This year marks my 30th year with RE/MAX.
Over three decades in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in many sponsorships, community events, and local initiatives. One of the most inspiring youth organizations I’ve supported is the Strathcona County Robotics Association.
Recently, I took a field trip to the Eagles Nest to visit the SCRA Cyber Eagles as they prepared for competition and to deliver a small contribution to support their efforts.
What I saw was more than robotics.
It was leadership in action.
What Is the Strathcona County Robotics Association?
The Strathcona County Robotics Association is a nonprofit organization based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, focused on inspiring youth through STEM education. Since 2019, the program has grown from humble beginnings to:
• 8 FIRST LEGO League teams
• 5 FIRST Tech Challenge teams
• Over 80 students actively participating
These students design, build, and program robots to compete in real-world engineering challenges. Through the process, they develop:
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Mental resilience
• Preparation and discipline
• Engineering and coding knowledge
In short, they’re building skills that will serve them for life.
Why Robotics Matters
Sports are excellent at building physical and mental health. They create camaraderie and bring communities together.
But today’s youth are also exploring other passions, and STEM programs like FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge are growing rapidly across Alberta.
In these programs, students:
• Program autonomous robots
• Compete in two-on-two matches
• Develop engineering innovation
• Engage in community outreach
• Build confidence through competition
This is a fun, competitive environment that challenges students mentally and creatively.
And it’s happening right here in Sherwood Park.
Meeting the Team
During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet Sani Chan, a founding member, educator, and mentor with the Strathcona County Robotics Association. Since launching the organization in June 2019, Sani and her team of volunteer coaches and board members have built something truly special.
From the energy inside the workspace to the focus of the students preparing for competition, it was clear this program is shaping the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
The dedication of the mentors and volunteers behind the scenes is just as impressive as the robots on the field.
Building Strong Communities
After 30 years with RE/MAX in Sherwood Park, I’ve learned that strong communities don’t happen by accident.
They are built through involvement.
Through mentorship.
Through investing in youth.
Supporting organizations like the Strathcona County Robotics Association is one way we ensure Sherwood Park continues to grow with innovation, leadership, and opportunity at its core.
When we invest locally, we strengthen the future of our entire community.
Click to learn more about the or get involved.
