BY GISS ROBOTICS PROGRAM
In the hallways of Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS), the local robotics team, the Cyber/Scorpions, is doing much more than just playing with machines. They are cultivating the next generation of engineers, leaders and critical thinkers right here in our community.
The mission is simple but vital: to ignite a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) by engaging students in the hands-on challenge of designing and building competitive robots. But what students gain extends far beyond mechanics, circuits and code.
This year, the program has flourished thanks to the generous support of The Wilding Foundation, which provided $10,000 in sponsorship funding. This contribution has been essential to the continued operation of the robotics program at GISS. Quite simply, the program could not thrive at its current level without this vital support.
The funding covered critical VEX Robotics components and materials, allowing students to design, build and refine their robots throughout the year. It also enabled full participation in the competitive season, covering travel costs to six tournaments across Vancouver Island and the purchase of the necessary field elements used to practise game-specific challenges.
The purchase of the court and field elements also enabled the school to host a regional tournament for the previous four years. The most recent event was hosted on Dec. 9, 2025, which brought the excitement of robotics competition to GISS and was widely supported by community members and local businesses. It gave parents and the broader community a firsthand look at what students are achieving, while also providing students with experience in event organization and management.
At each tournament this year, Cyber/Scorpions teams of two to five students routinely achieved top 10 finishes in qualification, and brought an armful of new trophies back to Salt Spring. During the home tournament, the most senior team placed sixth in the qualification matches out of 35 teams and earned the Innovate Award.
Beyond robotics components and travel, funding also allowed the team to invest in a vinyl cutter and heat press. Students now design and produce their own team shirts and hoodies, adding another layer of technical skill development while strengthening team identity and pride.
Through robotics, students learn how to collaborate under pressure, solve real problems and iterate their ideas until they succeed. These are skills that will serve them well beyond high school. The success of the Cyber/Scorpions is a powerful reminder of what can happen when community support meets student curiosity and determination.