Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by bobburg on Wed Aug 24, 2016 at 1:10 am

bobburg
Num Posts: 200
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Batsto
First O: 1999

20th Annual NJ Scout and JROTC Championships - Saturday, Oct 22nd

Did you know that in 2014, largely due to geometric increase in JROTC units, total attendance jumped from 250 to 450, then to nearly 700 last year?  This is super A Event and MASOC territory.  

We have gotten by with the help we have been relying on for years, and yeoman help that always somehow pops up just in time. But it can be harrowing hoping 2 weeks out that everything turns out okay last minute. We definitely need some A-Event-like (but much more relaxed) advance organizing that consists mostly of helping out day-of.

But remember, the participants range from age 8 to 18, the heart of who we need to attract to orienteering.  The JROTC cadets in particular are a great population to welcome -- self-selected, team oriented, disciplined, competitive, committed to physical fitness and improving their skills. These are hundreds of kids on a big adventure in the woods. Dealt with with grace and enthusiasm, it is pure fun.  Here is what we need:

Instruction  Critical, and something many scouts and cadets sorely need. As much as we enjoy the sight, we can't just have Mark standing atop a picnic table teaching 50 kids at a time. We need a team of instructors who can provide simultaneous instruction throughout the morning.

Start  Last year our Start chute looked like an A Event with multiple stations before they arrived at Start.  A great opportunity to engage the kids, helping them get ready for their courses. For the right people who enjoy hanging with kids, an invaluable role to play.

Registration and eSystem  As Co-Registrars, Jerry and Robert will be at the manic epicenter of Registration. They could really really use a support team to make the day go smoothly.

Parking  Seemingly simple job, but with limited parking needing directions to overflow parking, the easiest way to aggravate park staff if not managed smoothly. And you are the first to greet everyone and make our first impression.

Awards  Would love to hand this pre-event job off to someone willing. Ordering and organizing medals (and a few team trophies) in relative peace beforehand.

DVOA Ambassadors at Large Whether you are helping out or simply running a course, we invite you to own this event as your own. Last year, while assisting in some minor way, Mac helped gather up and bring in a once-lost, now simply wandering cadet who had no idea so many were worried about her...and saved the day for a JROTC unit....and us.

if any of these roles call to you, please contact me personally at bburgATcomcast.net or 856.258.2859.
We'll find you something that suits you just right.   

Reply by kathyu on Wed Aug 24, 2016 at 2:25 pm

kathyu
Num Posts: 698
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hickory Run Sand Spring
First O: 2004

So sorry the Urbans will be in California that weekend, helping our grandson Jasper blow out the candle on his first birthday cake.  This is always a fun event and I hope you get lots of volunteer help.

Reply by camperpat on Wed Aug 24, 2016 at 6:18 pm

camperpat
Num Posts: 394
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hibernia
First O: 1999

Bob and I will be there early.  We can do registration and start,  Also  help pick up controls at the end,   Its an exciting and fun day!   camperpat

Reply by dmorgan on Thu Aug 25, 2016 at 9:19 pm

dmorgan
Num Posts: 29
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2010

I'll be there bright and early to assist where ever you need me.  

Reply by bobburg on Fri Aug 26, 2016 at 10:41 pm

bobburg
Num Posts: 200
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Batsto
First O: 1999

Thank you all who have replied (both on the eboard and privately) -- those who are traveling the globe and those who are coming with bells on.  This is so helpful to have some of the roles taken on so that nothing relies on last minute prayers.