Another IBC in the history books. It never ceases to amaze me the caliber and quality of Appleseeders. You guys are the best.
We had 45 attendees. For anyone keeping track, that's three consecutive IBCs with attendance of 45 or higher. Here's the roster:
Shoot Bosses(11): Superheat, Miki, Swamp Thing, SteelThunder, Graywolf, Caliper, D.O.M., 3.Dogs, OZ, Edheler, Charles Mckinley
Red Hats (7): Grindstone, mac66, Waveman, Hammer Forged, Whippet, Click, IRONSIDES,
IITs (11): Wizard, Stankster, Rochelle, Bluesteel, wingwrench, D.S.S, MrSurplus, Sam-I-Am, Danger, Pinkey, Earthmom
Junior IITs (6): Gibson, Madhatter, ICEMAN, Zazzles, Fly-Boy, The IronMan
Applecore ( 7 ): Rascal21, yarnjunky, LadyE, Punk, Moose, Colleen, Esquared,
"Civilian:" Clida
Friday evening was the optional three-hour medical training by Wizard - takeaway this year was "package and transport." Thanks, Wizard!
Saturday included breakout sessions for the safety briefing, prone, six steps, npoa, IMC, standing, seated/kneeling, discussion of using the forum/TIPS, state of the state/CTN, and rifle familiarization. (Whew!)
Sunday covered the remaining POIs without breakouts (ball and dummy, carding the sights, rifleman's bubble, rifleman's cadence, optional COFs, line commands, Red Coat), effective storytelling, and history.
Thanks to the Lapeer County Sportsmens Club for taking us in on short notice.
Thanks to Edheler, Charles McKinley and Colleen for driving all the way from Pennsylvania.
Thanks to Rascal21 for coordinating all of the food and supplies!
On to the good and bad, taken from the exit surveys (adding items as exit surveys come in via PM/email):
Good
1:1 ratio of Red Hats to IITs
Good information, well-organized
Rifle familiarization was very effective, much improved - rifle "speed dating!"
Held later in the year, closer to more events.
Venue/pace/people involved
Seeing the Appleseed family together
History instruction (both 3.Dogs and Graywolf)
Breakout groups organized/done well.
Troubleshooting drill - great hands-on opportunity, also an improvement over last year
Beautiful, new restrooms at the club!
Great time management - ran ahead of schedule all weekend
Interacting with different Red Hats for each breakout
The food (especially lunch on Saturday)
Bad
Troubleshooting models got tired.
No protein at breakfast (there was oatmeal, it went relatively untouched), no fruits and veggies
No history breakout
Not enough breaks (again :-[ ) - my fault, I did not properly communicate with my official break timer
Instructors (including the shoot boss) need to stay current on the instructor manual
History instruction was long, and without a break.
Troubleshooting - some models were committing other obvious blunders (dragging wood, etc.)
Noise level during breakouts
Need more IITs
Some of the instructor demos had some freestyle elements. Should keep it by the book.
Seemed to be a lower energy event than usual. SB made the decision to end early (3 PM) with no history breakout.
Saturday was a long day - 13 hours.
Apparently, the spoon issue has not been remedied..... &)
Some long-winded explanations/lectures
Rifle familiarization segments should be a little longer to allow for question and answer session
Don't pick Daylight Savings weekend for an IBC. We lost an hour!
Bad items have been noted, and I already have a list of 10 action items for next year. First and foremost - the history will be sprinkled in between throughout the weekend, instead of one big chunk. With breakouts so the IITs can practice.
24 instructors gave a rating from 1-10 on their exit surveys. Average was 9.03, an improvement over last year's average of 8.7. (I counted scores above 10 as 10)
I will be posting my files and pictures later, probably tomorrow. Please, everyone, post up your comments and pictures!
One pic to start, group pic:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/group%202_zpsjqprphaz.jpg)
More pics.....Friday night medical training - The chivalrous Hammer Forged coming to Earthmom's rescue (after a barfight):
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150306_182025_zpsa1jeuqks.jpg)
Wizard showing how to properly cut the pants to expose the wound and minimize jostling/pain for the patient:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150306_183437_zpsqgdzqqpw.jpg)
Improvising a stretcher from 3 jackets and two sticks:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150306_200415_zpsh3whnwrp.jpg)
It works!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150306_200444_zps8wp79idi.jpg)
Our presentation and sound system - thanks to Swampy and Mid-Michigan Music!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_071609_zpsrnb89dlm.jpg)
First breakout session - safety briefing:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_084848_zpsoeiuhdfq.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_084852_zpsymryvebl.jpg)
Sam-I-Am doing prone with Wizard as a model, under the watchful eye of a Red Hat:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_104427_zpsvoahjtct.jpg)
Mr Surplus teaching prone using Madhatter as a model, to Edheler and Click:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_104554_zpsmemloac7.jpg)
ICEMAN teaching prone, with Rochelle as model, to Swampy and Grindstone:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_104746_zpsgwrczdsg.jpg)
Miki doing the Six Steps:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_111843_zpsma9u0hln.jpg)
Rochelle (background) doing six steps for Gibson and Caliper, Stankster (foreground) doing six steps for Swampy and Grindstone as Pinkey waits for her turn:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_114402_zpsyhadnvmb.jpg)
Caliper doing IMC:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_123229_zpslegxuoun.jpg)
D.S.S doing IMC for D.O.M and Hammer, Clida and Wingwrench observing:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_131758_zpsak2bdtez.jpg)
Wizard doing six steps for Mac66 and Oz, while Sam-I-Am and Esquared observe:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_131823_zpstgdpmrx8.jpg)
Superheat getting comfortable (and staying hydrated):
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_134557_zpsiinbxxwm.jpg)
SteelThunder doing NPOA as Oz models:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_134611_zpsyx1mcrlr.jpg)
Wingwrench teach NPOA to Miki and Charles McKinley as D.S.S. observes:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_140056_zpssvcaufzf.jpg)
Oz teaches standing, using Whippet as the model:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_144309_zpsqj888jrm.jpg)
Rochelle teaching standing, using ICEMAN as a model, to Edheler and Click.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_145941_zpsbho69sno.jpg)
D.O.M. teaching about the M1A. No, you can't have my SOCOM!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_184335_zpsx5wvws1n.jpg)
Rochelle wants this one!
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_184106_zpsv3oztnfx.jpg)
SteelThunder teaching about the M1:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_184417_zpstir20pol.jpg)
Caliper teaching 597s in the foreground, Oz teaching 10/22s in the background:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_184450_zpsjbnlszlb.jpg)
Happy Birthday, Hammer! Looks like MrSurplus wants some of that cake.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_175330_zpse1a6ydhx.jpg)
After hours activities on Saturday night:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_232539_zpsrft0u8jt.jpg)
Troubleshooting - BlueSteel and Pinkey trying to diagnose Grindstone as Miki watches:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150308_094322_zpslfx0kzkb.jpg)
Fly-Boy and Mr Surplus diagnosing Click under SteelThunder's watchful eye:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150308_094339_zps3nokvlty.jpg)
Stankster, Clida and Sam-I-Am diagnosing Click for Swampy:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150308_095054_zpsu4ivcfgo.jpg)
Graywolf watches Madhatter, Zazzles and Esquared diagnose Grindstone:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150308_100643_zpsomu8mnhd.jpg)
Our juniors with their Captain Parker coins (courtesy of Hammer Forged). The future looks bright:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150308_110725_zpsj2linhyh.jpg)
Graywolf teaching Effective Storytelling:
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150308_110931_zpsa1gj7kfg.jpg)
Our theme for 2015 (and yes, we have the T-shirt - see my post below)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/trust%20us_zps7wc2xbut.jpg)
Those are fine goods and bads. I think we are very fortunate to have such a great cadre in Michigan. I am so happy to have spent such a wonderful weekend learning and working with my Appleseed Family. The finest people on the planet. Thank you, ITB for running a top notch event, and being a top notch SC. (seriously)
Thanks to everyone for each and every thing you do, as I know you do it for Posterity!
now i need some sleep #)
What a delightful bunch of folks to have running a firehose for my drinking enjoyment!!
Yes, drinking from a firehose fits!! Bless you,thank you is appropriate!!
Wow - I was going to PM Burbs to say that I forgot to mention that the medical training was definitely one of my "goods". You are very efficient ITB, we are all moving a little slowly in this household. I loved the simplicity of the medical training - now I will think, "it's just 2 holes, package and transport", instead of freaking out. Thanks Wizard.
Loved spending the weekend with the Michigan cadre. Thanks everyone.
It's like a family reunion but without that annoying uncle.
Quote from: mac66 on March 09, 2015, 05:01:18 PM
It's like a family reunion but without that annoying uncle.
Dang it...then I didn't do my job right.
Quote from: SteelThunder on March 09, 2015, 05:28:07 PM
Quote from: mac66 on March 09, 2015, 05:01:18 PM
It's like a family reunion but without that annoying uncle.
Dang it...then I didn't do my job right.
Oh, I think you did.... >:D
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/variseal/Appleseed/IBC%202015/20150307_175225_zpstltlkn7n.jpg)
Quote from: SteelThunder on March 09, 2015, 05:28:07 PM
Quote from: mac66 on March 09, 2015, 05:01:18 PM
It's like a family reunion but without that annoying uncle.
Dang it...then I didn't do my job right.
I was being polite.
I had an incredibly good time and learned a lot about myself. The troubleshooting really brought everything together. It showed me that we owe it to those who attend an Appleseed to get to know them and pay close attention to them. Thanks ALL for an incredible weekend! It was great seeing old friends again and making new friends who I already can't wait to get together with all over again.
DiamondSharpShooter
D.S.S.
Quote from: mac66 on March 09, 2015, 05:01:18 PM
It's like a family reunion but without that annoying uncle.
I just couldn't make it this year.
WOW. Another great IBC.
Thanks to Rascal, Yarnjunky and the other blue hats that kept us fed.
Miki gave me two great recommendations. 1. Give the models a break during the Diagnosing shooting error exercise. 2. Spread the history throughout the weekend rather than one big chunk.
I believe we should implement both of these. great feedback Miki O0
My bad is me... I was very sick and should have been in bed. I apologize to anyone who contracts my cold. My condition kept me from fully participating, sorry.
Good: ITB, nice job presenting.
Thanks to all of you who drove several hours to help make the IBC a success.
Suggestions:
1. Keep the rifle familiarization format the same. Just add 10 minutes at the end for "freestyle". If you want to revisit any tables to ask more questions you have 10 minutes.
What more can I say other than an IBC is a weekend with the best people on Earth! The club will be proud that the recent renovations made it onto the "good" list (in addition to providing much sleeping space) Looking forward to seeing all of our IIT's putting their newly sharpened skills to use out on the line!
Quote from: ITB on March 08, 2015, 09:58:39 PM
Apparently, the spoon issue has not been remedied..... &)
Oddly enough, I happened to snap a pic of the leftover silverware during cleanup, so I'll just leave this here...
(note for planning next year: we did nearly exhaust the supply of plates also)
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t539/Caliper_RWVA/150307-8_Lapeer_IBC/IMG_20150308_154819_452_zpsonk1sok4.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/Caliper_RWVA/media/150307-8_Lapeer_IBC/IMG_20150308_154819_452_zpsonk1sok4.jpg.html)
Safety rule #3 observed. Nice job boys. O0
Given the recent events I needed a weekend full of Positive, Like Minded and Mission Focused people.
Thanks to all of you for surpassing my needs on all three objectives.
It was a wonderful weekend of learning and meeting people. I look forward to seeing you in the future and building stronger relationships with you.
Seeing the youth involvment was very uplifting as well.
Any plans for the History Boot Camp?
Chuck
First, a big HUZZAH to yarnjunky and Rascal21! You gals ROCK!!!
That being said, I am particularly interested in feedback from the 'models' for the 'diagnosing shooting errors' lesson. Some of you mentioned to me that each 'tour guide' had their own way of walking the students through that lesson. What do you think was effective in guiding the 'students' during that lesson? How can the 'tour guides' improve to help the students get the most out of that lesson? Be blunt, be critical. I'm looking for how I can improve my role in that exercise.
It was an amazing lesson. Extremely well thought out and prepared. (HUZZAH Superheat and 6!)
Speaking of 6...we really didn't need that pic of you basking in the Spanish sunshine. ;) Hope the trip isn't all work and you're having some fun.
To the border raiders, it was good to see you again and to get the opportunity to meet Colleen. You are most welcome in Michigan anytime.
Burbs, as always...you put on the best IBCs. You need to take that show on the road!
And lastly to the 'minions', you are the best of the best...keep on doing what you're doing. I am very proud of each and every one of you!
Mikki makes a good point.
From a model standpoint I saw guides using a number of different methods.
One was the secret ballot method where the student wrote down what they thought and showed it secretly to the guide.
One was the discussion method. The student would look, venture a guess and then the guide would discuss it with them, then they would all write it down.
One was the open discussion method where the students would openly discuss it with the guide while trying to figure it out.
Another was the write it down first and then lets see if everyone got it afterwards to discuss.
I don't see any of the above as better or worse than any other. We might want to consider having just the students and not the guides rotate so they get a taste of all those methods. Having the guide with the model also gives them a chance to coordinate with each other.
From a model standpoint the challenge was if you were too subtle, the students wouldn't get it and would start randomly start nitpicking i.e, guessing. One student said I was bucking on the trigger. The stock I was using didn't have s trigger and the target didn't didn't show that anyway. On the other hand it you made it too easy, they didn't learn. In one case I turned almost facing the target. After no one said anything, I mentioned it. One said "oh, yeah well I saw that".
There was a learning moment in one case. I was re-demo ing the position after they didn't get it the first time. One of the students said I didn't pull down and lock in the sling in standing even though I actually did. They were just guessing. I snapped "Yes I did, you weren't paying attention". The guide, Dom I think said "Ok students, what do you do when the student disagrees with what you are telling them?" Good lesson for all of us.
Some things not covered in this...
-We need to make the point that different sized and shaped shooters look different even when they are doing the SHFs correctly. You have to read what the target is telling you and then compare it with what the students are doing on the line. Sometimes that takes a while of just watching and comparing to figure out. Sometimes it is just a matter of tweaking an otherwise good position to get an improvement. Index to the target, foot, knee, elbow position, sling tightness, how high the chicken wing is, etc etc varies widely.
-Perception is different even among instructors. I was doing standing and had my support elbow 6" out from under the rifle. I thought it was pretty obvious. It wasn't until I started moving it our further that most of the students picked up on it. In some cases I had to flap it to get them to notice it. When we says "elbow under the rifle" we assume everybody understands that means directly under and in line with. Some don't see it that way. Some students didn't walk around and see the angle. Some simply didn't see the difference. It might be prudent if time allows to have a breakout and walk the students through the SHF factors and show them exactly what mistakes look like. "this is right, and this is the same person doing it wrong". Some times the difference is subtle. In another case my head was bent well over the stock in standing but the top edge of the stock was still above my shoulder pocket. To some, because the stock was over the shoulder I was doing it right, they missed the head being bent over even though it was not only apparent but exaggerated. Perception and understanding makes a difference.
-Mechanical issues with rifles. I don't know have much we covered this time but I see loose scopes, rings and stocks at every single shoot and we rarely talk about it. Some mention of it should be included in trouble shooting.
FWIW, I was the one who brought up the fact that Mac answered a little gruffly...and then asked the students how they can provide input to a student so that it is accepted vs just barking out orders. That's because my students were very timid in asking questions or giving advice/interacting with the model. While I don't want us to do another "over the top" mock Appleseed, coaching on interaction with the shooters is vital. Especially to our younger and/or female cadre.
I agree that equipment issues should be in one of the troubleshooting stations.
My personal method of taking the IITs around was to let them do the first troubleshooting unassisted, then show them how I approach the shooter (Major, Minor, Minutia). Also lets you talk about the 3 concentric rings of instruction and how you should vary your voice in those rings (drill sergeant to quiet advisor). Also lets you touch on how to talke to a "problem" student - e.g., one that is resistant to taking advice.
In general, I wanted my IITs to act just like they were at a shoot...start wide, get closer, ask questions of the shooter, make suggestions. Interact. I told them it was OK to cooperate on a solution but they never did.
Re models of different body types - I thought Grindstones index issue was beautiful - both of my guys solved the elbow not in front of the knee, but then when his rifle was pointing in the wrong direction, neither figured out that they needed to shift the index. Also, in the standing POI module, LadyE was modeling standing...for her, the rifle butt was all the way down in her shoulder pocket but her head was erect/good cheekweld. That's just how she is built. It threw off the presenter, but this was an excellent learning moment to show all body types are different.
It was great to see all of you again and a really great IBC!
On the troubleshooting topic: Almost all of the IIT's were very timid of asking the shooter questions but few of them had trouble figuring out what my error was. Eventually, due to the time allotted for each group, I started off on the "B" scenario with a short bit of an intro and a question to get them thinking in approximately the right area. It was a tough problem to diagnose since people often think of what a shooter is doing wrong instead of what a shooter might have gotten right.
It did seem that every tour guide had a different method for their IIT's. It might be interesting to have the tour guides and the IIT's rotate in opposite directions so that everyone can experience different approaches.
Quote from: Edheler on March 11, 2015, 08:12:31 PM
It might be interesting to have the tour guides and the IIT's rotate in opposite directions so that everyone can experience different approaches.
This might be a good time to give the reasoning behind the tour guide approach.
When #6 and I dreamed up this exercise we wanted a mentor to stay with the same group of IITs to help develop them as the stations progressed. We envisioned that they would build off of what they were seeing. Having time to learn each of the IITs strengths and weaknesses, the 'tour guides' could tailor the instruction as things progressed building off of the previous stations.
If it was simply learning about each instructor's style, that could be accomplished by a 3 minute presentation. We were looking more for hands on learning with nudging by a mentor.
CORRECTION: Apparently, there is not a requirement to place the soles of your feet on the ground for ANY seated position. 3.Dogs I apologize. My information was old. Thank you Dond for the current data.
Bad Superheat. :DH:
Quote from: Superheat on March 11, 2015, 10:56:22 PM
Quote from: Edheler on March 11, 2015, 08:12:31 PM
It might be interesting to have the tour guides and the IIT's rotate in opposite directions so that everyone can experience different approaches.
This might be a good time to give the reasoning behind the tour guide approach.
When #6 and I dreamed up this exercise we wanted a mentor to stay with the same group of IITs to help develop them as the stations progressed. We envisioned that they would build off of what they were seeing. Having time to learn each of the IITs strengths and weaknesses, the 'tour guides' could tailor the instruction as things progressed building off of the previous stations.
If it was simply learning about each instructor's style, that could be accomplished by a 3 minute presentation. We were looking more for hands on learning with nudging by a mentor.
I thought it worked well like that.
Another approach might be keeping the students and the mentor with one model and have that model demo all the different problems. First the right way and then the wrong way or vice versa. Gives them an opportunity to read the shooter over a period of time.
From my perspective, I think it would be frustrating to change "tour guides" every station. I might be more focused on the "style" of each tour guide rather than the task at hand. I want to focus on what I need to learn, not how each individual instructor wants me to learn it. Maybe a meeting of the minds before hand to determine the best way to learn/discuss then we all tackle it the same way? ( I think I just had a really good tour guide!!!)
I definitely could see that it would be hard for the instructors to demo as they did without much of a break though. They did an excellent job.
Quote from: Earthmom on March 18, 2015, 10:31:52 AM
( I think I just had a really good tour guide!!!)
Very perceptive. I make it a point to attend every shoot he works. >:D