Thank you Rec School volunteers!

[Liz Caldwell]

I posted this on the Rec/Touring site, but wanted to repost here. Visit that thread for other comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------

Despite the lightning and rain Saturday morning, I think this year's Rec School turned out the best ever! Participants and staff all seemed tired but happy at the take out Sunday afternoon and were saying how much they enjoyed it and how well everything went.

Those sentiments were absolutely due to the tireless work and enthusiasm demonstrated by the volunteer staff. First, much appreciation to the shuttle crew led by Chris and Felecia Crawford, who worked seemlessly with Luke Coop, Gary Mooney, Doug Webber, Kinneth Wallace and any others they may have pressed into service. We've never had such a well-run shuttle!

Second, the instructors, assistants and safety boaters were patient, flexible and dedicated to making sure their classes had a good experience on and off the water.

Third, the Waco crew handled the check-in table like pros, juggling waivers, medical forms, instructor packets, dinner tickets and questions.

Fourth, the Saturday morning "speed dating" group teaching experience that Michael Strobel put together got good reviews as it allowed more interaction with participants.

And a great big thank you to Adam and Dave at Mammoth Spring State Park for letting classes use the lake on Saturday as well as to Sara Seagraves, education and outreach biologist with the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, for coming to our rescue with a meeting space at the last minute when lighting and heavy rain threatened to derail our Saturday teaching plans. You saved Rec School!

As you can tell, it takes a group effort to pull off a weekend clinic like this with 40 participants and 30 staff. Thank you to every one for making it happen.