HOBY Ambassadors 2009...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 check in?
- 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?
- What happens next?
Where will the seminar be held?
The seminar will take place near the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. Dorm assignments will be made by HOBY volunteers in the spring of 2009. Driving directions to FSU can be found here.
When and where do I check in?
The HOBY North Florida Seminar will be held (TBD). Stay tuned for more information on seminar specifics as we get closer to HOBY weekend.
What should I expect when I get there?
During your HOBY 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 challenger 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 (e.g., gun control, the power of the press, etc.).
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 ceremony to which your parents are invited.
What are the accomodations like?
Participants will be assigned to dorm rooms (two to a room) in dorms reserved exclusively for the seminar. Everyone will enjoy great food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Please let us know if you have any unusual diet requirements. Several staff members will have cell phones available all weekend in case of an emergency. Parents are discouraged from calling their Ambassador during the weekend due to the confusion created when meetings are interrupted. In case of an emergency, your parent should call Steven Hall @ 850.541.6954.
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. A non-denominational service will be available Sunday morning for those that wish to attend.
When will the program conclude?
The North Florida HOBY Seminar will conclude after the banquet is over around 3:00pm
Am I required to participate in the Talent Show?
No - your participation is entirely voluntary. Usually 15-20 Ambassadors "wow" us with their musical, comedic, magic, or other skills. It's one of the highlight moments of the entire weekend. Please bring your own musical instrument(s), props, costumes, sound equipment (tap/CD players and speakers), etc.
May I come and go during the weekend?
No. Period. Once you check in Thursday night, you'll be expected to stay with the seminar group until the program ends Sunday afternoon. If you feel you'll 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. Please make your summer vacation plans now, so they don't interfere with HOBY weekend. No early departures will be allowed for any reason- by the end of the weekend you'll understand why!
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.
What happens next?
After you submit your registration forms, you likely won't hear from us again until mid April, at which time we'll send you a "Last-Minute Details" package. Of course, if you have any questions between now and then, just give me a call or send an e-mail! Have a terrific school year- see you in 2009! And congratulations again on your selection to HOBY!