Presentations a good thing?

WGA Friend Joined: 2005-09-07 Posts: 58

I mentioned in another thread that I did a presentation for the local scout council on GPSr's and Geocaching. It went over really, really well and folks really seemed to enjoy it. I got thank you emails and a few have even joined the Geocaching site and are out finding caches. But, apparently I did so well that they now want me to come back and do more presentations at some sort of training session in January. I've been asked to do two more 50-minute presentations.

Here's the thing- I don't represent Geocaching.com or the Wisconsin Association. I'm not on any board of directors…nothing. Just a guy with a GPSr and 50 finds. Is there any reason I shouldn't do these presentations? Does the WGA have folks that would rather handle this? I don't mind doing these; I already have the presentation set up and ready to go from last time. I made it very clear I didn't represent Geocaching or the WGA- that I was just sharing my experiences.

Am I helping out or causing a problem?

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:30 pm

You must be doing something right, so go with it. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know there aren't any set ways of "teaching" Geocaching. Everyone I know has either cached with someone who was a member of Groundspeak, or went to a presentation put on by someone like you. I think it's awesome that you excited people enough to make them want to be a part of the craziness. If the scouts want you to do it again...go for it!

If not for people like you, people like me would never have begun Geocaching. I applaud you for your efforts.

MB

Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:05 pm

Ditto the Major!

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:12 am

quote:
Originally posted by ForeFeathers:
... I made it very clear I didn't represent Geocaching or the WGA- that I was just sharing my experiences.
...

How would it be any different if they had asked you to talk about bowling, or kite flying, etc. We all have the right to talk about the things we take an interest in; to share our experiences, our adventures. It sounds like you have been doing a wonderful job. Keep spreading that enthusiasm. ~tb

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 5:50 am

quote:
Originally posted by ForeFeathers:
[B]
Here's the thing- I don't represent Geocaching.com or the Wisconsin Association. I'm not on any board of directors…nothing. Just a guy with a GPSr and 50 finds.
B]

Even if you are not on the board, you ARE the WGA, everyone that is a member here that is out there doing great things like you are, is out there representing the WGA...We are glad to have you.

Education is the key to our continued success. I, as a board member appreciate everyone that is out there making a good name for our membership. I say-if you don't mind doing it, keep it up!!!

Ms. WISearcher

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 10:16 am

quote:
Originally posted by Ms. WISearcher:
Even if you are not on the board, you ARE the WGA,...
Ms. WISearcher

Ahhhh...finally...
Spoken like a true leader!

Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:43 pm

quote:
Originally posted by ForeFeathers:
.....apparently I did so well that they now want me to come back and do more presentations at some sort of training session in January.

.... I don't represent Geocaching.com or the Wisconsin Association. I'm not on any board of directors…nothing. Just a guy with a GPSr and 50 finds.......

Sounds like you did an excellent job, and as Ms WISearcher states you DO represent the WGA, since you are a member here. When Digital_Dan & I did a Geocaching exhibit/demo at OwlFest at Woodland Dunes, earlier this month, we told people we were reps/members of the WGA.

We peaked alot of interest in some and a little interest in many. Since then, I, too, have been asked to offer a class in the winter months, at Woodland Dunes. I am not sure where you are located, though probably far away from me, but if there is some interest from people in the Manitowoc, TR/Sheboygan area... tell them to watch the event listings!

Otherwise... GO FOR IT!!

... have a lot of fun, share your adventures, funny/frustrating/ head-scratching experiences {I have had a few of those lately}and I am sure you could find others, from our fine group, to help ya out!!

[This message has been edited by Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu (edited 10-25-2005).]

WGA Friend Joined: 2005-09-07 Posts: 58

Ok- will do presentations. Now I'm doing another one at work. It just seems a little strange to be participating in an intersting activity that is a group activity where you never/ haven't met anybody else in the group.

It feels odd?

So it then feels odd to stand in front of 20-30 people or more explaining the activity. You feel like you're a part of it one way- but not a part at all in another.

I'm not sure I'm writing what I mean to say.

But it's time for lunch.

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:18 pm

quote:
Originally posted by ForeFeathers:
So it then feels odd to stand in front of 20-30 people or more explaining the activity. You feel like you're a part of it one way- but not a part at all in another.

I'd put that on your resume ... you've got a bright future in government work.

WGA Friend Joined: 2005-09-07 Posts: 58

The Scout presentations went well. 37 folks attended the two 50 minute presentations. I had many people come up to me afterwards and later on in the day and say they'd always wanted to try geocaching but never got around to looking into how to get started. I'm sure there will be at least a few more folks out in the woods soon. I also ran into four people who told me that they picked up a GPSr for Christmas after the last presentation and some of them have 25 finds already.

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:27 pm

It sounds like it went very well, Kudos!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:49 am

I have a presentation this weekend... aka a classevent for Geocaching 101 and learning about the GPSr itself. I enjoy teaching and I am hoping to do more presentations or have a table at local events, such as our OwlFest, to promote and educate more people about the sport. We are lookin at almost 40 people incuding several veteran cachers. I'm all for pesentations!!

Have tri-fold board, class handout and Geocaching/WGA self-made flyers.....will travel!!

WGA Friend Joined: 2005-09-07 Posts: 58

I was surprised by how much interest there is when you explain exactly how to go about getting involved. I had many people come up to me in between sessions with more questions and comments. Talking about actually using a GPSr is a good thing too. My presentation was less about that and more about geocaching. But I had a number of people show up with their GPSr in hand asking questions. If I was asked to do something like this again I would suggest doing a workshop on using a GPSr. I had folks there that were in the "I bought one but never figured out how to use it" group. The PowerPoint worked great because I had quite a few photos of some of the beautiful areas geocaching had brought us to over the summer.

I felt it was worth my time and effort. Good luck with your presentation!

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 8:59 pm

For this class, I was asked to be geared towards HOW to use the GPSr and throw in fun stuff to do with it, so they get a 2fer! LOL I am NOT getting too heavily involved in HOW it works, but a review & giving them info and sites to visit for more info. Each class can be modified based on the need. That's the kewl thing.

Joined: 2002-02-18 Posts: 3399 Location: West Allis, Wi

I think it's great to have a group of members giving presentations. We've had many people give classes and demonstrations over the past couple years.

I wonder if it would be helpful to have a forum for "presenters" to exchange ideas and information. What works, what didn't work, what to say, what not to say. Learn from each other's success.

We have several PowerPoint's available for download that various members have created. It might be good to have everyone submit their PowerPoints as a resource pool for anyone giving a class.

Those of you who are making these presentations might event want to make a checklist of different things to include in the presentation.

Lastly, I think it would be nice for the WGA to back you and provide other resources if needed.

------------------
"There are two kinds of hunting: ordinary hunting and grouse hunting."
-Aldo Leopold, A sand county Almanac

Brian
WGA President
Grousetales at wi-geocaching dot com
KC9GMW

[This message has been edited by GrouseTales (edited 02-03-2006).]