Central PA HOBY

Getting Ready

Once you are registered to attend a Central PA HOBY, get ready for an amazing adventure. You’re going to experience an enthusiastic learning environment like no other you’ve ever seen before. You’re going to learn a lot; you’re going to laugh a lot; you’re going to meet many dynamic and exciting people; and you’re going to make a lot of new friends along the way.

But how much you get out of your HOBY experience depends entirely on you. We challenge you to be open and willing to step outside the box and embrace the experience that’s being offered to you. Here are some typical student questions and answers to help you prepare for your HOBY experience.

When and where will the programs be held?

The 2011 Central PA HOBY Leadership Seminar will take place at Millersville University in Millersville Pennsylvania May 19-22, 2001. The Leadership Seminar is 3 days long and you must be present for the entire seminar, including overnight (lodging is provided).
The World Leadership Congress (WLC) is held every summer. This is a week-long program and you must be present for the entire WLC, including overnight (lodging is provided). Learn more on the details of the upcoming WLC.

What is the cost to attend and how do I register?

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from all HOBY events.

During the seminar, there will be no cost to you, except for the costs that you may incur traveling to the seminar or for any purchases that you wish to make while at the seminar. A large part of the costs for the seminar are covered in donations from your high school, area civic clubs, businesses and individuals.
The program fee for the World Leadership Congress (WLC) is $1650 per person which includes all meals, lodging, ground transportation, and venue entrance during the WLC. The program fee does not cover the cost of transportation from your home to/from the conference. If you are an oversees student age 15-17, or currently studying in the U.S., please contact Javier LaFianza at lafianzaj@hoby.org for details.

What should I expect when I get there?

Whether you are attending the Central PA HOBY Leadership Seminar or the WLC, you can expect:

To be exposed to important ideas, including opinions that may differ from your own
To interact one-on-one with decision makers in education, government, business and other professions
To jump in and discover more about issues impacting you and your community
To be challenged to be a person who succeeds in making a difference to improve your community
To be challenged to commit to 100 hours of volunteer service in the next year to help make your community stronger, any way you believe you can
To make new friends who are also committed to making a positive difference in this world
To get less sleep than you’d like
And to have more fun than you ever expected!

Also, you should NOT expect to be told what to think or to coast, cruise, or let others do the work. From the moment you attend a HOBY program, you will be treated like a leader and encouraged to think critically about a wide range of issues that impact your life and the world.

For an example of our seminar curriculum, schedule, and list of speakers, view our latest 2011 HOBY Leadership Seminar program here.

What are the accommodations like?

Central PA HOBY Seminar participants stay in the dorm rooms at Millersville University, and share their accomodations with other participants. A few weeks prior to the event, your planning committee will provide instructions on what you need to bring (you can find that list here.) Participants of all HOBY programs will receive nutritious meals and have an opportunity to inform us of any special dietary considerations prior to the event. Parents: if you are looking for hotels within the area of the Central PA Leadership Seminar, we recommend the Hilton Garden Inn at Granite Run and Doubletree Resort at Willow Valley.

What if I am registered and then unable to attend?

If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the entire program you are registered for (including overnight for the Leadership Seminars and WLC), we would like to give another student from your school the opportunity to attend. Please immediately go to the high school counselor or principal who registered you and inform him/her of your situation. For the Leadership Seminar, please also contact us at info@centralpahoby.org to let us know; and for the WLC, please also contact elgrablyn@hoby.org. Please follow up without delay because a cancellation fee may apply.

What happens after I am registered?

Once you have been registered for a HOBY program, you will receive the 2012 Ambassador Registration Packet containing everything you need to know. The planning committee will send this information to you approximately 6 weeks before the event. Make sure to mark the program dates on your calendar and get ready for a memorable experience!

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions on the Central PA HOBY Seminar, please email Andy Miller, Central PA HOBY Seminar Chair, or Patty Glasser, Vice Chair of Ambassador Relations.