Things Ambassadors should know before coming to HOBY.....

1) What is HOBY? HOBY is  an acronym for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, which is an organization started in

    1958 by actor Hugh O'Brian, formed to help high school sophomores realize and develop their leadership

    skills as the prepare to finish high school and take their place in adult society.

2) Who attends HOBY? HOBY Ambassadors come from high schools, both private and public, all around the

     state. Sophomores are selected to represent their schools because someone has recognized their

     potential and ability either in their school, community or both. Sophomores are chosen as the focal point for

     HOBY not only because their age is important in forming opinions for adulthood, but because we encourage

     all HOBY alumni to use their experience to motivate their peers during the last two years of high school.

3) What happens at HOBY? A LOT! Don't be surprised if when you arrive at HOBY you think you stepped into a

     high school or college pep rally.  There is a lot of energy throughout the course of the seminar. We divide

     Ambassadors into small home groups of about 10 Ambassadors.  You will have an adult Group Leader

     (facilitator) and at least one junior staff member or "ET" (Enthusiasm Team member) with your home group.

     Together you will listen to and evaluate speakers and ideas.  We also have things like a dance and talent

     show to unwind and relax a bit in the evening.

4) Is there a dress code? We do have a dress code for our HOBY seminar not because we don't think

     sophomores are capable of making decisions, but because we are all representing our schools and

     communities to many corporate, civic and other leaders during the seminar. Our dress code isn't complicated.

     We ask that you wear clean and neat khaki or other colored pants or skirts with the HOBY T-shirt you will

     receive at check in. Shoes should be comfortable as there is often a lot of walking involved. Bring jeans and

     a nice pair of shorts to wear during our service project or down-time evening activities. (They will not be

     permitted the rest of the seminar.) For the last day of the seminar, we ask that you bring a dressy outfit, such    

     as a suit or dress shirt and tie for males, and a nice dress or skirt ensemble for the females. Please make sure

     that any skirt, dress or shorts are of an appropriate length.

5) What about cell phones and pagers? While we all know that communication is important, we ask that you

     please leave these items at home. If you have one with you, we will remind you to turn it off and leave it that

     way until a time when you would be able to check messages.  Most of the day is packed with activities and

     there will be little time to use a phone. If you are someone that "CAN"T" live without your cell phone, we ask

     that you seriously consider whether or not you can committ your full participation to the HOBY experience. If

     you feel that you cannot participate in HOBY for any reason, we ask that you please speak with your

     school counselor about sending your school's alternate Ambassador in your place.

6) What should I bring to HOBY? Probably the most important things you could bring to HOBY are intangibles -

     an open mind, critical thinking skills, and a willingness to be a part of something new.  Aside from these,

     you may want to bring a fan for your room since dorm rooms are not air conditioned (just ask any 2005

     participant), and maybe some small items that represent you that you share with some new friends.

  

7) Why should I attend HOBY? If you have been selected to represent your school at HOBY, congratulations!

     Someone believes in you and feels you are a person of value who would benefit from your participation in

     HOBY. By attending HOBY, you will become a part of a very positive group of people who believe in the

     dignity and worth of all people. Please come to HOBY with an open mind and a desire to find out more about

     how you can make a difference in the world we live in.

 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO HOBY?

Recommended HOBY packing list

Things you will definitely need for the weekend:

- Khaki/dress pants, skirts to wear during the daytime activities

- Nice outfit for Sunday – a suit or shirt and tie with dress pants for the males and a nice dress, skirt set, pant set for females would be appropriate.

- Casual clothes for evening activities* (*clothes should be modest in nature, also no alcohol or tobacco ads or other drug messages)

- Comfortable but neat dressy shoes

- Comfy shoes for evening activities

- Socks

- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.)

- Towel

- Pillow

- Blankets & sheets or sleeping bag

- 2-3 non-perishable food items (if you can) to be donated to a local food pantry as a gift from 2007 Michigan HOBY.

- Any registration forms that were not sent in. *** IF YOU TAKE ANY MEDICATION, WE MUST HAVE A MEDICATION VERIFICATION FORM FILLED OUT BY YOUR PRESCRIBING DOCTOR. *** YOU CANNOT ATTEND HOBY WITHOUT THIS.

- A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!

Optional

- Fan for your dorm room

- Spending money (snacks, vending, HOBY Store items, souvenirs, etc.)

- Props for the talent show

- Your favorite snack or candy to share with your group

- Sandals to wear in the shower

- Umbrella or rain gear in case of rain