25 season.

We have several steps you need to complete to join the team. The forms should take you at most 20-30 minutes to complete in total. We’ve split them up by who should be completing them. If you have any questions, run into problems, or would like one-on-one help, send us an email at 7850cards.mentor@gmail.com.

Returning students: You need to complete all of these steps as well.

Deadline:

  • Required to be “officially” part of the team

  • Required by our registration deadline of December 1, 2024

Some things you will need to complete registration:

  • Contact information (for both students and parents)

  • Health and insurance information

  • Payment information or check

1. Join the C.A.R.D.S. Messaging Lists

Remind

Who: Students and parents should sign up to get regular team announcements.

When: as soon as possible

Use the instructions in the image to join the Remind Classroom. Make sure to:

  • Use an email address that you regularly check (personal or school).

  • Add a phone number that you regularly check that can accept text messages.

  • Encourage your parents/guardians to join so they also receive our updates.

2. Team Registration Form

Who: students fill this out

When: as soon as possible

This helps us get to know you better so that we can match you with subteams and projects that you’re interested in. (Also, it helps us make sure you get a team shirt!)

3. Register with FIRST

This is the registration process for FIRST, our parent organization. This is required to participate in FIRST competitions.

Who: in most cases, parents need to register their student(s) and complete two consent/release forms. Students 18 or older can complete these steps themselves.

When: by the team registration deadline Dec 1

You can register with FIRST at this link:

FIRST also has their own set of help pages, if needed:

Important things to note when registering with FIRST:

  • You should join FIRST Robotics Competition Team 7850, the C.A.R.D.S.

  • Once you have joined the team, there will be a second consent and release form to fill out, specific to FIRST. You need to sign both forms.

  • If you are under 18, you need to connect a parent/guardian account and have them sign FIRST’s consent and release forms on your behalf.

4. Parent Participation Form

Who: at least one parent/guardian should fill out this form.

When: by the team registration deadline - Dec 1

We depend on parent help to run our team. This helps us figure out how best to involve everyone.

5. Team Fee

There are many expenses involved in team operations, and team member registration is an important part of our budget. Our team fee for the season is $75 per student. This payment helps with team shirts, transportation, food, and other team items. If this is a burden for you, contact us at 7850cards.mentor@gmail.com for financial scholarship information. We aim to accommodate everyone.

The team fee is due by the team registration deadline unless other arrangements are made.

If you prefer to pay by cash or check, you can bring a check to a meeting, or contact 7850cards.mentor@gmail.com for mailing information. Please make checks out to “Coon Rapids Cardinal Robotic Club”.

Note: Please put STUDENT NAME for membership NOT PARENT/GUARDIAN.