Giggle Pickles Robotics - FTC Team #24253

04/27/2026

And off we go! We loaded the Chevy Tahoe with everything we could think to bring (except the kids!) and are seeing it off this morning. George's dad generously volunteered to be the solo driver, hauling all our stuff there and back some 2,600 miles. Next stop, Houston! See everyone at Worlds!

04/23/2026

THERE'S STILL TIME!
Come join a fun bunch of Giggle Pickle parents at our favorite hang, B. Nektar, for its super-fun Trivia Night, tonight at 8 p.m. We've won it, and we've come in last place, but we always have a blast. And you will, too! The beverage selection is exceptional, and you can bring your own eats. SEE YOU THERE!

04/09/2026

Don’t forget, TRIVIA tonight at B. Nektar, the best meadery in Michigan!

It’s the PERFECT way to spend a Thursday evening in Ferndale, lingering over a cold pint while doing your best Cliff Clavin impression. And it’s not a late night; you’ll be home in time for Wapner. We have a BLAST every time—and even came in first place last week! 🤓

B.Nektar has an amazing lineup of mead and cider, not to mention some awesome beer, but the cherry on top is its alcohol-free line of SOBER mocktails-in-a-can. Mmm, so tasty!

Trivia starts at 8pm, but come a little early to snag a good seat and get your beverage on. See you there!

03/26/2026

Come join us at B.Nektar tonight for its world-famous Thursday night TRIVIA! We had a BLAST last Thursday and will be back for more brainy fun and tasty beverages tonight.

B.Nektar is known for its wonderful lineup of mead and cider—Zombie Killer, anyone?—not to mention some awesome beer, but it also makes some AMAZING alcohol-free options with its line of SOBER mocktails-in-a-can. We can attest, SOBER is tasty!

So if hanging out with some cool Pickle parents while sipping on a refreshing cider and showing off an expansive knowledge of esoterica is your jam, please come join the party.

(Full disclosure: The generous proprietors of B.Nektar are donating all tips collected during the month of March to the Giggle Pickles to help with the team's trip to Houston for the FIRST Championship. Please let's make sure cherished businesses like B.Nektar get as much patronage year-round as possible. It's establishments like this that help make Ferndale such an amazing place to live!)

03/24/2026

We made the news!

The Giggle Pickles, a team of middle school innovators from Ferndale Middle School, secured an invitation to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston in April 2026.

03/23/2026

Huge thank you to everyone who came out to our Euchre fundraiser at the Ferndale Elks Club! We (adults) had so much fun! 12 full tables of games, several great prize baskets, and a 50/50 raffle winner won $415! We appreciate your generosity and truly enjoyed the event! Special thanks to Emily Parks Radowiec and Sarah Nicole for organizing such a great event and Ferndale Elks Lodge #1588 for hosting us!

03/08/2026

We’re also partnering with Chipotle in Ferndale on Tuesday, March 24th from 5-9pm. Share this flyer or use code VVV3P9C if ordering online, and a percentage of profits help us get to worlds. Thank you for your support!

04/15/2025

Houston, the Pickles have landed!

04/15/2025

🏆 THANK YOU FROM THE GIGGLE PICKLES! 🥒

Today, Michigan's State Champion robotics team heads for the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston! This journey wouldn't be possible without our INCREDIBLE community of supporters who helped us raise over $37,800!

📺 WATCH US COMPETE LIVE!

Cheer on the Giggle Pickles from anywhere! Catch the live stream at: https://www.twitch.tv/firstinspires_ochoa

Ferndale Robotics: Excellence in Our Backyard

Many community members may not realize that Ferndale Public Schools hosts a comprehensive K-12 robotics pipeline right here in our community!

The middle school program features THREE dedicated teams: the State Champion Giggle Pickles, alongside the Electric Bacon and Screaming Eagles. At Ferndale High School, the Impi Robotics team (Team 1025) has been inspiring students since 2007. This robust ecosystem is complemented by elementary FIRST LEGO League teams, creating a complete pathway for future innovators.

Our undefeated State Championship (12-0!) puts Ferndale on the global robotics map alongside teams from over 40 countries!

Special recognition to our major sponsors:

Pickle Spear Sponsors ($1000+):
• Infineon - Supporting young engineers with extraordinary generosity!
• DMA Manufacturing - Championing STEM education in our community!
• Jim Shaffer & Associates Realtors - Helping us find our way to Houston!
• Mantese Honigman Business Law Attorneys (Ian Williamson) - Legal eagles with big hearts!
• Resource Business Solutions (RBS) - Powering our championship dreams!
• B. Nektar Meadery - Sweet support from our Ferndale neighbors!
• Robotic Assistance Devices - Champions of innovation!
• Joyce Katich (George's Aunt) - Family support at its finest!
• Mary Jo Sandberg (Urban's Grandma) - Grandparents rock!
• Valiant TMS - Stepping up to support future engineers!

Community Champions:
• Pleasant Ridge Foundation - Your $2,000 grant made an enormous difference!
• Ferndale Elks Club - Hosting our wildly successful Euchre Tournament!
• J's Penalty Box - Raising spirits and funds with our restaurant night!
• Treat Dreams - That Pickle Sorbet was unforgettable (and delicious)!
• Hero or Villain - Giggle Pickle sandwiches that helped us get to Houston!
• There is No Secret Bakery & Tall Trees Cafe - Sweet and savory support that added up!
• Howe's Bayou - Serving up success with your generosity!
• Whistle Stop (Pleasant Ridge) - Keeping our momentum on track!

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to Ferndale Public Schools for providing practice space, promoting our fundraisers, and being incredible champions of our journey. Your support goes far beyond the classroom!

And the BIGGEST THANK YOU to our 200+ individual donors who contributed through GoFundMe, bottle drives, and direct donations. From $5 to $2,000, every contribution mattered!

The impact extends beyond robotics - these students develop problem-solving, teamwork, public speaking, and gracious professionalism that will serve them throughout their academic and professional journeys.

We promise to make Ferndale proud in Houston. Follow our journey at gigglepicklesrobotics.org and on social media with !

With gratitude bigger than Texas, The Giggle Pickles Robotics Team 🤖🥒