I was bitten by a bug on Wednesday night...the kind of bug that leaves you either in bed or near the bathroom...I hate nausea. It make me sick...
Staff training appeared to go OK yesterday in my absence....but there will be some "corrections" made today.
On today's agenda for staff - they will learn all about paperwork(!), kayaking, swimming pool, and understanding our campers and strategies for camper comfort...it'll be fun.
Enjoy the day...
May 29, 2009
May 27, 2009
Let the party begin
Whether folks like it or not, summer is here. Summer Staff began arriving yesterday at 5:00 pm. By night's end, 7 new staff were already on site and will (hopefully) remain for about 81 more days. Early reports reveal that this year's summer staff is going to be as good as last year's.
Summer 2008 was groundbreaking - new, important camps that served military families, waterfowlers, and the obese.
How can a summer be more important than that...? For a camp with little tradition, building tradition must start early and often. Before me, attempting tradition was a tradition. I have tried to provide guarded continuity - willing to try new ideas (with Lee's permission or insistence), and holding on to traditions uniquely Eastern 4-H...I keep my good ideas, they evolve, then you have a little "baby" tradition.
Summer 2009 will feature virtually the same camp experiences, but only on a much larger scale. Two weeks of Operation Purple Camp and three weeks of Take Off 4-Health will be exponentially larger...these things re only possible because of last year's success. Organizations believe that we at least have a tradition of hiring strong, talented staff. I like that tradition...it's a good one to have...only expectations get higher every year.
This year's staff is 1/3 college graduate - UNHEARD of in a camp staff...also, about 1/3 of the staff are lifeguards - also UNHEARD of in a summer staff. This year will be awesome, but only if everybody works hard to get better everyday. They have to outwork each other to make each other better. Competition for a paycheck is always interesting. Good luck to this year's summer staff - it will be tough, hot, and great.
Enjoy the day...
Summer 2008 was groundbreaking - new, important camps that served military families, waterfowlers, and the obese.
How can a summer be more important than that...? For a camp with little tradition, building tradition must start early and often. Before me, attempting tradition was a tradition. I have tried to provide guarded continuity - willing to try new ideas (with Lee's permission or insistence), and holding on to traditions uniquely Eastern 4-H...I keep my good ideas, they evolve, then you have a little "baby" tradition.
Summer 2009 will feature virtually the same camp experiences, but only on a much larger scale. Two weeks of Operation Purple Camp and three weeks of Take Off 4-Health will be exponentially larger...these things re only possible because of last year's success. Organizations believe that we at least have a tradition of hiring strong, talented staff. I like that tradition...it's a good one to have...only expectations get higher every year.
This year's staff is 1/3 college graduate - UNHEARD of in a camp staff...also, about 1/3 of the staff are lifeguards - also UNHEARD of in a summer staff. This year will be awesome, but only if everybody works hard to get better everyday. They have to outwork each other to make each other better. Competition for a paycheck is always interesting. Good luck to this year's summer staff - it will be tough, hot, and great.
Enjoy the day...
May 26, 2009
Golf and a wedding...
SO I made it back from Alabama and Georgia in one piece, fractious, albeit. I was able to celebrate Memorial Day, too. Memorial Day is the best of all Military Recognition holidays. If you question me on that, send me an email...I can explain.
Nevertheless, while in Alabama, my dad and I hit the links for a "brief" 18 holes at Willow Point Golf and Country Club...I grew up playing this course - my dad grows old playing this course. For only the second time in recorded history, I swung my club fewer times than my dad. I beat him by 3 shots, I think. While he has the mental ability to outmatch me, my brawn was to much to overcome on this outing. I muscled one white dimpled golf ball after another until he could no longer catch me. It was close for a while, but as poppa says "the cream always rises to the top"...It doesn't matter that I'm 26 and in the best shape of my life and he is nearly 60 and in the roundest shape of his life...golf is about "50 percent physical and 90% mental"...Most importantly, the golf was not important - It is great to catch up with my "bestest" buddy in whole wide world. I still cooked the celebratory steaks.
This is me and my dad (I am on the right)....
I also visited my grandmother who is nearly 102 years old...she is still a "git-widget" though...the only restraint she has are the locks on the doors of her apartment...she doesn't here very well, especially after she broke a RUBBER hearing aid...I didn't know rubber could break. She is still as pretty as ever, though.
In Lemon Pie related news - my mother made me one...and then made me eat all of it before I left...the pie was great!
Eventually I had to leave the Luker Family Compound and head to Atlanta to the Wedding of my great fried Kevin Hanson...If Kevin can find someone, anyone can...
The wedding was as beautiful as the Bride, Mandy Seymour, now Mandy Hanson. Kevin made for a pretty handsome groom, especially since he has "NFL Caliber Shoulders"...In Fact, the entire groomsen roster was pretty impressive...all are either former football players, current coaches, or former managers (quick enough to play, smart enough to coach, smart enough not to play). We could all pass for Auburn University Scout Team special team's personnel, like punters or punt returners. Anyway, Kevin and Mandy are now in St. Lucia, which is in one of this planet's oceans. I am really happy for them...I also to expect to see a couple of other groomsmen tie (or attempt) the proverbial knot.
Staff training starts tomorrow - my blogs will become sporadic and short, but I will try as hard as ever to bring you good stuff...staff training always leads to great stories...
Enjoy the day...
Nevertheless, while in Alabama, my dad and I hit the links for a "brief" 18 holes at Willow Point Golf and Country Club...I grew up playing this course - my dad grows old playing this course. For only the second time in recorded history, I swung my club fewer times than my dad. I beat him by 3 shots, I think. While he has the mental ability to outmatch me, my brawn was to much to overcome on this outing. I muscled one white dimpled golf ball after another until he could no longer catch me. It was close for a while, but as poppa says "the cream always rises to the top"...It doesn't matter that I'm 26 and in the best shape of my life and he is nearly 60 and in the roundest shape of his life...golf is about "50 percent physical and 90% mental"...Most importantly, the golf was not important - It is great to catch up with my "bestest" buddy in whole wide world. I still cooked the celebratory steaks.
This is me and my dad (I am on the right)....I also visited my grandmother who is nearly 102 years old...she is still a "git-widget" though...the only restraint she has are the locks on the doors of her apartment...she doesn't here very well, especially after she broke a RUBBER hearing aid...I didn't know rubber could break. She is still as pretty as ever, though.
In Lemon Pie related news - my mother made me one...and then made me eat all of it before I left...the pie was great!
Eventually I had to leave the Luker Family Compound and head to Atlanta to the Wedding of my great fried Kevin Hanson...If Kevin can find someone, anyone can...
The wedding was as beautiful as the Bride, Mandy Seymour, now Mandy Hanson. Kevin made for a pretty handsome groom, especially since he has "NFL Caliber Shoulders"...In Fact, the entire groomsen roster was pretty impressive...all are either former football players, current coaches, or former managers (quick enough to play, smart enough to coach, smart enough not to play). We could all pass for Auburn University Scout Team special team's personnel, like punters or punt returners. Anyway, Kevin and Mandy are now in St. Lucia, which is in one of this planet's oceans. I am really happy for them...I also to expect to see a couple of other groomsmen tie (or attempt) the proverbial knot.
Staff training starts tomorrow - my blogs will become sporadic and short, but I will try as hard as ever to bring you good stuff...staff training always leads to great stories...
Enjoy the day...
May 20, 2009
The Drive Home
This blog will be messy, because I am in a hurry...I made it to Alabama...A lot of people think that I am on "vacation" or something...WRONG...my trip home is dreadful...Think you want to drive to Alabama?
I will give you directions to halfway point to my parents home!
Take US 64 West for 96 miles.
Turn on to I-95 South, and drive foe 156 miles to Florence South Carolina
Take I-20 west for 81 miles to Columbia, South Carolina....
that is the halfway part!
Getting to the Alabama Stateline is totally uneventful, except for Atlanta, GA.
Once to the Alabama Stateline, the trip is as follows...
Head South on AL 9...70 miles of curvy, hilly roads pocked with Alabama Speedbumps (armadillos).
Highway 9 highlights:
Cleburne County Highlights: NONE, this place is desolate except for the Tyson Chicken Plant made famous bu the PETA video...google it if you want...
Clay County - Clay County is the "Volunteer County" of Alabama, and also receives the most jokes...imagine West Virginia jokes, with "Clay County" substituted....
In Clay County, the worlds most ridiculous speed trap is located in Delta, Alabama...a 55 mph zone turns into 35 mph on a steep downhill grade...
Lineville is the next town one enters in Clay County...remember Hogzilla? He was "officially" weighed here in Lineville...
Ashland, is about 3 miles south of Lineville - the two border towns compromise Alabama's most heated high school football rivalry...the MTV show "two-A-Day" makes Hoover High look like a beast, but it is Clay County High School in Ashland that is the true dynasty.
Next, Coosa County, my home county is entered! I always crack a smile as a cross the county's threshold...as the gears in my Jeep climb up and down along the Coosa hills, small former towns pop up...Goodwater, Alabama, namely...the "hinterlands" of my "poppa"...once a bustling manufacturing town, now a soulful, but heartless town. Once a historical area, now more hysterical...I'm glad to be home...
Enjoy the day...
I will give you directions to halfway point to my parents home!
Take US 64 West for 96 miles.
Turn on to I-95 South, and drive foe 156 miles to Florence South Carolina
Take I-20 west for 81 miles to Columbia, South Carolina....
that is the halfway part!
Getting to the Alabama Stateline is totally uneventful, except for Atlanta, GA.
Once to the Alabama Stateline, the trip is as follows...
Head South on AL 9...70 miles of curvy, hilly roads pocked with Alabama Speedbumps (armadillos).
Highway 9 highlights:
Cleburne County Highlights: NONE, this place is desolate except for the Tyson Chicken Plant made famous bu the PETA video...google it if you want...
Clay County - Clay County is the "Volunteer County" of Alabama, and also receives the most jokes...imagine West Virginia jokes, with "Clay County" substituted....
In Clay County, the worlds most ridiculous speed trap is located in Delta, Alabama...a 55 mph zone turns into 35 mph on a steep downhill grade...
Lineville is the next town one enters in Clay County...remember Hogzilla? He was "officially" weighed here in Lineville...
Ashland, is about 3 miles south of Lineville - the two border towns compromise Alabama's most heated high school football rivalry...the MTV show "two-A-Day" makes Hoover High look like a beast, but it is Clay County High School in Ashland that is the true dynasty.
Next, Coosa County, my home county is entered! I always crack a smile as a cross the county's threshold...as the gears in my Jeep climb up and down along the Coosa hills, small former towns pop up...Goodwater, Alabama, namely...the "hinterlands" of my "poppa"...once a bustling manufacturing town, now a soulful, but heartless town. Once a historical area, now more hysterical...I'm glad to be home...
Enjoy the day...
May 18, 2009
LeaderShape
As goes the weekend, so goest another large program and retreat group...LeaderShape, a North Carolina State University program geared towards college kids, and championed by Mike Giancola, journeys down US 64 every year to learn about leadership styles, and more importantly, to lead with integrity. They also sue some of their time to teambuild through our staff, and enjoy the waterfront with a Saturday afternoon canoe and kayak paddle. There is also a GREAT unimportant tradition...
The program started in 1986...it's recognized for being good at it's purpose...and most importantly, the participants love participating. I look forward to their annual return, and my tastebuds begin to tingle every May, too - but more about that later.
Teambuilding with our Program Staff was pretty amazing...I will always contend that I may be the greatest Challenge Course facilitator between ages 20-30. Joe Herbert could give me a run for my money, but he works here, too - so we are a good complement....Jonathan Casper and Chris Sova are aspiring "greats"...and Casper's group members told him all week ho much they enjoyed his activities. Nevertheless, in what was a purely amazing feat, I remembered all of my group members name in a name game we played at the beginning of our activity. The group members sit in a circle...the first person has to tell the group their name, where they are from, and what their collegiate major is...the second person has to recite the first person's name, origin, and major, as well as their own...the third person has to recite the first 2 peoples name, origin, and major, and then their own. It goes like this until all 16 people have shared their name, hometown, and major - the last student had to recite all of the names, hometowns, and majors. The activity is great for memory, but everybody also (1) LEARNS EVERYONE'S NAME, (2) finds out if they grew up near one another, and (3) discovers if their majors are similar. As a challenge the participants wanted to know if I could recite all of their names, hometowns, and majors...of course I took the challenge - in fact, I "upped the ante" by blindfolding myself and reciting all of the information accurately, in order, and quickly...I know - I'm great, but please do not applaud at your computer...you willl look weird.
Saturday, we opened the waterfront and successfully paddled 60 folks with nary a canoe or kayak flip. We even "test drove" a new way to enter the Sound, and by passing the slippery boat ramp. Everybody had a blast...even the kid who took a leafy limb into the water so that he could "hide" behind it as he snuck up on unsuspecting boats...really random, but funny.
Also on Saturday, the LeaderShape Institute's tradition was put into action...and all of the Program Staff, and myself included, hungrily awaited the presentation of "Strawberry Soup".
It's a great summer soup - imagine a chilled gazpacho, but made only of fresh strawberries and cream. You can never, ever drink enough of this soup.
All-in-all, a fun weened, despite yesterday's rain and temperature drop...I'm only in the office today and tomorrow - I'll take my show on the road to "Hotlanta"Georgia to view the union of one of best friends and his fiance.
Enjoy the day...
The program started in 1986...it's recognized for being good at it's purpose...and most importantly, the participants love participating. I look forward to their annual return, and my tastebuds begin to tingle every May, too - but more about that later.
Teambuilding with our Program Staff was pretty amazing...I will always contend that I may be the greatest Challenge Course facilitator between ages 20-30. Joe Herbert could give me a run for my money, but he works here, too - so we are a good complement....Jonathan Casper and Chris Sova are aspiring "greats"...and Casper's group members told him all week ho much they enjoyed his activities. Nevertheless, in what was a purely amazing feat, I remembered all of my group members name in a name game we played at the beginning of our activity. The group members sit in a circle...the first person has to tell the group their name, where they are from, and what their collegiate major is...the second person has to recite the first person's name, origin, and major, as well as their own...the third person has to recite the first 2 peoples name, origin, and major, and then their own. It goes like this until all 16 people have shared their name, hometown, and major - the last student had to recite all of the names, hometowns, and majors. The activity is great for memory, but everybody also (1) LEARNS EVERYONE'S NAME, (2) finds out if they grew up near one another, and (3) discovers if their majors are similar. As a challenge the participants wanted to know if I could recite all of their names, hometowns, and majors...of course I took the challenge - in fact, I "upped the ante" by blindfolding myself and reciting all of the information accurately, in order, and quickly...I know - I'm great, but please do not applaud at your computer...you willl look weird.
Saturday, we opened the waterfront and successfully paddled 60 folks with nary a canoe or kayak flip. We even "test drove" a new way to enter the Sound, and by passing the slippery boat ramp. Everybody had a blast...even the kid who took a leafy limb into the water so that he could "hide" behind it as he snuck up on unsuspecting boats...really random, but funny.
Also on Saturday, the LeaderShape Institute's tradition was put into action...and all of the Program Staff, and myself included, hungrily awaited the presentation of "Strawberry Soup".
It's a great summer soup - imagine a chilled gazpacho, but made only of fresh strawberries and cream. You can never, ever drink enough of this soup.
All-in-all, a fun weened, despite yesterday's rain and temperature drop...I'm only in the office today and tomorrow - I'll take my show on the road to "Hotlanta"Georgia to view the union of one of best friends and his fiance.
Enjoy the day...
May 15, 2009
Back to my Birthday
Last week, while at my National Shooting Sports Certification, I incurred another year to my life. While I was gone, Lee was planning a birthday cake for me and Jonathan Casper (Program Staff)...Jonathan's birthday is tomorrow! He is also graduating college TODAY...congrats and happy life anniversary.
Nevertheless, while I was gone it was the most insignificant birthday of my entire life...every person has the birthday that doesn't "count", rendering all following birthdays equally forgettable. I'm glad that it is over...
There are several contributing factors to the "forgettable birthday phenomena". It occurs when a perfect storm of family and friends are tied up with law school finals, undergrad finals, long distances between friends, new babies, and wedding planning. As sour as I wasn't, it's glad to know that my friends and family are doing so well, and better yet without my "helpful guise".
Amanda, my sis, finished her second year in law school at the University of Alabama...quite a feat since UA is far inferior to Auburn University (the state's land-grant, and my alma mater). Abby, my other sis, has a baby...schnauzer....both her and the pooch survived her first year in college.
My friends are all getting married...all of them. I wouldn't want to talk to anyone either if I knew my fate was sealed. But I'm still glad that they are all happy. Kevin, whose wedding I'm "in" next week called to wish me a happy birthday...but he calls me virtually everyday, anyway. His fiance is way prettier and smarter than he is, but he is more patient than she is...
My parents wished me "happy birthday" the day prior to my birthday...this is acceptable, especially since they allowed me to have my first ever birthday in 1984.
Sara, our Marketing Director, wished me a "happy birthday", via email. It was on the day of, too.
Callie, my lady friend also told me on the day of, and the following Saturday awarded me with 2 dozen duck decoys to add to my growing pile.
My Aunt Martha, sent me a nostalgic card...I haven't seen her in years, but I really appreciate the thought...the card was really pleasant.
Other friends wished me "happy birthday" on social network sites like facebook...these are acceptable to, since I also have the opportunity to return the favor, but I usually decline or forget.
Nevertheless, my co-workers here at the Eastern 4-H Salt Mill joined me in celebrating my birthday on Wednesday with a chocolate on chocolate rendition of a birthday cake. Made by the original "Ace of Cakes" himself, Lee painstaking slaved over a hot stove to prepare the caloric cake. He even decorated it for me.
While some are to busy, most remembered. At my age, I am glad I can remember to wake up in the morning. Thanks for all of the "happy birthdays"...this should quantify as my "blanket" thank-you, right?
Enjoy the day....
Nevertheless, while I was gone it was the most insignificant birthday of my entire life...every person has the birthday that doesn't "count", rendering all following birthdays equally forgettable. I'm glad that it is over...
There are several contributing factors to the "forgettable birthday phenomena". It occurs when a perfect storm of family and friends are tied up with law school finals, undergrad finals, long distances between friends, new babies, and wedding planning. As sour as I wasn't, it's glad to know that my friends and family are doing so well, and better yet without my "helpful guise".
Amanda, my sis, finished her second year in law school at the University of Alabama...quite a feat since UA is far inferior to Auburn University (the state's land-grant, and my alma mater). Abby, my other sis, has a baby...schnauzer....both her and the pooch survived her first year in college.
My friends are all getting married...all of them. I wouldn't want to talk to anyone either if I knew my fate was sealed. But I'm still glad that they are all happy. Kevin, whose wedding I'm "in" next week called to wish me a happy birthday...but he calls me virtually everyday, anyway. His fiance is way prettier and smarter than he is, but he is more patient than she is...
My parents wished me "happy birthday" the day prior to my birthday...this is acceptable, especially since they allowed me to have my first ever birthday in 1984.
Sara, our Marketing Director, wished me a "happy birthday", via email. It was on the day of, too.
Callie, my lady friend also told me on the day of, and the following Saturday awarded me with 2 dozen duck decoys to add to my growing pile.
My Aunt Martha, sent me a nostalgic card...I haven't seen her in years, but I really appreciate the thought...the card was really pleasant.
Other friends wished me "happy birthday" on social network sites like facebook...these are acceptable to, since I also have the opportunity to return the favor, but I usually decline or forget.
Nevertheless, my co-workers here at the Eastern 4-H Salt Mill joined me in celebrating my birthday on Wednesday with a chocolate on chocolate rendition of a birthday cake. Made by the original "Ace of Cakes" himself, Lee painstaking slaved over a hot stove to prepare the caloric cake. He even decorated it for me.
While some are to busy, most remembered. At my age, I am glad I can remember to wake up in the morning. Thanks for all of the "happy birthdays"...this should quantify as my "blanket" thank-you, right?
Enjoy the day....
May 14, 2009
Starting lineup announced!
FINALLY: All but 1 summer staff position is hired! I will be conducting interviews for the final position this afternoon!
Hiring Summer Staff is a really tricky ordeal. I have to find folks that are atleast 18 years old who love kids, are overly enthusiatic, dedicated to long hours, and can tolerate me daily. The last one is not so bad...I am pretty tolerable.
In summer staffing, we have terms that are similar to sports teams...we have rebuilding years (when most of last year's staff moves on in life (graduates college), and we have easy years (when all of the great employees have not moved on). While I think that our program is far superior to any other camping entity for some distance, there are some that disagree. I am openly challenging those camps to a "staff olympics". These are the events:
Archery
Climbing contest
Kayak race
Swimming race
Filling out paperwork
Suntanning
No doubt, my crew has what it takes...I generally attract only applicants that are interested in working at high profile locations with important programs. Most camp staffs would buckle under the pressure of our exciting programs.
Nevertheless, this turned out to be a "rebuilding year"... But, I like to call it a reloading year. The staff I hired this year are "KAVU". Look that up.
Yesterday, I probably laid forth the greatest Team Challenge Course facilitation ever. Bar none. Other reports state that the program staff was also stellar, but that's our forte.
Lee has told me that it's time to get into summer camp mode...that means several things. I want discuss them with you, other than get ready for longer hours. I was born ready. The two months prior to a summer camping program - recruiting, hiring, and training are great primers for the 3 months of camp. Camp is like a marathon with birthday cake. Some would argue that its a marathon with concrete shoes, but it's not. You either love the excitement or .... you should not work at camp...this year's summer staff likes to have their cake and eat it, too.
Enjoy the day...
Hiring Summer Staff is a really tricky ordeal. I have to find folks that are atleast 18 years old who love kids, are overly enthusiatic, dedicated to long hours, and can tolerate me daily. The last one is not so bad...I am pretty tolerable.
In summer staffing, we have terms that are similar to sports teams...we have rebuilding years (when most of last year's staff moves on in life (graduates college), and we have easy years (when all of the great employees have not moved on). While I think that our program is far superior to any other camping entity for some distance, there are some that disagree. I am openly challenging those camps to a "staff olympics". These are the events:
Archery
Climbing contest
Kayak race
Swimming race
Filling out paperwork
Suntanning
No doubt, my crew has what it takes...I generally attract only applicants that are interested in working at high profile locations with important programs. Most camp staffs would buckle under the pressure of our exciting programs.
Nevertheless, this turned out to be a "rebuilding year"... But, I like to call it a reloading year. The staff I hired this year are "KAVU". Look that up.
Yesterday, I probably laid forth the greatest Team Challenge Course facilitation ever. Bar none. Other reports state that the program staff was also stellar, but that's our forte.
Lee has told me that it's time to get into summer camp mode...that means several things. I want discuss them with you, other than get ready for longer hours. I was born ready. The two months prior to a summer camping program - recruiting, hiring, and training are great primers for the 3 months of camp. Camp is like a marathon with birthday cake. Some would argue that its a marathon with concrete shoes, but it's not. You either love the excitement or .... you should not work at camp...this year's summer staff likes to have their cake and eat it, too.
Enjoy the day...
May 12, 2009
This is getting tough
Finding time to blog is getting increasingly difficult. I will not give up!
This week, the Eastern 4-H Center is hosting the Leadershape Institute...it is a group of NCSU students building on their leadership skills...I think we can help them out!
We will entertain the delegates on our Team Challenge Course today for about 3.5 hours. We will also teach canoeing and kayaking on Saturday! And, FINALLY, the Sound is warm enough to swim in.
Personally I am nearing completion on the 2009 Version of Summer Staff Training. Summer Staff Training is without question the most important part of my job. If I want an easy summer, I will "wear them out" during staff training. I will ask and answer questions to as many scenarios as possible. Staff members will learn to do EVERYTHING here. Making matters more fun - the budget "situation" is forcing me to be creative....here;s what we are doing to save money:
Contracting out printing service for manuals.
Preparing meals at the staff house (35 meals), instead of requiring food service to do so.
Starting training mid-way through a pay period to reduce or eliminate undeniable overtime.
Everybody will live in gender specific cabins, that way only 2 buildings will be powered.
Accepting large program groups...we still have a couple of days available, too!
Class time will be in the middle of the day, so we can reduce light bulb usage.
"Round-Robin" trips to Raleigh, this way we can take care of everything at once!
We do some more stufff, and I, personally, work in the dark.
Today, Lee and Joe (program staff Joe) are in Raleigh at an Astronomy Training put on by the Science House. Poor Joe! Lee is tough to ride with, but Joe is tough enough to handle it!
I was so busy yesterday, that I couldn't blog...and I am only going to get busier, so I apologize.
Enjoy the day....
This week, the Eastern 4-H Center is hosting the Leadershape Institute...it is a group of NCSU students building on their leadership skills...I think we can help them out!
We will entertain the delegates on our Team Challenge Course today for about 3.5 hours. We will also teach canoeing and kayaking on Saturday! And, FINALLY, the Sound is warm enough to swim in.
Personally I am nearing completion on the 2009 Version of Summer Staff Training. Summer Staff Training is without question the most important part of my job. If I want an easy summer, I will "wear them out" during staff training. I will ask and answer questions to as many scenarios as possible. Staff members will learn to do EVERYTHING here. Making matters more fun - the budget "situation" is forcing me to be creative....here;s what we are doing to save money:
Contracting out printing service for manuals.
Preparing meals at the staff house (35 meals), instead of requiring food service to do so.
Starting training mid-way through a pay period to reduce or eliminate undeniable overtime.
Everybody will live in gender specific cabins, that way only 2 buildings will be powered.
Accepting large program groups...we still have a couple of days available, too!
Class time will be in the middle of the day, so we can reduce light bulb usage.
"Round-Robin" trips to Raleigh, this way we can take care of everything at once!
We do some more stufff, and I, personally, work in the dark.
Today, Lee and Joe (program staff Joe) are in Raleigh at an Astronomy Training put on by the Science House. Poor Joe! Lee is tough to ride with, but Joe is tough enough to handle it!
I was so busy yesterday, that I couldn't blog...and I am only going to get busier, so I apologize.
Enjoy the day....
May 11, 2009
I Have Returned
After virtually a weeks absence, I am back to the blog...I know you missed it, because I did. I hope all of the Moms out there had a nice Mother's Day - the weather was nice in Eastern NC...
So last Sunday, Me and Jonathon Casper (Program Staffer) headed off to the land of the Mountaineers to gain our certification as National Volunteer Shooting Sports Instructors. This important certification allows us to train adult volunteers at camp and across the state to support what is one of the most popular and effective activities in perpetuating life skills in youth. I gained my certification in Riflery, while Casper flicked sticks in Archery. The training, held annually, was located in Jackson's Mill 4-H Camp, outside of Weston, West Virginia. Jackson's Mill is also the oldest 4-H Camp in the Country. Set in a peaceful cove of the Allegheny Mountains, the historic camp was quite the site...it has many parallels to out beautiful Eastern 4-H Center, but with many more of the inconveniences.
Let me first give yo the downsides to the training...
Food - We ate more pork products than I care to remember. We also had a salad at every meal...trust me.
Lodging - the North Carolina Volunteers, 10 of us, stayed in Lewis Lodge with approximately 20 other full grown, snoring men. IT was tough to sleep...some people sounded like they were craking chainsaws as they snored. The lodging was still nice, better than most facilities...oddly enough, the Lewis Lodge was right next to the old barn where Gen. Stonewall Jackson was born. in 1998, I also stayed in Lewis Lodge, with the Alabama 4-H Forsetry Judging Team...The lodge was good luck - my team won the NATIONAL COMPETITION. So I am pretty much a National Champion...who can say they were the best in the country at anything at any given time - I just did!
Free Time - There was none...I had to work out at 5:00 am in the "barn" just to burn off my energy that was built up in classroom time.
The Weather - It rained 24-7 all day every day. It was 50 degrees all the time. West Virginia is now under a state of emergency because of all of the rain - trust me.
Now - The good!
Class - Finally, a workshop that taught me and others what we MUST do to make shooting sports the best program in can possibly be...Not how to become better marksmen and markswomen, but how to teach adults how to teach kids...this wasn't to much of a problem, since I do this every summer with about 30 college kids.
Instructors - Jim Simms, retired West Extension Agent was the lead Instructor, while Albert Fuller was the additional instructor. Albert is an Extension Educator form the University of Florida. It was difficult to tell which instructor was the "Lead", because both contributed heavily to the instruction. Albert was great at processing teaching points, while Jim was able to give great stories and ideas to enhance our teaching programs...I gave both of them high marks on my evaluation. Apparently, we had the "toughest" instructors, but everyone passed their certification. Both instructors were insistent that we learn to teach in order to make the program the best it can be.
Auction - I love an auction...especially one that offers competitive bidding on great items. The Auction was held in the dark - guess why - THE POWER WENT OUT!!!! But everyone pushed through, and Jim Simms, my instructor was the auctioneer. He was good, too! I wona couple of items, mainly souvenirs. One item was a one of a kind Gail Pittman 4-H Mug. Mrs. Pittman no longer does these special orders, only serves Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse on the Food Network! While her work is expensive, I garnered an incredible deal, mainly because no one knew who she was...
The drive - There is nothing more scenic than the Appalachian Mountains in the rain. While the "WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS" signs were great warnings, we never saw any falling rocks...we had only seen the fallen rocks, strewn across the mountain passes on US 33. Some of the rocks were the size of Labrador Retrievers, not big, but would stop my Jeep on a dime.
This is what you must understand about 4-H Shooting Sports...
It is not designed to make children great shooters. Shooting Sports is a VEHICLE for teaching life skills in children that will make them productive citizens in our world. Shooting Sports is an active program is all but a couple of states, with Illinois being the newest as of this training. I was able to witness history when the FIRST EVER Illinois Shooting Sports Coordinator was graduated. Life Skills instruction and activation in youth is what 4-H promises it will do, and does! 4-H Camp is another GREAT delivery mode for Life Skills. From "responsibility" in cabin clean-up to "learning to learn" in Ecology, Life skills are imparted at every turn in 4-H Camp.
When I returned, the first thing that Lee said to me was "your forehead is getting bigger", he was insinuating that I was "growing a receding hair line...thanks for the warm welcome, Lee!
Enjoy the day...
So last Sunday, Me and Jonathon Casper (Program Staffer) headed off to the land of the Mountaineers to gain our certification as National Volunteer Shooting Sports Instructors. This important certification allows us to train adult volunteers at camp and across the state to support what is one of the most popular and effective activities in perpetuating life skills in youth. I gained my certification in Riflery, while Casper flicked sticks in Archery. The training, held annually, was located in Jackson's Mill 4-H Camp, outside of Weston, West Virginia. Jackson's Mill is also the oldest 4-H Camp in the Country. Set in a peaceful cove of the Allegheny Mountains, the historic camp was quite the site...it has many parallels to out beautiful Eastern 4-H Center, but with many more of the inconveniences.
Let me first give yo the downsides to the training...
Food - We ate more pork products than I care to remember. We also had a salad at every meal...trust me.
Lodging - the North Carolina Volunteers, 10 of us, stayed in Lewis Lodge with approximately 20 other full grown, snoring men. IT was tough to sleep...some people sounded like they were craking chainsaws as they snored. The lodging was still nice, better than most facilities...oddly enough, the Lewis Lodge was right next to the old barn where Gen. Stonewall Jackson was born. in 1998, I also stayed in Lewis Lodge, with the Alabama 4-H Forsetry Judging Team...The lodge was good luck - my team won the NATIONAL COMPETITION. So I am pretty much a National Champion...who can say they were the best in the country at anything at any given time - I just did!
Free Time - There was none...I had to work out at 5:00 am in the "barn" just to burn off my energy that was built up in classroom time.
The Weather - It rained 24-7 all day every day. It was 50 degrees all the time. West Virginia is now under a state of emergency because of all of the rain - trust me.
Now - The good!
Class - Finally, a workshop that taught me and others what we MUST do to make shooting sports the best program in can possibly be...Not how to become better marksmen and markswomen, but how to teach adults how to teach kids...this wasn't to much of a problem, since I do this every summer with about 30 college kids.
Instructors - Jim Simms, retired West Extension Agent was the lead Instructor, while Albert Fuller was the additional instructor. Albert is an Extension Educator form the University of Florida. It was difficult to tell which instructor was the "Lead", because both contributed heavily to the instruction. Albert was great at processing teaching points, while Jim was able to give great stories and ideas to enhance our teaching programs...I gave both of them high marks on my evaluation. Apparently, we had the "toughest" instructors, but everyone passed their certification. Both instructors were insistent that we learn to teach in order to make the program the best it can be.
Auction - I love an auction...especially one that offers competitive bidding on great items. The Auction was held in the dark - guess why - THE POWER WENT OUT!!!! But everyone pushed through, and Jim Simms, my instructor was the auctioneer. He was good, too! I wona couple of items, mainly souvenirs. One item was a one of a kind Gail Pittman 4-H Mug. Mrs. Pittman no longer does these special orders, only serves Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse on the Food Network! While her work is expensive, I garnered an incredible deal, mainly because no one knew who she was...
The drive - There is nothing more scenic than the Appalachian Mountains in the rain. While the "WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS" signs were great warnings, we never saw any falling rocks...we had only seen the fallen rocks, strewn across the mountain passes on US 33. Some of the rocks were the size of Labrador Retrievers, not big, but would stop my Jeep on a dime.
This is what you must understand about 4-H Shooting Sports...
It is not designed to make children great shooters. Shooting Sports is a VEHICLE for teaching life skills in children that will make them productive citizens in our world. Shooting Sports is an active program is all but a couple of states, with Illinois being the newest as of this training. I was able to witness history when the FIRST EVER Illinois Shooting Sports Coordinator was graduated. Life Skills instruction and activation in youth is what 4-H promises it will do, and does! 4-H Camp is another GREAT delivery mode for Life Skills. From "responsibility" in cabin clean-up to "learning to learn" in Ecology, Life skills are imparted at every turn in 4-H Camp.
When I returned, the first thing that Lee said to me was "your forehead is getting bigger", he was insinuating that I was "growing a receding hair line...thanks for the warm welcome, Lee!
Enjoy the day...
May 7, 2009
Birthday Blog
Today is my birthday. I was born 26 years ago today. If I was at home, my mom and dad would cook me a meal comprised of whatever I wanted. We would then re-live the story about my first time at the beach. A wave hits me and my 3 year old mind says "tun da wawer offff!, tun it offff!".
I like getting older. I just wish I got taller...
Thanks to everyone who has made my illustrious 26 years so illustrious. War Eagle...
Enjoy my birthday...
I like getting older. I just wish I got taller...
Thanks to everyone who has made my illustrious 26 years so illustrious. War Eagle...
Enjoy my birthday...
May 1, 2009
A Signature Event, My Mommy
Tomorrow is Dock of the Bay...it is one of or most notable events...If blogged enough about it, and now I ask you to experience it. I will be unable to blog next week - I will clear my head and begin re-blogging on Friday night. Mother's Day is also 9 days away. I will not be able to see my mother, on account that she lives in Alabama.
I never understood Mother's Day as a youngster (ages 0-22)...I was to stupid. I was always the recipient of a good mother... a good mom is sort of like a tractor. A tractor is the most versatile piece of equipment on the planet...bush hog (Luker family lawnmower), hay-hauler, plower, planter, and in some places - a common mode of transportation. In fact, my parents' neighbor, Wayne removed the mowing deck from an old lawnmower and now uses it as an ATV (only in Alabama). In Hyde County, people in race lawn tractors. The Chapanoake Tractor Pull is well-attended by many eastern North Carolinians. Tractors are everywhere...providing both fun and work. Mothers are the same, but you never realize it until you realize that you are: (1) without a mother, (2) out on your own, (3) hungry, or (4) sick.
If there's one thing I miss about home, it's the mom. When I was young I was to ignorant to imagine being away from her care. While my dad was the ultimate disciplinarian, it was her counsel that resulted in some "real straightenin' out". My mother also wielded a ruler, fly-swatter, and paint stirrer with the skill of an artist and his medium. My mom was also fearless enough to chase us around the house...she always caught me and/or my sisters. The discipline she gave me was usually to correct minor things like bad attitude, laziness, arguing, and general apathy. My dad got the big stuff - backtalk, pre-teen swearing, disrespect, etc. But my mom is who I directly relate my current fear for not doing chores (or work, since I am an adult).
Now obviously, I do not miss the discipline. I do miss the affection she showed me when I was sick, hungry or in need of a hug. To understand my mother, you have to realize that she is the eternal intellectual. She has the amazing ability to understand someone else's perspective. She's also way smarter than my dad. My father is real non-sensical, but goes about that in a way that is, to many, not sensible. He is wise, but he is old. My mother is smart, no matter her age. And despite nearly 30 years of matrimony to my dad, she has yet to crack under his guise. They are the perfect match, but only because of her...my dad would agree. She loves him and loves her children.
Mom took care of me when I was sick...I was sick often as a child. No prescription cures what ails you like a mother's care. I realize more than ever, when I am sick, that my mom can probably make me feel better. She will certainly try. When I was younger, my mom dealt with work, supper, and 3 squalin' youngin's. Did I mention she was an Extension employee...imagine that workload!
I never, ever found myself hungry. My mother is an amazing cook. She always has been. She loves little more than making a dinner that is enjoyed by the whole family...I wish I understood that as a teenager...I would have eaten more. My dad ate my share, though. She is always looking for the perfect cookie recipe, mainly for me. When I visit, I always return with sweets...and they are not leftovers.
And in everybody's "Glory Years" (teenage years), you tend to disappoint your parents. My mom was the most disappointed...she has to be. I hate to think of some of the stupid things I said or did as a youngster. I can't take those instances back, but a loving Mother forgives.
My mother also set a standard for my sisters. I hope my sisters (when and if they get married and have children) can do half the job my mother did...Amanda and Abby (my sisters) - can you show unconditional love when it is not deserved? Can you cook a meal for 5 virtually every night for 30 years? Can you run a household - dishes, laundry, house cleaning for 3 bratty kids? Can you do virtually everything your children ask? Can you hem britches? Can you make a caramel chocolate cheesecake? Can you remember to put Nilla wafers in the banana pudding everytime**? Can you put up with a jokester like dad, for 30 years? Can you play tennis? Can you make a quilt for every bed in your house? Can you make 20 quilts and donate them all to shut-ins, terminally ill, and the needy - all out of the goodness of your heart? Can you can tomatoes? Can you go to all of your kids' clubs and spors practices? Can you potty train someone? Can you hold a crying baby until it stops crying? Can you grow a garden? Can you work 60 hours a week? Can you win the city tennis tournament? Can you coach city-league tennis? Can you punish the ones you love the most? Do you have a great smile? Can you make your kids brush their teeth?
Amanda and Abby - can you do this and more...There's not enough space in the internet for me to talk about the wonderful stuff my mother did for us. I don't need any internet space to list what my mother did wrong. My mother is my matriarch. I love her and miss her.
Happy Mother's Day Mommy!
Enjoy the day...
I never understood Mother's Day as a youngster (ages 0-22)...I was to stupid. I was always the recipient of a good mother... a good mom is sort of like a tractor. A tractor is the most versatile piece of equipment on the planet...bush hog (Luker family lawnmower), hay-hauler, plower, planter, and in some places - a common mode of transportation. In fact, my parents' neighbor, Wayne removed the mowing deck from an old lawnmower and now uses it as an ATV (only in Alabama). In Hyde County, people in race lawn tractors. The Chapanoake Tractor Pull is well-attended by many eastern North Carolinians. Tractors are everywhere...providing both fun and work. Mothers are the same, but you never realize it until you realize that you are: (1) without a mother, (2) out on your own, (3) hungry, or (4) sick.
If there's one thing I miss about home, it's the mom. When I was young I was to ignorant to imagine being away from her care. While my dad was the ultimate disciplinarian, it was her counsel that resulted in some "real straightenin' out". My mother also wielded a ruler, fly-swatter, and paint stirrer with the skill of an artist and his medium. My mom was also fearless enough to chase us around the house...she always caught me and/or my sisters. The discipline she gave me was usually to correct minor things like bad attitude, laziness, arguing, and general apathy. My dad got the big stuff - backtalk, pre-teen swearing, disrespect, etc. But my mom is who I directly relate my current fear for not doing chores (or work, since I am an adult).
Now obviously, I do not miss the discipline. I do miss the affection she showed me when I was sick, hungry or in need of a hug. To understand my mother, you have to realize that she is the eternal intellectual. She has the amazing ability to understand someone else's perspective. She's also way smarter than my dad. My father is real non-sensical, but goes about that in a way that is, to many, not sensible. He is wise, but he is old. My mother is smart, no matter her age. And despite nearly 30 years of matrimony to my dad, she has yet to crack under his guise. They are the perfect match, but only because of her...my dad would agree. She loves him and loves her children.
Mom took care of me when I was sick...I was sick often as a child. No prescription cures what ails you like a mother's care. I realize more than ever, when I am sick, that my mom can probably make me feel better. She will certainly try. When I was younger, my mom dealt with work, supper, and 3 squalin' youngin's. Did I mention she was an Extension employee...imagine that workload!
I never, ever found myself hungry. My mother is an amazing cook. She always has been. She loves little more than making a dinner that is enjoyed by the whole family...I wish I understood that as a teenager...I would have eaten more. My dad ate my share, though. She is always looking for the perfect cookie recipe, mainly for me. When I visit, I always return with sweets...and they are not leftovers.
And in everybody's "Glory Years" (teenage years), you tend to disappoint your parents. My mom was the most disappointed...she has to be. I hate to think of some of the stupid things I said or did as a youngster. I can't take those instances back, but a loving Mother forgives.
My mother also set a standard for my sisters. I hope my sisters (when and if they get married and have children) can do half the job my mother did...Amanda and Abby (my sisters) - can you show unconditional love when it is not deserved? Can you cook a meal for 5 virtually every night for 30 years? Can you run a household - dishes, laundry, house cleaning for 3 bratty kids? Can you do virtually everything your children ask? Can you hem britches? Can you make a caramel chocolate cheesecake? Can you remember to put Nilla wafers in the banana pudding everytime**? Can you put up with a jokester like dad, for 30 years? Can you play tennis? Can you make a quilt for every bed in your house? Can you make 20 quilts and donate them all to shut-ins, terminally ill, and the needy - all out of the goodness of your heart? Can you can tomatoes? Can you go to all of your kids' clubs and spors practices? Can you potty train someone? Can you hold a crying baby until it stops crying? Can you grow a garden? Can you work 60 hours a week? Can you win the city tennis tournament? Can you coach city-league tennis? Can you punish the ones you love the most? Do you have a great smile? Can you make your kids brush their teeth?
Amanda and Abby - can you do this and more...There's not enough space in the internet for me to talk about the wonderful stuff my mother did for us. I don't need any internet space to list what my mother did wrong. My mother is my matriarch. I love her and miss her.
Happy Mother's Day Mommy!
Enjoy the day...
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