2005 Camp Shopbot schedule...

[billp]

Now that we have completed the Jamboree, we're trying to set up the yearly schedule for the regional Camp Shopbots. I've just sent out a short note to those people who have previously hosted Camps, and a few people who have offered to become hosts as well. If you have previously contacted me and did NOT get this note, please re-send your information and I'll get it out to you.
In short we are trying to expand the Camp concept this year, and we'd like to start finding more locations which would work for us. In the "ideal" situation we'd be able to provide a Camp within a few hours drive of most owners. Obviously this may not be possible for everyone, but we're looking to see who is out that that would be willing to participate.
In the past we've had Camps in Canada, New Jersey, Vermont, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, and Southern California. This leaves a LOT of wide open areas on the map and we'd now like to see what we can do about covering the country a little better.
In addition it's been suggested that we consider offering some "regional training" to go along with a few of these Camps. This would make it easier for people who can't get away from their shops for a trip to Durham, but would like to participate in some structured sessions. This idea is still in it's early stages so I don't have all the specifics yet, but I'm thinking we'd "tag on" a few days to a regional Camp, and turn it into a 3 day event. 1-1/2 to 2 days of training, followed by the Camp itself. This would allow people to step in at the level they feel most comfortable, and maximize their time.
What would help us tremendously would be some feedback on YOUR part. First we'd like to hear from people that would consider being Camp "hosts". In the best case scenario this would mean that you have a shop that would accomodate anywhere from 15-50 people for lectures, and deomnstrations. If you have a 'Bot in your garage it would probably be awkward to have a large group of people walking through your house to use the facilities, etc. so "commercial" spaces usually work better, but each location will be looked at independently.
It would also mean that we'd ask you to handle some basic communications with people planning to attend, such as sending out directions, maps, finding a list of local motels/hotels, etc.
Shopbot will cover the basic expenses of running these Camps, and that usually includes rental of chairs for lectures, photocopying handouts, and a coffee/donut breakfast, and pizza lunch (unless you have something regional which might be more appropriate, or just bad pizza where you live...).
Some hosts have worked out tight time schedules, while others have opted to see what the attendees are looking for (in advance... waiting until 35 people show up and THEN asking, is asking for "issues".). And obviously we'd ask that the host be prepared to give a very brief talk explaining HOW they use their machine/software in their shop.
If you think you'd like to host a Camp please contact me in the very near future. Scheduling these sessions is usually the most difficult part of the process. It seems that everyone thinks that September would be the best time in their neighborhood. Of course September is nice everywhere! We'd probably try to accomodate those in areas where they have a limited "travel season" and then work around them.
Also we'd like to hear what you think about the regional training idea, and what you think might be benficial to most people in your area...Thanks

[billp]

More 2005 Camp info..
I have received a number of inquiries since my earlier posting about the upcoming Camp schedule. We've had offers from some new hosts, in new locations, and we're close to working out the time frames for those people who have indicated they would like to run a Camp this season.
I am going to attach two quick maps which show previous, and "proposed" new Camp locations so everyone can see where we are in this process.
There are some obvious "gaps" which we'd like to fill in,particularly in the Southern, and Western portions of the country. (Denver,Salt Lake City, New Orleans, Phoenix, Memphis, Boise, Eugene would help fill in a LOT of empty map space...)
As mentioned above, we don't expect the host to "carry" the Camp. We'll provide info, materials, and staffing. We're just looking for a few more locations to facilitate access for everyone.
Some of the proposed locations are close to one another, and we'll be sorting out the most practical sites very soon. And we may even try to move some Camps from one shop to another on an annual basis so everyone can see how other people are running their machines.
And we are still looking for feedback regarding specific areas of interest we can incorporate into some of the camps. One suggestion we are looking to develop is an expanded version of the "Shopbot as a business" session we did at this year's Jamboree. It went over very well, and so we're thinking of trying to do TWO specialized Camps, one in the East (Durham), and one in the West (?).
We are also working on some proposals for "specialty Camps", such as ; boatbuilding, cabinet making, sign making,etc. where the entire Camp process would be devoted to ONE specific topic. This would work well for those who use their 'Bot for a singular purpose, and also for people who might want to look into these areas as potential endeavors. We need feedback from you to make them happen however....
For those that are interested in knowing more, please contact me soon, so we can try to make the schedules work out best for everyone.
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[billp]

In response to a few questions, here is the beginning of next "season's" Camp Shopbot schedule. This is by NO means complete yet, as we're trying to work out dates and locations in other areas. anyone wishing to know more about becoming a host, or having one in your area please get back to me. Thanks..
Fall 2005
Sept. 16,17,18th -European Camp in Blandford Forum- , Dorset, England
(Host Mike John)

Sept. 23/24th – Kansas Camp Shopbot,-Wichita, Kansas. (Host Gary Beckwith)

October 7/8- Ohio Camp Shopbot,- Marion ,Ohio (Host John Forney)

October 14/15th- Maine Camp Shopbot – Portland, ME., (Host Scott Hinkel)

October 28/29th – New Jersey Camp Shopbot – Toms River, NJ (Host Bill Palumbo)

Proposed 2006 Camps (to date);

Atlanta,GA
Orlando,FL
Austin,TX
3 Rivers,MI
Venice,CA
Ada,OK
Washington State
Vermont
Northern California

[foamcarver]

Hi Bill

I would like to offer to host a camp here in St. Paul/ Minneapolis. I have a 3600sf office/warehouse 15 minutes from Downtown St. Paul with easy freeway access. If you would be interested let me know


Mark

[gerald_d]

Hi Bill

It goes without saying that I am more than prepared to host one in Cape Town, South Africa. We have a ShopBot, space, world-class hotels, stunning scenery, museums, beaches, wine, wildlife, etc., etc.

Even individual guys who want to come and spend a day or two bending our ear and carting boards are also welcome.

[Brady Watson]

Who's attending the European Camp? I was thinking about taking a trip across the pond to see what is going on over there.

Is it still happening? I haven't heard anything about the Euro Camp in some time. Can we get an update?

-Brady

[billp]

Gerald,
Nothing is out of the realm of possibility...The First Camp only had 4 people.....
Mark,
I will contact you off Forum regarding your offer.

[jsfrost]

Mark,
I had previously discussed a camp with Bill P. but my shop is a bit small and lacks restrooms. There is a funnel to the woods for emergencies. If you get a camp going, I would attend. A 90 minute drive might be too much, but I have an ideal location for an evening BBQ and pontoon boat cruise. If you have a larger camp, a lake BBQ could be arranged with a beer bus. I have also been thinking about a one day mini-camp, unofficial and downsized (Camp NotBot?).

My alpha is running pretty well now. If weekends work for you, I can drop by and spend a few hours helping get you going. I have some foam cutout questions you can answer in trade.

Jim

[jsfrost]

Mark,
I had previously discussed a camp with Bill P. but my shop is a bit small and lacks restrooms. There is a funnel to the woods for emergencies.

If you get a camp going, I would attend. A 90 minute drive might be too much, but I have an ideal location for an evening BBQ and pontoon boat cruise. If you have a larger camp, a lake BBQ could be arranged with a beer bus. I have also been thinking about a one day mini-camp, unofficial and downsized (Camp NotBot?).

My alpha is running pretty well now. If weekends work for you, I can drop by and spend a few hours helping get you going. I have some foam cutout questions you can answer in trade.

Jim

[foamcarver]

Jim
I would be interested in talking with you I will email you my phone number nad such so when you get the time call me.

Mark

[davidp]

Why not Sydney. I know there is at least one other shopBot In Sydney and a couple of others in Aus.

We can offer a 110 square metre warehouse/office in a modern Industrial complex less than 1 kilometre from the beach. Sydney has first class dining world class hotels, fine museums and art galleries and of course Sydney Harbour. If you come in summer I can give instructions on the finer points of cricket. The only game in the world that can take five days and not get a result but still be totally absorbing.

Ah well perhaps one day :-)

[billp]

David,
I'm ALL for it. Now we have to work on Shopbot to get them to send me down under...

[garyb]

Don't know if its still there, but after a night at the Cross there's was Harry's pies & peas outside GI for on the way home
David, early March is a good time for a camp, I usually make it home for a few weeks at that time of the year.

[mikejohn]

Is that a 'pie floater' Gary?

[davidp]

March would be a great time in Sydney. The weather is still very warm but the nights are cooler. Cricket is still going, NRL and AFL are in the middle of pre season comps. The Rugby Super 14 is in full swing, the surf is still warm, the beer is always cold and the wine vintage is almost over.

Mike there is always a coldie in the fridge mate, our snags are gourmet and our chooks are organic and the cross is still seedy. However if you want a pie floater you will have to go to Melbourne or points south.

Gary Harry's is still in the same place and still going strong, he even has franchised with several outlets around the country.

To the rest of the forum I am sorry that we have hijacked this thread but if you want to know what Gary, Mike, and I are talking about then you will just have to come on down and find out!!! :-) you are always welcome.

[garyb]

You bet Mike, use to be the best pie floater around back when I lived in Sydney, they use to squesh and strain the peas, slap a large spoon full on top of your pie and add tomato sauce (ketchup to everyone else) Brings back some fond memories. The trick was eating it rather than wearing it!!

David don't forget after the festivies a few relaxing days on the Gold Coast taking in the surf sand and deep sea fishing.

[team08]

Is the one in Portland, ME going to really happen? I have been hoping to be able to go to one of the camps for a while and would love it if one was so close. Is there any contact information for Scott Hinkel? Thanks!

[billp]

Greg, there should be a link to Scott on the Shopbot web page under Camps. YES it is going to happen...

[billp]

I'm leaving in the morning to attend the Kansas Camp. This year I'll try to make ALL of the Camps and get some pix posted from each location. Bill Young and I will work out a link to some sites where we can post both pictures and some narrative of what happens at each Camp. Keep an eye on the Forum and web page for the links...

[bill.young]

Here's a quick preview of what Bill and I are working on for the Camps. The "reporting" part will be done on a Camp blog at campshopbot.blogspot.com (http://campshopbot.blogspot.com), and pictures from the Camps will be posted on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/campshopbot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/campshopbot).
We're beginning to add pictures from past Camps and Bill P. will be adding content "from the road" over the next couple of weeks, so check back often.

Bill

[Brady Watson]

FYI ~ I just spoke to Bill Palumbo. Due to hurricane Rita and airport closures, he is stuck in Chicago and is unable to get to the Kansas camp. He will be heading back east at some point tonight.

Stay tuned for updates.

-Brady

[billp]

Update; I didn't get there. I'll post a little blurb about my stay in the Houston airport when we do full coverage of the Camp on the blog.
In the interim I have spoken with Gary Beckwith a few times and they are forging ahead with the Camp in spite of the travel difficulties. Gary said he's got people there from a number of states, and when I spoke with him last evening they were all sitting around the barbecue after a hard day of 'Botting...
We'll try to get some pix up once we receive them...