Go Big. Then go home.
A couple of touch points from last night’s presentation at the Gauteng Rovers Council. When putting together your next adventure, always keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be up a mountain, it doesn’t have to death-defying and you don’t absolutely need a beard…but it always helps.
The 5 Bums on the park bench
Keep it simple and remember the 5 bums (w) on the bench (H).
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY AND HOW.
WHO
Consider each person’s suitability to the trip you are planning before bringing them on board. But inversely, consider planning the adventure to suit the team you are working with.
WHAT
Here’s fun bit. Do something for the first, put a spin on an existing route or destination, go high, go far, go wild, weird and whacky…as long as you go.
Use SMART Go when looking at the objectives of your planned trip. Make sure that everyone in the team is 110% on-board, from the start and know what is expected of them physically, financially and mentally.
SPECIFIC – Having clear-cut objectives will aid every aspect of the plan from the preparation, the planning and also when looking for support or funding.
MEAURABLE – Measurable goals are important. How else will you know if you succeeded at what you set out to do. There is a massive difference between “running the Comrades marathon” and just going to “Going for a jog in Durban”.
ATTAINABLE – Be realistic when considering where you are going or doing. The first Rover Crew to land on the moon sounds incredible but let’s be honest, it’s not within reach. But, there is a fine line between pushing the limits and setting yourself up for failure.
RELEVANT – Depending what you are doing and why, make sure it is relevant and that it is relevant to the people involved, those supporting the trip and also within the realm of what Scouting is about. Maybe rethink your EuroTrip to go watch Cannibal Corpse live in concert.
TIME BASED – Set dates and stick to them. Remember, “one day” never comes.
WHERE
Where? Anywhere! As mentioned in the presentation, we live on the most interesting, challenging and enthralling planet in the known Universe. I suggest you participate. As an Everest climber I can confidently say that the sky isn’t really the limit. #justsaying. That being said, you don’t need to jet off to Nepal to have a good time. South Africa has a Million things to see and do. Just ask the Google machine.
WHEN
Each expedition will be more suited to a time of year or season. Do the relevant research. Alaska in winter is not fun…ever.
Timing also becomes important if there is money to be saved, funds to be raised, training to be done and logistics to be organised. But don’t set a goal for 2043, because people will lose interest and you’ll probably have a plastic hip by then.
WHY
The why should answer itself. Let your sense of adventure run wild, think outside of the igloo and attach a reason to your trip. Raise money, awareness, or go to prove it can be done.
You’re doing it to grow your comfort zone, grow as a person, but if someone else can benefit from it – make that difference.
HOW
Google it. Youtube it. Tweet about it. Ask someone who has done it, or something similar. Research it, break it down into baby steps and consider the resources you have…but more importantly, be resourceful.
Each trip is different but start simple, write yourself 10 questions about the idea and start there.
Buy the air tickets (to the right place) and the rest falls into place.
ADDITIONAL POINTS
Pack your big balls.
Find the edge of your comfort zone and start from there.
As Rovers, remember Service. Service to yourself – grow yourself at the University of Hard Knocks, and service to those who can learn or be inspired by you.
So in a nutshell. Go Big, then go home. And good luck. If anyone would like to contact us regarding a trip or expedition in the making – please do!
In closing, Scouting will not succeed or grow from a bunch of posters or brochures. Go shout a message of what we do and do it from a mountain top.
Yours in Scouting,
Robby Kojetin & Warren Eva
@EverestRob
@WarrenEva2
www.robby.co.za
