NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

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Please read the post below, then let us know: Which option are you most likely to attend?

Poll ended at February 28th, 2013, 8:32 pm

flip rocks and AC in Riverside County in March to find snakes and lizards
10
83%
hike Borrego Palm Canyon in mid-April to photo lizards
2
17%
 
Total votes: 12

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SurfinHerp
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NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by SurfinHerp »

For all you NAFHA parents here in California...

Your CA Chapter Officers have been developing plans for a NAFHA Kids' Day event to be held in Southern California this Spring. Before we finalize anything, we want input from members with kids ages 5-17.

At this point, we're trying to decide between two different alternatives. One alternative is to spend a few hours somewhere in western Riverside County flipping rocks and AC with the kids, in hopes of finding a variety of snakes, lizards and perhaps salamanders. We're thinking of doing this sometime in mid to late March.

A second option is to take a group hike up Borrego Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, photographing mainly lizards, while hoping to spot a snake or two along the way. The date we have in mind for this option is Sat. April 13th, from 10am - 2pm.

We'd like to find out how many of you are interested in attending a Kids' Day event, and which one of these options you'd prefer. Of course, if you have any other ideas in mind, we'll take them into consideration as well.

Please take a minute to post a reply and share your thoughts!

Thanks a lot,

Jeff
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Thanks a lot for getting the ball rolling on this, Jeff :thumb:

Just to be clear: This is NOT a poll for ALL voting members. The idea is to gauge interest among those of you who have children ages 5-17. Kids' Day, if there is one, will be open only to members with children. So, please vote only if you are a parent of at least one child in that age range. Thank you.

Well, let's hear your comments.

Thanks,

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by hellihooks »

While I don't have any kids in that age range (that I know of :crazyeyes: ) at past kid's day events, I have brought kids who wanted to go, who weren't my kids. Bring a kid...get in free? :crazyeyes: :lol: :lol: jim

Also... plenty of us OG's have grandkids...I think if you limit it to only parents/kids... it will be a small turnout. jim
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

Flip boards, I have enough spots to keep you guys busy, plus boards are FUN for them. Rocks are hard to turn for kids..



I will provide the spots.. They will not be reveled online at anytime.

Fundad
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Jim, very good point, I guess we (Jeff and I) hadn't thought of grandparents or other (older) folks who might be able to bring a kid. Sorry. :?

So, if you or anyone else wants to bring a grandchild or a child of a friend, neighbor or whatever (no kidnapping, please :lol: ), that's perfectly fine. I was thinking that, maybe, your friend Carmen's boy (I forget his name) may be able to go (?).

In any event, you are more than welcome to join us on Kids' Day, kid or no kid. As the ex-EDU officer and veteran herp talk specialist, Kids' Day wouldn't be all it can be without you. :thumb:

In general, I apologize if I struck a negative tone when setting up limits on Kids' Day. As some of you know, the last Kids' Day (which predates my own NAFHA days) was a disaster because there were no limits on who could attend, spots were trashed, snakes collected, etc. All I want to make sure is that we won't have a repeat performance of that.

So, if there are people who still feel left out, by all means, please speak up. We ought to be able to accommodate everyone, as long as we bear in mind that the focus is on kids that day.

Thanks for understanding!

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

Six people voted, please tell us who you are and the age of your kids.

Fundad
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Kent VanSooy »

Maybe I can get my daughter to let me bring my grandson! I like the ideas of boards better than rocks - the rocks provide way too many opportunities for rattlers to hide.
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

The kids turn every board.... Thats the deal.. No adult should turn anything, unless its too heavy.

Fundad
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by SurfinHerp »

I totally agree with Fundad's rule: kids lift every board! I should have mentioned that.

I voted for flipping in Riverside. My two boys are age 5 and 7. We're going to hike Borrego Palm Canyon April 13th regardless, and it would be great to take them on an outing to flip boards in March too.
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Like Jeff, I voted for flipping boards in Riverside, but also plan on being in Anza Borrego State Park April 13.

My son Nicholas is 10 now and he still loves flipping boards, which we rarely do. I think for kids in general, boards are a good, fun introduction to field herping. At least until they realize one day that snakes normally don't live under boards and you actually have to look for them. :lol:

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by nightdriver »

My girls are 7 and 10....I'm pretty sure :?

I don't know if I could actually get them to flip anything. But I could probably talk them into going.....and they'll usually hold anything with four legs or less :)

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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by hellihooks »

RobertH wrote:I was thinking that, maybe, your friend Carmen's boy (I forget his name) may be able to go (?).
Robert
Yeah... I know Caden will want to go, and Carmen has several other kids as well. And I was gonna bring the son of a friend of mine, who's always wanted to go herping... he's about ten, as well.. :thumb: jim
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

For every kid in attendance we will have to have a waiver signed by their parents at the event, there will also be no exceptions to this rule either..

Sorry to be the bad guy, but here are the rules

Rule 1. Waiver must be signed in advance.
Rule 2. Boots, Jeans, and Gloves required.
Rule 3. Kids turn every board, unless to heavy. And no a piece of cardboard isn't to heavy. :lol:
Rule 4. This is a kids only event, If you're a NAFHA member, you will only be allowed to attend if you bring
a kid or kid's (their parents too if applicable)
Rule 5. Every board goes back in the same exact spot properly.
Rule 6. kids over 16 must have a fishing license.
Rule 7. Collecting is NEVER allowed at NAFHA events.

Now that the rules are done with, have fun with it and them..

Fundad
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by hellihooks »

Is there any way we can download/print the waivers, ourselves... so we can bring them, already filled out.
Also... we should get data collection sheets, and pencils... part of this should be teaching the kids to collect data... :thumb: Extra cameras couldn't hurt either.. :thumb: jim
And, though it should go without saying... make sure the kids understand that data is the only thing that gets collected. jim
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

Thanks for the reminder about collecting, I added another rule.. Sorry to be the bad guy here..

Robert has the waivers.. He or I can email them..

Fundad
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by hellihooks »

There's no 'bad guy' to it... rules are necessary, and need to be detailed. We all understand it's your (and other officers) job to put them out there. Kid's Day has always been one of my favorite events, and I'm glad to see it return.... :thumb:
Me n Bill... K-day, 09... :D
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Shoe... ya dumb lizard... :crazyeyes:
Image
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'desert-phase' Helli walked by my son Trevor and Justine: (Lemm crapped a brick... :lol: )
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So Yeah... just cause we're flipping boards does NOT mean we won't see crotes... not only possibly under boards, but out on the crawl, as well... :shock: Extra EXTRA care must be taken... :beer:
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Thanks, Brian, for bringing up the issue of waivers.

I suggest that we have attendees sign and return waivers before the event. That way, there are no problems later and we also have an exact head count.

So, for those who want to attend, please pm me, Jeff or Brian, and we'll then e-mail you the waiver form (or rather forms, since a waiver will need to be signed for each parent and child). You can return waivers by e-mail (pdf attachment), fax or regular mail.

Thanks,

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

I have a friend (non herper) with two boys that said he wants to attend.

Fundad
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Great, so far we have:

1. Jeff + 2 kids
2. Me + 1 kid
3. Nightdriver + 2 kids
4. Jim + 1 or 2 kids
5. Kent + 1 kid (pending daughter's approval)
6. Fundad's friend + 2 kids

That's about 10 kids, not bad :)

If you are interested in bringing a kid or kids to Kids' Day and aren't listed yet, please let us know who you are, so we can add you to the list.

Thanks,

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by nightdriver »

Hmmmmm boots. I'll have to start looking for something pink and durable :?

-nightdriver
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Kent VanSooy »

She let me take them before, so the chances are good I can grab the older one (although scorpions weren't particularly appreciated....)

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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Mike Waters »

why is it 5-17? does that mean my 3 year old is not welcome? If it is on a saturday i will be there, with both kids, 3 and 5. Unless 3 year olds cant go.

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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Jeff Lemm »

Depending on the date, I am in with Matty (10) and maybe Garrett (5)
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by SurfinHerp »

Thanks for your replies everyone!

Looks like lifting boards somewhere in Riverside County is clearly the most popular option.

Now, I suppose we should try to firm up a date.

I suggest either Saturday March 16th or Sat. March 23rd, starting around 9:30 am. I'm probably OK with either date.
Does anyone prefer one of those dates over the other?


Mike - it should be fine to bring your 3 year old son along. You'll probably just have to put in a little extra effort to help him keep up with the group and stay safe.
I only stated age 5 since it's hard to plan an event for children younger than that. (I don't know many kids under 5 that can hike Borrego Palm Canyon, but that's pretty much a moot point now). There's no strict age limit as far as I'm aware.

Jeff
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by hellihooks »

I like the 16th...(or 8th) the 23rd is when they're having that event in AZ that I (and possibly others) might want to attend. Previous Kids days were (at least 1) in Feb... depending on the conditions... late March might be a little late for prime conditions.
2 ideas I'm just throwing out there 1) invite AZ (not much further than some of us will drive) and 2) some type of prizes for the Kid(s) that collect the most data (3-9, 10-14, 15 up?) :D jim
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Post by Mike Waters »

You mean we have to watch our own kids? My three year old could out hunt half the adult members of this chapter. Lol
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Post by Fundad »

Late March is Better for Riverside... "trust me"

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Post by hellihooks »

Fundad wrote:Late March is Better for Riverside... "trust me"

Fundad
I'm sure you'd know better than I. But, as I said, I hope to be in AZ on the 23rd... So I vote for the 16th jim
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Post by Fundad »

The last week in March 30 th? Best imo.
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Post by hellihooks »

That'll work for me, as well. put a poll up, perhaps? jim
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Nick and I would be available March 16, 23 or 30. So we don't have a preference.

Since March 16 maybe a bit early and March 23 conflicts with the AZ event, why don't we tentatively plan for March 30, Fundad's recommendation, and ask those who want to attend whether that day would work for them? Then, if it turns out that the 30th won't work for a substantial number of people, we could always try for another day.

I don't think doing a poll is a good way to go because people will likely have different preferences (and not just because they can't make the other two dates) and I'd expect to see an equal spread of votes among the three days.

Robert
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Post by nightdriver »

Just to toss this into the mix. It might not be a great idea to do it the weekend before the proposed Tejon Ranch trip.....not sure my wife will let me disappear 2 weekends in a row :( .....I think Todd B. had also mentioned something about a possible March trip??

I could be misremembering :roll:

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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by SurfinHerp »

I vote for holding Kids' Day on Sat. March 23rd. Not sure what event is going on in AZ that weekend.

I can't attend on March 9th or March 30th. My family's going to Mexico for a wedding from 3/25-4/1.

Also, since it seems as though our group is getting fairly large, I feel it's not a good idea to invite another chapter. It's up to Fundad though, since he's selecting the locales for the event and has a better idea of what to expect.
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Todd told me, inofficially, that there is a Tejon Ranch trip April 6. I don't know whether that is still a valid date.

In any event, since Jeff cannot make March 30, and he's the main organizer of the event, we should look at March 16 and 23.

I agree with Jeff that inviting the AZ chapter seems overly ambitious and will complicate the planning even further. It looks like we'll have plenty of people coming out as it is. I am especially excited that Mike Waters will come all the way from Bakersfield, and that Jeff Lemm will come all the way from SD.

So, what about March 16 or 23? I know Jim wants to go to the event in AZ on the 23rd (which event?), so he'll want the 16th. Anyone else have a conflict with either date?

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Fundad »

I have plans on the weekend of the 16th.. But the kid I would bring herps every other weekend with me, so he won't miss much.
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by Jeff Lemm »

I have some work on the 16th, but need to check the 23rd (my wife might not want me gone on my bday, but we'll see)
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by hellihooks »

My trip to AZ would have been strictly for my benefit... and this would be Devin's 1st herping experience, and I promised I'd take him. AZ ain't going anywhere... :crazyeyes:
No thoughts on awarding prizes, for best data collected? I don't have a portable GPS, but I'm bringing my temp gun and hydrometer... :thumb: jim
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Well, it looks to me as if we ought to settle on March 23. Anyone opposed?

Thanks,

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by barryv »

Hi..... I have two boys ages 9 and 12. If there is still room, we are keen to join you. Anywhere, anytime, rocks or ac....we're keen. Thanks. Barry
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by RobertH »

Barry, there is plenty of room at this point and you're welcome to join us with your kids.

Thanks for your interest,

Robert
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Re: NAFHA parents: we want your input on a Kids' Day event

Post by barryv »

Thanks Robert. We are fired up!
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