My Favorite HOBY Experience....

Benjamin Lutz
Ambassador Year: 2011
Pope High School

My name is Benjamin Lutz and it is very difficult to narrow down the multitudes of joy, leadership, and love that I experienced from HOBY into one moment. I am a 2011 Georgia and WLC alumni and I also was a part of JStaff 2012 for Georgia HOBY. I want to start with the disclaimer that EVERY single moment from HOBY has absolutely touched me and has definitely changed my life for the better.

Being an ambassador at two seminars in of itself has forever altered enhanced my life! However, I feel that having the opportunity as Junior Staff was even better. I remember each event at GAHOBY 2011 very clearly, but I never thought about the work put into making each event happen and happen smoothly. I found this out along with many other amazing "hidden" aspects of HOBY from JStaffing GAHOBY 2012.

I have a much greater appreciation for all the work that each of the members of staff do for a HOBY seminar because of my JStaff experience. I helped coordinate, set-up, cheer, and take down each event. I bonded closer with the people from many different alumni years. I had the chance to meet with many ambassadors. I helped lead the parent closing ceremonies section. I went to bed the latest of any HOBY group and woke up the earliest. I worked with facilitators. I did a lot for the 4 days at GAHOBY 2012, and it would not trade any of that exhaustion for the world.

I knew that I was making the 2012 Ambassadors' experience at HOBY better, smoother, and more impactful by helping smooth out events, by acclimating them to HOBY, and by being their friend. The entire experience reinforced every HOBY value, even with not attending the sessions that introduce them. I am looking forward to another JStaffing experience!

IT'S TIME!!!

1 DAY.

13 HOURS.

10 MINUTES.

GET READY TO DO THE HOBY-O, PEOPLE!

The weekend is almost here, and we can't wait to meet all 260 of the ambassadors! We look forward to an outstanding few days of fun, learning, and growing in friendships and leadership! Thanks to all who have spent countless hours preparing for this year's seminar. It is much appreciated and respected.

See all of you at HOBY!!!!!!

junior staff applications

The time to apply for JUNIOR STAFF is finally here! We know the new alumni have been eagerly waiting to fill out this form and give back to this outstanding organization. And for alumni volunteers of the past, we are looking forward to reviewing your applications to return to Junior Staff also!! 

Click HERE to view the forms

Please fill them out and return to Stephanie Maddox by Friday, March 2. 2012.

send a message

Hey friends! As the holiday season is now upon us, sometimes we get caught up in the presents, lights, doorbuster sales, and cookies. Don't forget to do something kind for others. Here is one way to share some love...

Visit http://www.sharewithchildrens.org

Leave a quick message for a patient at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. As the website says, "Your words mean more than ever to a sick child here in Atlanta. So, go ahead. Share your message of hope. Of encouragement. Of love. And let a young patient at Children’s know you’re thinking about them – this holiday season, and all year long."

shout out

HEY GEORGIA HOBY! 
Some positive changes and an exciting time of planning is upon us! Let's get GA HOBY more connected in the realm of social media...


...tweet, tweet...


Did you hear that?


......................................tweet, tweet, tweet..........


There it is again. 


It can only mean one thing. 
GA HOBY is now on Twitter! 
Follow us @ ga_hoby. It's going to be #outstanding!


It's time for YOU to SHOUT OUT!
What are you doing in your school or community? 
Want to tell us how HOBY impacted your life?
Who had a great team?
Want to share a quote?


LET US KNOW! We are here to empower each other and DO SOMETHING GOOD! It starts with one.


As for me, I'm going say: "From grass to rocks.. I miss all of my Red Sox!"
Sir Beau Charles Monkey says heeeeyyyyyy!

Don't be shy...
You know you wanna comment.

post hoby blues

The HOBY weekend has come and gone. Many of you may be experiencing what I call the "post HOBY blues." Realizing the impact and fun of the weekend is over proves tough. But the good things to be thankful for: new friends were made, new shirts were obtained (my total HOBY shirt count: 8), bananas were formed, the moose decomposed yet again, adults inspired teenagers, teenagers inspired adults, memories were created, and the GA HOBY family grew +235. What a great weekend! On behalf of the corporate board, we were so glad to see everything come together yet again in a place where the gnats swarm, the heat blazes, and the fire alarms sound. Despite those minor obstacles, I hope everyone enjoyed GA HOBY 2011 as much as I did. It is truly outstanding and encouraging to get to gather together with such great people and share motivating ideas. 

If you would like to share a testimony, pictures, videos, or anything else for the blog, please send them to gahobyfundraising@gmail.com!

Have an OUTSTANDING week!

final countdown

TWO MORE DAYS, PEOPLE!!! Can you believe it? HOBY 2011 is almost here, and we couldn't be more excited! Tons of planning, preparation, forwarded e-mail madness, stress, sweat, tears, and dedication have gone into what will be one OUTSTANDING seminar weekend. HOBY family reunited, new memories made, a huge change to the one-seminar layout, hot Georgia summer heat, new ambassadors/future volunteers, early mornin' coffee and cheers, and some awesome dorm life shower curtains... GET. READY. It's going to be a great weekend!!! Can't wait to see everyone there! Drive safe, don't speed (been there, done that, got the ticket), and come prepared with lots of energy!

All staff members: please be at HOBY headquarters at GSW by 7:00 p.m.