Butler County 4-H Robotics teams “dug deep" into STEM learning, from October through March during their season.
Thirty-four Butler County 4-H robotics team members participated in the 2025-26 season.
A total of 34 youth from multiple schools came together to form six teams, supported by 12 adult coaches, three high school mentors, community sponsors, and David City Aquinas Catholic Schools, according to a news release.
Throughout the season, participants developed skills in robot building, coding, research and essential soft skills. Teams prepared for robot games by programming their robots to complete missions on a themed game board. They also conducted research to identify real-world problems connected to this year’s theme — archaeology — and designed innovative solutions.
In addition to technical skills, teams were evaluated on how well they demonstrated the FIRST LEGO League Core Values: discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun. These values emphasize creativity, collaboration, respect, and applying knowledge to improve the world.
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Teams also practiced key principles such as gracious professionalism — competing with intensity while treating others with respect — and "coopertition," which encourages teams to help one another even while competing. Core values make up a significant portion of tournament scoring, often accounting for up to 25% of a team’s total score.
The Miners are pictured with their state “pit table” display at the 17th Annual Nebraska 4-H Robotics Championship. The 34 Butler County 4-H youth participants formed six teams.
The 34 youth participants formed six teams: The Terraneers, Aquinas Archaeologists, Dino Diggers, The Miners, The Monarch-eologists, and The Rockin’ Robots. Each team dedicated more than 46 hours to after-school practice throughout the season.
On March 20-21, Butler County teams represented their community at the 17th Annual Nebraska 4-H Robotics Championship, where 98 teams from across the state competed. Participants took part in project presentations, robot games, and core values judging.
The Terraneers won a trophy for being an Innovation Project Award Finalist at the 17th Annual Nebraska 4-H Robotics Championship.
Butler County 4-H Robotics teams earned several honors at the state competition. The Terraneers received the Innovation Project Finalists Award. Kristin Coufal was recognized with an Outstanding Coach/Mentor Award and Barb Coufal was honored for five years of coaching service.
The program wishes to extend its appreciation to this season’s sponsors: Bank of the Valley, Benes Service, Great Plains 4-H Club, Hartman Auto, Holloway Electric, Kobza Ag and Home, Timpte, Union Bank and Trust, and Vandenberg Electric.
The club also thanks David City Aquinas Catholic Schools for their continued support, including providing equipment and practice space throughout the season.
