HOBY Ambassadors 2012...Get Ready!

Things to pack

  • Personal toiletries
  • Paper, pen, & pencils
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera & film - optional
  • Spending money ($35 is plenty!)
  • Casual clothes
  • "Sunday Best" clothes for banquet
  • Personal medical needs (incl. aspirin)

To Keep at Home

  • MP3 players
  • Video games
  • Junk food - we'll have plenty!

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. Take a look and see what's in store....

 

 

Where will the seminar be held?

The seminar will take place at the University of Bridgeport. Click here for directions.

When and where do I check in?

The CT HOBY Seminar will be held from Friday June 1st to Sunday June 3rd, 2012. Check in is between 7:30 am and 9 am on Friday at Barnum Dormitory Hall (150 Marina Park Drive). Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the seminar.

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 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 (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 in Seeley Hall, by gender, on floors reserved exclusively for the seminar. Students will need to bring bed linens/blanets/pillows and towels – there will be no linen service provided. Additionally, the dorm IS NOT air conditioned, so students may bring a fan for their dorm room (no a/c units please).

Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners starting with lunch on Friday – so please plan to eat breakfast BEFORE you arrive on campus. On the Medical History Records Form, please indicate any special dietary considerations, including vegetarianism, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Parents are discouraged from calling their Ambassador during the weekend due to the confusion created when meetings are interrupted. Several staff members will have cell phones available all weekend in case of an emergency. In case of an emergency, your parent(s) should call website to be updated closer to seminar or our Operations Team at 860-810-8321. The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.

What should I bring/wear?

Students should plan on dressing neatly and comfortably, and please keep in mind that some seminar rooms will have air conditioning (BR! Bring a sweater!) while others will not (dress in layers!). Please note that Sunday morning we will be doing an outdoor volunteer service activity (weather permitting) that students will want to have comfortable clothing and no open toed shoes. Also, the closing ceremonies on Sunday are more business dress (shirt/tie for boys, skirt/blouse for girls) and students will have time to change Sunday before the closing ceremony. Aside from comfortable clothes, you’ll also need to bring a sleeping bag or bed linens, pillows, and towels. You may also wish to bring a small amount of money for “HOBY Store” souvenir items.

What if I take medication?

Please provide information about your medication on the Medical History Records Form and bring the Physician Medication Verification Form with you to the seminar (documents are included in this packet). Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication during a HOBY Event.

When will the program conclude?

The CT HOBY Seminar will conclude Sunday, June 5th at 4:30 PM. Parents are invited to attend a Parents' Program as well as the Closing Ceremonies that start in the afternoon; more information will be announced soon.

May I leave and come back during the weekend?

No. Period. Once you check in Friday morning, 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 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 you are unable to attend, please let us and your school know; there is very likely a wait list with an "alternate" from your school that would like to attend. This 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?

Registration forms will be mailed to students by late March. Please let us know by early April if you did not receive them; this might imply an error with your registration. These forms should be returned prior to the seminar, per the enclosed instructions. Of course, if you have any questions between now and then, you may contact us.

What do I do if I have questions?

We are more than happy to address questions from students, parents, and schools. Please visit our Contact page.

 

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