Building robots. Building futures. Building community.
Inspiration Robotics of Northern California (IRON Cal) helps kids in Butte County and the North State build, code, and compete with robots. No experience needed to start.
Hands-on robotics, close to home
IRON Cal is a nonprofit based in Chico. We fund, equip, and support youth robotics programs, from first-time campers to competitive high school teams.
Students learn engineering, programming, and teamwork by doing it. They design a robot, write the code, and test it on a real competition field. Parents, alumni, and local volunteers run the events and coach the teams.
A next step at every age
Robotics Camps
Start here. Intro, Intermediate, and Advanced Bot Builders camps, run with the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD). For grades 4-8. Each camp level matches a league division.
Find a campRECF Engage League
Our RECF Engage league for elementary and middle school students. Teams build and program small robots and compete at league events through the season.
Join the leagueVEX V5 Robotics
For middle and high school students ready for bigger robots and tougher games. Teams compete in VEX Robotics Competition qualifiers and our February championship, where top teams can qualify for the VEX Robotics World Championship.
Explore V5FIRST Robotics
Our high school FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, Butte Built Bots (Team 4643). Students build full-size robots and work alongside adult mentors.
Meet the teamVolunteers
Parents, alumni, and community members come back to referee, judge, mentor, and run events. That's how the whole program keeps going.
VolunteerThis season in Butte County
160
40
7
120
volunteers
Coming up this season
From fall league nights to our February championship, IRON Cal hosts robotics events across Butte County all season long. Come cheer on the students, see the robots up close, or lend a hand.
Every event runs on volunteers
You don't need to know robotics to help. We need referees, judges, field crew, and check-in and hospitality helpers. Pick a role and a shift that fits your day.
Training for each role is on our Learn page. Adults can volunteer on their own, and students can volunteer with a supervising adult.
Thank you to our sponsors
Want your business on this page? Email jahmann@ironcal.org to become a sponsor.
Help more kids build their first robot
IRON Cal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 81-4534562. Your gift pays for robot kits, field elements, event fees, and camp scholarships for students in Butte County and the North State.