2025 STATE LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

SEMINAR DETAILS

Each spring, 10,000 high school sophomores from across the country participate in one of HOBY’s 70+ State Leadership Seminars to develop their leadership skills and learn how to apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. The HOBY South Carolina Corporate Board and State Leadership Chairs are proud to announce that for 2025, South Carolina will be hosting a HOBY State Leadership Seminar (LS), designed for high school sophomores.

What are the dates of the seminar?

HOBY South Carolina’s 2025 State Leadership Seminar will be Saturday, May 24th – Monday, May 26th, 2025 at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.

When should my student arrive at the seminar?

Students are assigned a time slot for check-in based on the first initial of their last name.

• 8:00 AM – Last names A-I
• 8:30 AM – Last names J-R
• 9:00 AM – Last names S-Z

Please arrive during your check-in window to ensure a timely check in. If a student is not able to arrive within the assigned check-in time, they will need to contact the Leadership Seminar Chairs at jlivingston@hobysc.org or ewearing@hobysc.org.

When will my student need to be picked up from the seminar?

Students will be picked up on Presbyterian College’s campus on Monday, May 26th. Students are assigned a time slot for check-out based on the first initial of their last name.

• 12:30 PM – Last names A-M
• 1:00 PM – Last names N-Z

What does the registration fee include?

Registration covers all program expenses, lodging in dorm rooms at Presbyterian College, all meals and snacks, HOBY SC t-shirt to be worn on Saturday, and more HOBY swag.

What kind of program is planned? 

During your HOBY Leadership Seminar, many dynamic leaders—all volunteers from the fields of business, education, government, and other professions—will address aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, religion, or way of thinking; but is designed to develop critical thinking skills by actively involving participants in discussions and informal debate. During the seminar, and after being equipped with the tools necessary, you will be asked to undertake a community service project (or projects) within your own community involving at least 100 hours of service during the year following your seminar. The purpose is to make a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or any other environment where you see a need.

What are the accommodations like?

For many students, this is the first time they will experience life on a college campus!

• Participants will be assigned to Presbyterian College suite-style dorm rooms, with two participants per room.
• Each dorm section is reserved exclusively for our seminar.  Each two dorm rooms are connected by a full-bath for sharing between the two rooms.
• Everyone will receive lunch/dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday, for a total of six meals. Snacks and drinks will be provided in between, along with an incredible spread for our Friday Night Social.

What if I need to take medication while I am at the seminar? 

Please provide information about your medication in the Emergency Medical Information and bring the Physician Medication Verification Form with you to the seminar (documents are included in the Emergency Medical Information, which you must complete in addition to this form set). Make sure to read and comply with the Policy for Use of Medication During a HOBY Event.

If necessary, how may I be contacted during the seminar? 

Parents, friends, and family members are discouraged from calling students during the seminar due to the disruption caused to panels and activities. In case of emergency, your parent(s) or guardian may call Jacob Livingston at 843-855-2516 or Erica Wearing at 864-985-9252. The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adults who will be staying at the facility 24 hours a day.

Do students have to attend the entire event?

Yes. Students registered for HOBY SC must be present for the entire event. All participants will have a facilitator (a HOBY volunteer over the age of 21) to help guide them. Limited exceptions will be granted for extenuating circumstances. Please contact jlivingston@hobysc.org or ewearing@hobysc.org as soon as possible.

What if school conflicts with the Seminar?

HOBY SC staff is happy to work with schools and counselors. Please notify jlivingston@hobysc.org or ewearing@hobysc.org if an excuse letter is needed.

Is there a dress code for the event?

HOBY SC requires an overall neat dress code. We ask all participants dress as though they are going to a leadership seminar and not a sport camp. Please see the below guidelines:

What do I need to bring to the seminar?

MANDATORY ITEMS:

• Room Key Deposit in the amount of $150.00 (lost key $125.00, lost key card $15, lost lanyard $10.00). Please fill out the credit card authorization below (cards will not be charged except in the event of lost or damaged keys) or bring a check to the seminar. Please make checks payable to HOBY SC.

• Service Project Items for Project Linus:
  • TWO (2) pieces of 50 – 60″ WOVEN FLEECE Fabric (No knits, no double knits, no velour,  no terry cloth, etc.). Each piece should be 2 yards long.
    □  ONE piece should be a SOLID COLOR Fleece (color of your choice),
    □  The second should be a PATTERNED Fleece that coordinates with the solid piece.  (Can be sports, geometrics, flowers,  animals, etc.)
  • If you are interesting in contributing additional items for the service project, please email the LSCs at jlivingston@hobysc.org or ewearing@hobysc.org.

PERSONAL USE ITEMS:

Personal items brought to the seminar are the responsibility of the owner.

• Prescription Medication – see Prescription Medications Policy*
• OTC Medication as needed (for example, Motrin or Tylenol)
• School appropriate, casual, comfortable clothing – shirts, shorts, jeans/long pants
• Sweatshirt/sweater for indoor sessions
• Sturdy/comfortable shoes
• Rain Jacket, Poncho, or Umbrella
• Sleeping bag and blanket for bed (You may also bring TWIN XL sheets to fit the twin beds in the dorm rooms. Regular Twin Sheets will not fit. However, 2 flat twin sheets would work.)
• Pillow
• Bath Towels, shower shoes/sandals, soap. Shower caddy, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, personal care products
• Spending money for HOBY SC Store Merchandise
• Small backpack/bag for carrying items during the day
• Hair dryer
• Alarm Clock
• Masks
• Hand Sanitizer

If I require special accommodations, is HOBY SC equipped to support me?

Absolutely! HOBY SC will work with students and families to make reasonable accommodations for all participants. Please make sure the “Accessibility and Accommodations” section of the enrollment form is completed accurately and updated as needed so that HOBY staff can assist in a timely and meaningful way. Questions can be sent to the leadership team at jlivingston@hobysc.org or ewearing@hobysc.org.

What transportation methods are in place?

All participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the seminar.  Travel details will be required when completing the electronic PSP.  This is so we are all on the same page of how the participant is arriving on Saturday and departing on Monday.   If there are last minute transportation problems, it is IMPERATIVE that the Leadership Seminar Chairperson (LSC) be notified at jlivingston@hobysc.org or ewearing@hobysc.org.

Can family members come to any portion of the seminar?

HOBY SC will not allow guardians, siblings, or other household members to be present during the Leadership Seminar programming. This is so that ambassadors can find their own voice and step out of their comfort zone. However, we encourage families to ask participating ambassadors about their experience.

Will my student receive a schedule?

Students will receive a list of events and activities when they arrive at the seminar. Each family will be receiving an assigned check in window Saturday morning, and check out window Monday afternoon. A check-in / check-out guide with parking information and more will be provided closer to the seminar.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Erica Wearing & Jacob Livingston

Leadership Seminar Chairs

ewearing@hobysc.org | jlivingston@hobysc.org

864-985-9252 or 843-855-2516