Building leaders in STEM – one gear and sensor at a time
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri encourages members to become science and technology leaders through participation in the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program. Each team member gains hands-on STEM experience along with problem-solving, teamwork and other important life skills. Teams follow an innovative curriculum that combines basic engineering and science concepts with an exciting season theme, then show off what they have learned at an end-of-season event.
New to Robotics?
No previous experience is necessary for our participants or coaches. If you have an interest in learning how to build and program, this is an amazing opportunity for you! Teams are led by adult volunteer coaches and mentors. Teams have an opportunity to compete at local and regional tournaments.
Interested in learning more about the Robotics programing? Complete the Interested in Robotics Form.
Returning team or ready to get started?
The 2026-2027 season of Girl Scout Robotics is here! Review the 2026-2027 Robotics Team Expectations and complete the Robotics Team Agreement Form.
Teams can check out the official FIRST website at the end of April to learn about the upcoming 2026-2027 seasonal theme.
Have questions as a returning or brand new team? Reach out to Amanda Leonard at aleonard@Girlscoutsem.org.
FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (1st-4th) 
In FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Explore, teams of Girl Scouts ages 6-10 focus on the fundamentals of engineering as they explore real-world problems, learn to design a model and code, and create unique solutions made with LEGO bricks and powered by LEGO Education SPIKE Essential.
- 1st-4th grades, 6-10 years old
- 2-6 Girl Scouts per team
- 2 adult registered volunteer coaches
- Cost: $35 per Girl Scout
Season: October to March
Equipment and virtual training are provided.
FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge (4th-8th)
Friendly competition is at the heart of FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Challenge. Teams engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering. Teams build and program a LEGO robot that navigates missions of a robot game.
- 4th-8th grades, 9-14 years old
- 2-10 Girl Scouts per team
- 2 adult registered volunteer coaches
- Cost: $45 per Girl Scout
Season: August to March
Equipment and virtual training are provided.
FIRST® Tech Challenge (7th-12th)
FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) teams learn to think like engineers. Teams design, build, and code metal robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams.
- 7th-12th grades, 12-18 years old
- 3-15 Girl Scouts per team
- 2 adult registered volunteer coaches
- Cost: $65 per Girl Scout
Season: August to March
Equipment is provided. Teams choose between a GoBilda, Tetrix, or REV kit to build their robot.
2026-2027 GSEM Robotics Team Information
Special Thanks to our Girl Scout Robotics Supporters!
