New LEGO League forming in Warwick

WARWICK — The second information session for Warwick’s new LEGO League will be held Monday, July 2, at 7 p.m., at the Dorothy C. Wilson Education Center at the Middle School.

This meeting is only for parents. Teams will be established with coaches and mentors and information will be available to register teams. Competition will begin in the fall.

More than 250 parents and children attended the first LEGO League information session on June 14. At that meeting, John Houston of Hudson Valley FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League, presented information about the league, which is comprised of teams at various levels:

6-9 year olds – Jr. FLL (FIRST LEGO League, junior level)

9-14 year olds – FLL (FIRST LEGO League)

High School – FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge)

Hudson Valley FIRST LEGO League is a not-for-profit organization of the Dutchess Community College Foundation. Its mission is to “inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.”

According to a press release from the Warwick Valley School District, the purpose of starting a league in Warwick is to provide opportunities for tournaments where teams can compete or simply participate for fun.

The meeting on July 2 is for parents whose children are hooked on LEGOs and/or who are interested in coaching or mentoring a team.

“Our local LEGO League can only be successful if there are parents willing to step up as coaches and mentors,” school officials said in their press release. “Please consider joining us as we work toward establishing teams by the fall.”