The Oshkosh Area School District's award-winning robotics team, Baksteen Valken, will showcase their innovative technology and host a fundraising event on Friday, April 25 as they prepare to represent Wisconsin at the prestigious American Robotics Tournament in New Jersey.

The community is invited to attend the Baksteen Valken Robotics Showcase and Raffle on Friday, April 25 at Perry Tipler Middle School. Doors open at 6:15 PM, with the program beginning at 6:30 PM and raffle drawings at 7:20 PM.

Baksteen Valken, FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Team 16152, comprises students in grades 4-8 from Carl Traeger Middle School, Perry Tipler Middle School and ALPs, and Vel Phillips Middle School. The team qualified for nationals after winning top honors at regional and state competitions.

Event highlights include:

• Presentation of the team's innovative "Baksteen Buoy" - a device designed to detect dangerous rip currents and improve water safety
• Live robot demonstrations showcasing the skills that earned them state championship recognition
• 50/50 raffle and basket raffle with prizes
• Concession stand with refreshments
• Information on how students and families can join or start their own FIRST LEGO League teams

"This showcase is not just about fundraising, it's about inspiring the next generation of robotics enthusiasts," said Amy Hardy, team coach. "We want students and families to see what's possible through FIRST LEGO League and learn how they can get involved next year, whether by joining our team or starting their own." 

In this year's "SUBMERGED" season challenge, the team created the Baksteen Buoy, which uses solar power and water currents to detect dangerous rip currents and display warning lights for swimmers. The device even includes a deployable personal flotation device that can be activated through a mobile app.

The team will compete against 52 qualifying teams from across the United States at the American Robotics Tournament in Jersey City, New Jersey, May 16-19. Funds raised will help cover tournament registration fees, travel expenses, lodging, and team uniforms.

Robotics Programs in Oshkosh

• The Oshkosh Recreation Department offers three levels of robotics programs:
• FIRST LEGO League Explore (Grades 2-4): An introductory program using LEGO bricks to build a model and showcase their creation
• FIRST LEGO League Challenge (Grades 4-8): Where Baksteen Valken competes, building robots to complete challenges
• Youth Wave Robotics (Grades 9-12): Advanced robotics program for high school students

For more information about joining any of these programs, visit the Oshkosh Recreation Department website at https://oshkoshrecdept.com/youth-programs/youth-crafting-enrichment/lego-league-wave-robotics.

Community members unable to attend Friday's event can still support the team through direct donations on the team’s Might Cause webpage https://www.mightycause.com/story/Bvnj.

For more information on supporting the team or getting involved in FIRST LEGO League, contact amy.hardy@oshkosh.k12.wi.us.