More Fun and Games

Introduction to Geocaching

Geocaching is a high tech scavenger hunt.  Enthusiasts hide containers for other geocachers to find.  The coordinates are posted on line for members to download to a GPS.  Once found, open the container, sign the log and replace it for the next geocacher.  It is not always as easy as it sounds. Caches can be very small, artistically camouflaged and cleverly hidden.  Or they might be as big as an ammo can and out in the open.  Also, GPS has a margin of error that means you might need to be looking in a 30 ft radius.

If you would like to learn more about it go to geocaching.com.  If it interests you, create a user name for yourself (I recommend a short one because sometimes you have to print it on very small logs) and download the application.  It does not cost anything for an introductory level membership.  You will soon discover there are many geocaches around and near the UR campus! 

The weather forecast for Saturday looks like it will be a nice day to be outside!  If you don't have plans to attend the football game consider geocaching instead. I will be at MelioraFest from 11:30 to 2 p.m. and will be happy to get you started.  Others who are already experienced geocachers may be available at MelioraFest to create a team of geocachers . . . the more eyes searching, the better.

I am hoping to hide a few caches that go with the NROTC Reunion theme so stay tuned for more information.

Sara

Fun and Games

NROTC Bingo

 On Friday afternoon I will distribute NROTC-customized bingo cards that will jog your memories, spark sea stories and break the ice throughout the weekend.  Spouses and children are welcome to play.  Similar to Bingo, the game is played by finding someone who fits the description in the block and asking them to initial it off (just like PQS). A card is complete when 5 blocks in a row (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) have been initialed by a former UR NROTC or the spouse. (A sample card is pictured below.)

Each year the UR NROTC unit sends teams to Cornell and Villanova to participate in Military Excellence Competitions (MEC) that demonstrate performance in platoon drill, trick drill, color guard, swimming, 10K, ironman etc.  A registration fee is required to compete but cannot be paid from the Commanding Officer's budget.  The midshipmen normally raise funds through activities such as the Ship's Store (which you will see on Friday afternoon) and then cover any remaining fees out of pocket.

A donation of $20 is suggested for 3 NROTC Bingo cards.  Completed cards will be entered in a drawing for prizes to be held at the All Hands Dinner.

Shuttle Bus Schedule and Map

The map and schedule for bus service between hotels and campus has been finalized and posted. 

https://www.rochester.edu/melioraweekend/documents/MelioraWeekend2015_Map_Final.pdf

NROTC Unit Fundraiser

To raise a donation to make to the Midshipman Battalion we will offer an opportunity to play an NROTC customized Bingo game throughout the weekend. Instead of B5, for example, you might need to find someone who was a Submariner while on active duty.  For those who plan to attend the All Hands Reunion, I invite you to send me (BY SEPARATE MESSAGE to urnrotc@gmail.com) any unusual duty assignments you had, equipment you operated (e.g. first to break the sound barrier), operation you participated in, unique qualification, etc.

Only 48 Hours . . .

On-line registration for the UR NROTC All Hands Reunion events closes at noon on Friday, Oct 2.  If you haven't done so already, please register today! Looking forward to see you there!

A Question about Children

I got a question about whether children can attend the Saturday night dinner.  Children are welcome and, depending on age, a special child's meal will be offered at no cost.  There should be an option for  registering children at the meliora weekend website.  If you have already registered for yourself but not your child(ten) please contact me at urnrotc@gmail.com.
Sara

All Hands Reunion Events

The last day to register for reunion events is Friday, October 2.
Go to www.rochester.edu/melioraweekend/ to sign up and pay.

Here's an update of the events planned for former NROTC Midshipmen and their guests

Friday 4:30 to 6 p.m.  Leadership Panel Discussion (Bausch and Lomb Hall)

Friday 6 to 7:30 p.m.  Reception (Rush Rhees Library)

Friday 7 p.m. till ?  Meet and Greet at DoubleTree Hotel restaurant (1111 Jefferson Road)

Saturday 9:30 a.m  Veteran's Memorial Grove rededication

Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  MelioraFest lunch on Wilson Quad (Pre-pay or food vans)

Saturday  2 p.m. till ?  Geocaching . . . bring your own GPS or application.  Learn at geocaching.com.

Saturday  7 to 9:30 p.m.  NROTC All Hands Reunion Dinner

Saturday Post Party Residence Inn (1300 Jefferson Road) BYOB and snacks