TJOC Update #1
This information is for everyone attending TJOC 2008, so read everything.
- All Elites are to be ready to start setting/vetting at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 7, 2008. We will meet at the first dormitory on the left (north) and from there you will be broken into groups to set/vet at either All Saints Camp or Camp Ray. Be in full O-gear and make sure you have string, something to cut with and a backpack to transport control markers. The dining facility will not be open on Saturday, so you will be responsible for your own food. Bring your own water. We have Saturday afternoon/evening and Sunday morning to set all the controls. We will be able to stay in the dorms Saturday evening.
- Mentor/Mentees: If you are attending camp as either advanced or elite, you may be utilized as a mentor. Some of our clinics and competitions are designed for mentor/mentee pairings. If you have a pre-arranged pairing, it will be honored; however, the orienteering training group reserves the right to make changes.
- Eye Protection: It is strongly recommended that you bring goggles or something similar to provide eye protection while competing. You can get these safety goggles at any Home Depot or Lowe's.
- Diagnostic O: Beginning Sunday afternoon, all intermediates and advanced participants will be put on a diagnostic course (3 controls) where you will be shadowed by an Elite participant for evaluation/coaching/remediation. If you do not demonstrate basic orienteering competencies (map folding, following a bearing, good route choice, knowledge of pacing, etc) you may find yourself in remediation training starting Monday morning instead of participating in clinics and competitions.
- Poison Ivy: Whether or not you are sensitive to poison ivy, you need to read this. It is going to bad this year. If you are sensitive to poison ivy, then you need to go out and buy your own supplies of Ivy Block and Tecnu, some of the best poison ivy preventives. If you have had serious problems in the past, you may want to consult your physician to see about getting preventive shots prior to coming to camp. If you don't know whether or not you are sensitive, assume you are.
- Treat poison ivy as though you are being exposed to nuclear radiation. Understand that the oil from the leaves is what causes the rash and that you can get it from the leaves, clothing that has brushed against it whether you or someone else is exposed.
- Just because you are not sensitive, be careful where you sit because your clothing will deposit the oils on anything it touches. When someone sits at a table after showering and now wearing shorts and t-shirt, and a previous occupant sat there in their contaminated o-gear, then the person who is sensitive is now exposed.
- After being exposed, peel your clothing off yourselves, turning your exposed clothing inside out. Then put it in a plastic bag where it should remain until you have washed it in hot soapy water. Remember that it will be on your shoes and gaiters, so be very careful.
- The medical staff can only treat your rashes with OTC benadryl, Calamine lotion and other topical ointments. Read up on how you need to treat yourselves because that is the best bet.
- Water and Camelbacks: All participants need to carry water with them at all times. Carrying a water bottle is not acceptable. You need to have a "hands-free" method of carrying water. There will be no water on the course; only at start/finish.
- Footcare: Take care of your feet. Don't expect the medical staff to take care of them for you. They will be handling only severe cases. Moisture and friction are your enemies. Bring plenty of dry socks and extra shoes. Wear sandals/flip flops during your off time to air out your feet. Watch for hotspots on your feet and take preventive measures before you wind up with painful blisters.
- Bridges: The water is up and crossing water may be dicy. Guidance from the Camp Commander is:
- Suspension Bridge: Walking only, no running. No limit on the number of people on the bridge. No jumping or diving off of the bridge.
- Monkey Bridge: One at a time if you decide to use it.
There will be an additional update or two prior to the beginning of TJOC, so come back to the website (http://tjoc.us) and keep yourself informed.
Major Larry Vidinha, SFC Duane Adams, and Erica Urich
