Join Team 79 Krunch
We are more than a group of students who meet to build a robot. We are a family that takes care of its community while competing as an award-winning team. Anyone ages 12–18 is welcome, no experience required.
The best of both worlds
Team 79 Krunch is the rare program that is both a FIRST® FRC robotics team and a Rotary Interact Club. Members build real engineering skills alongside leadership and service, guided by local engineering mentors and returning alumni. It is a lot of fun, it looks great on a college application, and it opens doors.
Real engineering skills
Members learn problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on technical skills across mechanical, electrical, and software sub-teams, mentored by local engineering professionals and alumni.
Professional skills
Public speaking, communications, business writing, marketing, networking, and leadership make students stronger candidates for careers in STEM.
90%+ pursue STEM
Most Team 79 Krunch members continue on to college, with over 90% going on to a STEM career.
$100 million+ in scholarships
More than $100 million in scholarships is available to FIRST® participants each year.
Give back
Earn volunteer hours and support causes you care about through our Rotary Interact service projects.
A pipeline for employers
Local businesses gain future employees who already have the skills, experience, and education to succeed.
As a Rotary Interact Club, members also gain leadership, community service, and a global network. Explore the benefits of Interact
No experience necessary
Krunch is a community-based team, open to any student ages 12–18 (or through high-school graduation). You do not need any background in robotics, engineering, or programming to join. Teaching people is one of the most important things our team does.
Whether you want to design and build, write code, wire electronics, run our business and fundraising, tell our story through media, or lead community outreach, there is a place for you here.
Every kind of student belongs
Sub-teams are formed with different specialties, and basic skills are taught by seasoned students and engineering mentors.
Build & Design
Mechanical design, fabrication, CAD, and hands-on assembly of the competition robot.
Electrical & Programming
Wiring, control systems, sensors, and writing the code that makes the robot compete.
Business & Media
Fundraising, sponsorship, graphic design, photography, video, social media, and outreach.
A year-round commitment
Our members meet at the East Lake Community Library in Palm Harbor every Wednesday at 5:30 pm, and up to six days per week during build season. Like a high-level varsity sport, robotics is a serious, rewarding commitment. Here is how our year runs:
Pre-Season
We organize returning members and teach new members the skills they need to compete. Sub-teams form and basic skill sets are taught.
Build Season
Begins at Kickoff, when FIRST® announces the new game challenge to thousands of teams worldwide. We design and build a robot to perform the season's tasks, meeting up to six days a week.
Competition Season
We traditionally compete in two FIRST® regional competitions, and advance to the FIRST® Championship if we qualify.
Post-Season
We focus on recruiting new students, robot demonstrations, community outreach, and fundraising events.
Start your application
Download and complete the form that fits you, then bring it to a meeting or email us. A parent or guardian signs alongside each student. New to the team? Reach out any time and come visit a meeting first.
Questions parents ask
How much time does it take?
Robotics is a year-round program that can be as involved as a high-level varsity sport: we meet weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm and ramp up to as many as six days a week during build season (January through March). We have no attendance requirements, so students take part as much as they are able. We do like to remind everyone, though, that the more you attend, the more you learn and the more you get out of the program.
What does it cost?
Membership dues are $200 per year, which help cover the team's expenses. Dues are a membership payment, not a tax-deductible donation. If cost is a barrier for your family, please reach out to us; we never want fees to stop a student from participating.
Is it safe? Who supervises the students?
Yes. Team 79 Krunch operates under the FIRST® Youth Protection Program. FIRST® requires every team to have two background-screened lead mentors for the entire season, and volunteers who have not completed screening are never left alone with students. Our mentors are trained to support students with high standards of care and respect.
Does my child need experience?
No. We welcome students of every skill level and teach the rest. Students with interests outside engineering (business, media, photography, outreach) have an equal place on the team.
Where do you meet?
At the East Lake Community Library, 4125 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL, every Wednesday at 5:30 pm, with additional days during build season.
What happens after we apply?
Complete the application (a parent or guardian co-signs), then bring it to a meeting or email it to us. New families are always welcome to visit a meeting first to see the team in action. We will follow up to get your student started.