Camp Scholler Blues

[kmacht]

There is a first aid building over by the control tower. They have some pretty good medical people working there that can clean and tape up those blisters so you can walk again. If you are still in pain they rent motorized scooters just to the left of the main entrance by the bus park. As far as food, head over to the bus park and catch the school bus running to downtown oshkosh. There are plenty of places to eat within a short walk of the bus stop. For smaller food there is also the red barn up by the fly market gate. Lots of things for sale to eat in there. Hope this helps

Keith

[OldGunbunny]

A couple of thoughts (others have addressed medical and the bus to Oshkosh).

Catch the tram to the North 40. Ride the bus to the Friar Tuck's stop, walk across the street and there's a big supermarket and Target store available. Lots of fresh foods (and some premade also).

Speak to people (ask a question or make a comment). Almost all of us, upon hearing your accent will want to talk. Meeting pilots from other countries is one of the best things about Airventure. If there's an open space closer to the gate, just pick your tent up and move it.

[Inspector Fenwick]

I must say that when I read the initial post, it really disturbed me. I mean, I thought about it last night watching "Frazier" reruns (I returned from OSH yesterday afternoon). I wonder what we can ALL do to help someone who has come this far and left disappointed? It is not an EAA job as it is the rest of us who are interested in advocating GA (around the world) and in being good hosts to others that visit the US. I have BEEN that guy by himself, whether in Camp Scholler or tied down in my old G Model Bo. I had run out of people to bring to OSH. I was having a grand old time, but I was a veteran of Oshkosh. Nowadays, I am involved in a Type Club (Cessna 195) and we have plenty to do during Airventure. During the past week, I have met two Brits, two Kiwi's, a gazillion Aussies, an El Salvadoran, a Frenchman.....all having the time of their lives. I am advocating the EAA, next year, set up on online "adoption" program for those folks who are coming to Airventure alone and maybe for the first time, maybe even the first time visiting the States. This sort of thing (someone feeling left out) should NOT happen. I cannot speak for Camp Scholler but I always had a great time there. There are plenty of friendly folks in Camp Scholler who, I am quite sure, be willing to have a conversation and learn of aviation in New Zealand. I know I would. Are their "cliques" at Airventure? Absulutely, many private "clubs" exist and have staked out their territory, and we are not welcome within their boundaries. Too bad. They don't know what they are missing by not reaching out to others. Their main function at OSH is to consume "mass quantities". It is America, however, so..........But if you see someone at OSH that appears to be alone, how about including him/her into at least some of your activities. You will be enriched by the experience. Think about it.

[Kiwi ZK-CKE]

Thanks for your feedback everyone. I went to the international tent yesterday, took part in the parade and went to the international visitors dinner (although it was quite a walk!) certainly the Int visitors team do a great job welcoming people and putting them in touch with fellow visitors. The missing link here is putting them in touch with the locals.
i think the idea of adopt a visitor is excellent, and I hope someone takes it up next time. Even if it isn't, perhaps locals wanting to know more about flying overseas could just hang around near the international tent and chat.
I think the key thing about getting the most out of Oshkosh is to have some friends or contacts here before you come. If you are on your own and know no-one, its not fun at all. Americans are very friendly and welcoming - once they know you. I tend to be a bit shy at starting conversations, but once under way it's been OK. There just isn't the opportunity to build those initial friendships.
I would certainly love to volunteer if I came back again, however this time I have very limited time and have had lots I needed to see.
I would certainly NOT recommend Camp Scholler as a place to sample the spirit of Oshkosh (as I was advised) since it is too big and too random. I can understand the logistical reasons for the first come first served policy, but it is very frustrating to get such a remote spot when I booked the day bookings first opened.
Flightline camping looks good however, and having an aircraft there is a good way to get conversation started. Walking distances are also a bit more manageable. My original plan was a ride share from Texas in a Cessna, which would have been great and I would have had a contact to start with. Sadly my ride share pilot was killed in an accident and I had no other ride share offers, so used plan B. I had kinda hoped I would meet some friendly local pilots who would take me for a flight (I'd love to fly the Fisk Arrival) but there's no chance of that in Scholler. The various type clubs seem to be pretty good, but as my aircraft is a one-off, my type owners club would be really small!

Although the show, planes and items on display have been great, I don't know whether I will be tempted back again. It has always been my dream to attend, but my experiences have tempered that somewhat and it's not an experience I would choose to repeat. I certainly wouldn't do it the same way!

[TedK]

I'm with Larry on this.

One additional thought: in naval aviation fledgling aviators are called "Nuggets" because they are raw precious material that hasn't yet been molded. Nuggets need some extra care and attention. In a squadron, it was easy to tell who was a nugget by the newness of their flight suit, not so easy at OSH.
Nugget is not a derogatory term like #NG, it is a statement of being.

Perhaps if there was an identifying feature, like a special color hat or tee shirt that identified the wearer as a OSH Nugget, we could see who are Nuggets and take them under our wing.

[OldGunbunny]

Kiwi,
Please don't let this trip color your view of Airventure. Please do come back. Decide on a plan and use this (and other aviation forums and organizations) to make connections. Most of us would enjoy having you ride along. Look for someone who wants a co-pilot to fly to Airventure. Look at connecting with someone in the Cessna, Mooney or Bonanza type clubs who would offer a seat. You'd get the experience of a formation arrival at Airventure and have a group to camp with during your stay.
If not a member of a group, I think you could find a seat with someone who was going by themselves. I expect you'd get some time at the controls and would get a chance to see a goodly part of the USA/Canada from general aviation altitudes.
We would benefit from your aviation knowledge. I notice you designed and built your own plane. Please tell us something about it.

[I_FLY_LOW]

What about setting up something on this forum, for international visitors to post up, ahead of time of when they'll be there?
If they're doing primitive camping, maybe they could set up a way to share a space with someone that's going to be there early?
I usually find a decent spot (read, not way out by the road) to camp.
I also usually try to get there a few days ahead of the airshow to get set up, go through the museum, etc, before the crowds make it hard to get around.
I'm sure something could be sorted out...

[orvie6]

Adopt a Newbie... I was reading the post by Kiwi ZK-CKE about his ordeal in Camp Schroller.. I have been following the forums most of the summer and saw his great excitement about finally beeing able to attend AirVenture this year. I can understand his disapointment with his "housing accomadations".. On his pre arrival post he was helped in many ways with suggestions on his stay, what to see, etc.. However; it seems that the reality of a crowded camp grounds and unfamiluarity of surroundings has lead to his discomfort..
I am aware of the International Tent and its purpose, however; its use or availability is AFTER one arrives and is not too helpful on setting up camp, etc.. I myself was unable to attend this year. In fact, I have only been to AirVenture 3 times..first time in 1999, second in 2009 and last year, 2011. First two times was alone or with other newbies...Last year I took a newbie with me!! Made it much better for both of us!
I am suggesting that perhaps a New Segment, or group be formed, of volunteers naturally, of actually Adopting a Newbie to the event. Example.. Use Mr. Kiwi ... he is on the forums, asks his question, gets assistance via replies, and then embarks on his trip.. Like he stated.. Commercial Air transportation, and little baggage with him.. Why not have a regular attendee actually make arraigments with him to pick him up at the airport, help him with setting up camp and actually escort him to various places on the grounds?Perhaps in his case, since he was not able to arrive until Tuesday, have someone rent a decent campsite for him..perhaps with other Kiwis? The 'adoption' would not have to last all week, but the first few days would be of great assistance, Im sure.
As most people are saying, AirVenture is not olny about the airplanes, but the PEOPLE... There are several Chapters that always have a regular appearance at Oshkosh...some provied meals, etc... why not one of them opperate the'adoption center'? Naturally, it should be someone who is somewhat local, or at least a regular attendee that is familuar with the operation at AirVenture..
What does everyone think? I do hope that Mr. Kiwi is enjoying his week inspite of his misfortune, and will return again. But can you imagine how he would feel if he knew he had a 'one on one' partner that would take him by the hand, so to speak, and make his visit that much more meaningful?
I hope to be able to attend again next year, and hopefully bring my own Newbie!! Im was thanked repeatedly by my friend last year for helping him enjoy AirVenture in a less stressful way!!! Didnt take much..just a one on one timet hat benefited the both of us..
I would love to be able to Adopt a Newbie. However; I am not sure of just when and IF I will be at AirVenture myself, so I would hate to have a person that is half way around the world depend on my support..but know that there are those that are able to provide this service.. Perhaps limit it to those that are not from the US... not saying that any new attendee could not use assistance, but those that travel half the globe to attend an event such as Oshkosh..think it would be that 'Something Special' that would make there visit that much more enjoyable.
Wayne

[I_FLY_LOW]

It's kind of hard to help out someone after the fact...
He posted up about his trial and tribulations, AFTER he had problems.
He knew for some time, I'm sure, that he was coming there, far in advance.
If they knew he was coming, long ahead of time, perhaps some planning on someone's part could have made his stay more comfortable.
Hence my previous post.
I'm going to do my best to go next year, and if someone needed help, I'd surely do what I could to help, but mind reading is not one of my strong points.
If you don't open your mouth and say something to someone, while you're there, then how can anyone help?

[orvie6]

I am aware of the delay in communication in this particular instance...I was suggesting that perhaps a group of volunteers be available to assist in a long distance visitors arrival at Osh.. I'm sure that in the question/answer post prior to his arrival, that this gentleman could not see the placing of his camp or the inconvience it may have caused.. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if it is possible to forsee some of these problems in the future and have a person make personal contact with the new visitor and make arraingments to help his/her arrival less forboding.. Maybe I am off base here, but surely those that are regular attendees would be able to contact a prospective visitor from afar, and offer to personally assist them if desired.. I am aware that for the most part, the people that attend AirVenture are of like mind and interest, and sometimes take for granted that all will work well for all those attending.. I Fly Low, Like you just noted in your post, perhaps there needs to be a forum for next years AirVenture to list those that may need a helping hand with coming for the first time.. Like I have said...this assistance may not be for the entire time the visitor is here..but the first day or so , I'm sure it would be appreciated.. Local individuals offer there homes for those attending, as well as the community collage dorms...so why not have a group of people to be an Adoptive Guide to help those coming from half way around the world? If I knew for sure I would be coming next year, and on what dates...I would bring extra camping gear and personally invite a foreign visitor to came with us and assist in their getting settled in and off to a good start!!... Ok, it was just an idea.. Wayne