HOBY Ambassadors 2012...Get Ready!
You're about to join an exciting group of individuals, who have experienced Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, otherwise known as HOBY. And to get ready, you need to know what to expect, right? You also need to know what to bring with you as you prepare for your trip to Tallahassee. Take a look and see what's in store....
- Where will the seminar be held?
- When and where do I register?
- What should I expect when I get there?
- What are the accomodations like?
- What about religious services?
- When will the program conclude?
- Am I required to participate in the Talent Show?
- May I come and go during the weekend?
- What should I do if I'm not sure I can attend the seminar?
- Who may I contact should I have additional questions?
Where will the seminar be held?
Where will the seminar be held? Our headquarters for the HOBY weekend is Studio Green Residence Hall, a private dormitory near the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee. Studio Green Residence Hall is located at 700 North Woodward Ave, Tallahassee FL, 32304. During the seminar, we will be traveling to offsite locations throughout Tallahassee including the State Capitol and community service sites. When you arrive at Studio Green Residence Hall for registration on Thursday, a HOBY volunteer will meet and direct you to the registration area. HOBY volunteers make room assignments in advance to encourage interaction and requests for roommate assignments will not be accepted.
When and where do I register?
Please return the nine registration forms to North Florida HOBY, 1700 North Monroe Street, Suite 11, Box 168, Tallahassee, FL 32303, by May 1, 2012. All seminar participants should arrive at Studio Green Residence Hall between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2012 for registration. Lunch will not be provided. Please remember that Tallahassee is on Eastern Standard Time and plan accordingly.
What should I expect when I arrive?
During your HOBY Leadership Seminar experience, many dynamic leaders-all volunteers from the fields of business, education, government, religion and the professions-will address many aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, business, religion or way of thinking, but it is designed to develop an awareness of present and future issues by actively involving seminar participants in discussions and informal debate on contemporary issues.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the discussion leaders throughout the weekend, which leads to a fuller understanding of each issue and topic. The program includes outstanding speakers, entertainment and a special closing program to which your parents are invited.
What are the accomodations like?
Participants will be assigned to dorm style rooms with two participants per room on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Ambassadors are responsible for bringing their own pillows, blankets, towels, and toiletries. (See the suggested packing list.) Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and some snacks each day. On the Medical History Records Form, please indicate any special dietary considerations, including vegetarianism, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What about religious services?
We will not be able to accommodate requests to attend off-campus religious services. If you feel this will be a problem, please contact us immediately. An optional non-denominational service will be available on Sunday morning for ambassadors that choose to attend.
When will the program conclude?
Parents are encouraged to attend the North Florida HOBY Parents Program on Sunday, June 10th starting at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern). The Parents Program is our opportunity to share with you about the HOBY program and your Ambassador’s experience. Following the Parents Program, all parents and guests are invited to attend our Education Panel discussion and Closing Ceremony. The Education Panel will include a discussion about college admissions from local university and college representatives. Parents and Ambassadors will be given the opportunity to ask questions about admissions, scholarships, and residence opportunities. The Closing Ceremony is our opportunity to introduce our volunteers and recognize the Ambassadors. For logistic and insurance reasons, ALL Ambassadors must return to Studio Green Residence Hall following the Closing Ceremony at approximately 12:00 p.m. to 1:00pm (Eastern). NO EXCEPTIONS.
The Parents Program, Education Panel, and Closing Ceremony is tentatively scheduled to be held at the FSU Alumni Center Grand Ballroom located at 1030 West Tennessee Street (You may park at Studio Green Residence Hall and walk across the street). Click HERE for directions to the FSU Alumni Center. If for some reason there is a change in location, the change will be announced and new directions will be distributed at registration and posted at our website www.NorthFloridaHOBY.org.
Am I required to participate in the Talent Show?
No - your participation is entirely voluntary. Signup for the talent show will take place throughout the weekend. Usually 15-20 Ambassadors "wow" us with their musical, comedic, magic, or other talents. It's one of the highlight moments of the entire weekend. Please bring your own musical instrument(s), props, costumes, music etc. Even if you are unsure if you want to participate, come prepared, because most students change their mind after they have experienced the weekend with their fellow Ambassadors.
May I come and go during the weekend?
No. Period. Once you check in Thursday, you must stay with the group until the program ends. If you feel you will have problems meeting this requirement, please contact your school counselor right away and ask them to designate a replacement for you as soon as possible. If the student drives to the seminar, their car keys must be given to the HOBY staff at registration.
What should I do if I'm not sure I can attend the seminar?
Every year a few unlucky students have to cancel plans to be a HOBY Ambassador. A program like this takes thousands of hours of planning and execution, all by volunteers. Please help us by making your commitment to participate as soon as possible, and staying with that commitment. If we don't have your completed registration materials, your school will be asked to immediately name a replacement. That way every school is assured of a chance to be represented. Please let us know as soon as possible if you can't participate.
Who may I contact should I have additional questions?
Additional questions or concerns should be directed to Steven Hall, North Florida HOBY Leadership Seminar Chair at NorthFloridaHOBY@gmail.com or (850) 541-6954.