Have a question or you just miss us all here at HOBY South Dakota? We are always looking to catch up with our numerous alumni or answer any question you may have. Most answers can be found in our FAQ questions below our form here. If you are unable to locate the answer you seek, please fill out our General Inquiry form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Please allow a couple business days for us to respond.
Welcome! We are always seeking exceptional individuals to join our fun and crazy group of volunteers and help with this outstanding program. If you are interested in offering your time, dedication and service to HOBY South Dakota, drop us a line or jump over to our Volunteers page and see what opportunities we have available and shoot us an application.
Let us answer all those important questions
The 2024 HOBY South Dakota Seminar will be held at the Dakota State University campus in Madison, SD from June 6th-9th.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from all HOBY events. There is a nominal fee to register a student to attend our three- or four-day leadership seminar, but the benefits the student receive far outweigh the cost to attend.
For additional students attending, there may be an additional fee. Each September, all high schools in the U.S. are invited to register sophomores to attend. Ask your school counselor or principal what the selection process is for your school.
Please contact us for more information.
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 around you.
HOBY participants will be assigned to dorm rooms on floors reserved exclusively for HOBY. A few weeks prior to the event, your planning committee will provide instructions on what you need to bring. 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.
If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the entire program you are registered for, 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.
Please follow up without delay because the registration fee is non-refundable.
Once you have been registered you will receive more detailed information about what to bring and what to expect.
Our planning committee will send this information to you approximately 6 weeks before the event – the information may come via US mail or via e-mail, so be sure to watch for it.
Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar and get ready for an OUTSTANDING and memorable experience!
You will be asked to provide information about your medication on program materials sent to you 6-8 weeks prior to the program, as well as provide a doctor’s note with you.
You will also be provided the “Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event“.
Each student is provided with a “What to Bring” packing list included in their program materials. These may vary by program depending on the specific events planned.
Typical items recommended for all overnight programs include: alarm clock, camera, comfortable shoes, shorts and shirts (please meet school acceptability standards and avoid revealing clothing) and any required medication, including over the counter medicine.
HOBY South Dakota provides a HOBY Store for souvenirs. You may also have the opportunity to purchase a photo, slide show or video of your experience while at the seminar.
$20 – 30 is usually ample to cover these types of items.
You will also need to bring bedding, towels, dressy clothes for our closing ceremony.
HOBY Ambassadors are selected and registered by their high school counselors or by a community organization.
Eligibility requirements vary by school so please contact your child’s guidance counselor for details on your school’s HOBY selection process.
Congratulations! Your child will soon receive more detailed information about what to bring and what to expect while they attend HOBY SD.
Our planning committee will send this information to you approximately 6 weeks before the event – the information may come via US mail or via e-mail, so be sure to watch for it.
Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar and get ready for a memorable experience!
Yes, students registered for HOBY SD must be present for the entire event, including overnights for the Leadership Seminars.
If circumstances arise that prevent your child from attending the entire program he/she is registered for, we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend.
Please immediately go to the high school counselor or principal who registered you and inform him/her of your situation.
Please follow up without delay because the registration fee is non-refundable.
Absolutely! HOBY programs have a minimum of one adult (21+) for every 12 students at all times. Students are never left unattended or allowed to walk across campus or the seminar site without supervision.
We discourage having parents present during HOBY programs. This encourages the students to find their own voice and step out of their comfort zone. You may have your child call you to check in via their personal cell phone or public phone. However, phones must be turned off during sessions.
For emergencies, you will receive a contact number to reach HOBY personnel in your program materials. Check-out will be at the end or conclusion of the days activities.
HOBY has strict rules against hazardous activities and use of drugs, tobacco, etc. Students are closely supervised at all times. Most programs have a nurse or EMT on staff for illnesses and emergencies. You will be required to sign a medical release so any required treatment at a local facility is not delayed.
Due to liability issues, HOBY cannot organize car pools or provide transportation to or from the seminar. However, you are free to contact other area schools to arrange for shared transportation with their participants.
HOBY can be a life changing experience for the students who attend. They have been exploring various topics related to leadership and service. They helped run the program by moderating panels, introducing speakers, and holding discussions on the various topics.
They have met students from all over your area who are also future leaders and had an opportunity to question current local business and community leaders. They will most likely be exhausted and exhilarated at the same time and may not have much of a voice left!
You may have dropped off a shy, quiet child. You will probably be picking up an outgoing, ambitious young adult. Encourage your child to share his/her experience at HOBY, as well as pursue what he/she hopes to accomplish as a result of her experience.
Every year, more than 4,000 men and women throughout the country commit their time, energy and talents to planning and executing HOBY’s programs. Volunteers make a significant impact on the lives of HOBY participants, while also having an opportunity to reevaluate their own life goals and objectives, share their experiences, and have fun!
Want to see the impact of HOBY firsthand? Get involved as a student, school, parent, alumna/us, volunteer or support.
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