TJOC Update #2
- Washers & Dryers: There will be washers and dryers available; however, it costs $1.00 to wash and $1.00 to dry. We will provide the soap powder; but you will have to bring your own quarters. This will be vital for those who are sensitive to poison ivy.
- Notebooks/Sharpies: All participants should bring a three ring binder (1 - 1.5") to put handouts, maps, etc. in. You should also bring 5-10 sheet protectors with you so you can do your own course critiques. If you don't know how to do that, we will be teaching you. You will also need to bring an ultra-fine sharpie so you can trace over your route choices.
- Written Diagnosic O: All intermediates and advanced participants will be given a written diagnostic O exam upon arrival to camp. This will help us assess your weaknesses and design remedial training. You may wish to prepare for this by taking the IOF symbols quiz by going to "Training Tools" located on the bottom left of the TJOC website. Additionally you need to be familiar with all aspects of clue sheets, how to measure distance, how to take a bearing off a map, familiarity with such orienteering terms as: attack point, collecting feature, staying in contact with the map, re-entrant, spur, erosion gully, relocating, etc. Be prepared so you don't spend what little free time you have going over all of this stuff in the classroom.
- Inprocessing: Upon arrival, you will go to the Beck Conference Center (this is where the headquarters was for the Red River Ramble last November). At that time you will register your epunch (for those of you without, you will be assigned one) and receive your dorm assignment and your mentor/mentee assignments. You will receive your t-shirts (hats also for staff and elite) and a registration packet with your bibs, clue sheets, training schedule (subject to change) IOF clue symbol explanations, map bags for use throughout the week, etc. Only after you register will you be allowed to check into the dorm which is about a 2-3 minute walk from the Beck Center.
- Medications: If you are on any sort of medication, whether it is prescription or non-prescription, you will have to meet with the Camp Nurse, Gina Garza, at the Beck Center when you register. She will have access to a myriad of over the counter medications and potions to treat everything from diarrhea to headaches. She will determine whether or not you should have the medications on your person, or get them from her. If you need a note of explanation about your medications, you may wish to get a note from your doctor or parent to help Ms. Garza understand exactly what you are taking the medications for.
- Social Committee: This has not been well developed and may be one of those impromptu things. Allix Johnson from La Porte will initially take charge of this. If anyone has a karaoke machine, karaoke tapes, etc please let her know at 832-640-7004. There will be the traditional dance on Friday at TJOC so you may want to bring one nice set of clothes.
- Food/Chow: Unlike previous TJOCs we are not in control of the dining facility. We will be meeting their schedule and eat what is on their menu. It is possible we will supplement their food with snacks and or/drinks; however, this is yet to be developed. If you wish to bring your own stash of snacks, that will be alright; however, you will not be allowed to keep them in the dorms. Be prepared to share with others. You may utilize the small conference rooms that are attached to the dorms.
- JROTC Training: At this time, this is being coordinated by Major Mike Conner from A.J. Moore. Tentatively rappelling, drownproofing and a leadership reaction course is planned; however, this is subject to change based on weather, availability and the fatigue factor of us "older" folks.
- General Rules:
- Remember you are coming to TJOC to orienteer. Your attitude is key as is your preparation. Bring all of the items on the list.
- Socializing will be restricted to the small conference rooms attached to the dorms, the Beck Center and the Dining Facility. All other locations will be approved on a case by case basis by the cadre and chaperones. If you are planning a romantic, moonlit stroll down by the water - FORGET ABOUT IT!!
- NO PDAs (public displays of affection)
- Texas UIL Zero Tolerance Policy is in affect (no drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc)
- Remember all of the adults are unpaid volunteers. Let them know you appreciate what they do so you can become a better orienteer.
- Cell phones will not be allowed during our training day — consult your training schedule. Do not bring them with you to training. If you do, they will be confiscated and you can see the Camp Commander or one of the JROTC cadre to get them back.
- Don't bring any high dollar items that you cannot afford to lose. The dorms don't have locks and there are no doors on the rooms. Other than using the washer and dryer, there really is no need for spending money. You will not be going into town.
- Be prepared for any additional rules or changes to rules as dictated by the JROTC cadre.
For more information, see update #1 as well.
There may or may not be another update prior to TJOC, so come back to the website (http://tjoc.us) and keep yourself informed.
Major Larry Vidinha, SFC Duane Adams, and Erica Urich: Your orienteering training committee coordinators.
