Runaways

(Year 234, Summer) This Spring, our Ministery of Science & Education has debated how to implement runaways with the national educational program. But that is not all, our politicians also suggests ways to better encourage the establishing of local runaways all over Mazaloom. Below there is a list of the 8 unique runaways that will now get stately support.

Today the best known runaways are located in the south. Gibbi Point is well known for their venues.  With the new political initiative, this will now change. Minister of Science & Education, Emma R. Golden (64, RIGHT party), explains why and how this is done.

- Travel costs! When most offers are located south, quite a few residents from the northern regions will find it too expensive and time consuming thanks to distance. Kids from Windenburg should be allowed to attend a scouts runaway, too, even if their family can not afford traveling costs. They miss out on something valuable! Runaways are fine for all sorts of growing ups, not just Scouts. Getting used to water and sports are great examples. Children benefit from going to a camp to learn to swim and dive, being a scout should not even be required for all that. We want to support one camp in each of our 8 regions, preferably with unique offers to serve as many different ages and interests as possible.

Can't each existing runaway simply be customized as desired?

- Of course, but it might get a bit tricky finding one good venue matching any host's ideas for a good runaway. This is a system depending on two factors: how the venue is equipped, and what program the host sets up. You can't host a piano camp at a venue with no pianos. And just one piano won't cut it either, we say that minimum 4 attendees ought to practice the same activity at the same time. So, how the venues are equipped is essential - if they don't vary, the program of the runaways won't vary much either.

Emma R. Golden (RIGHT party) is our current Minister of Science & Education.

Okay, so now there will be built 8 venues that will vary. Can kids visit them all?

- It will be up to the host to pick the best venue for their runaway or camp. We do not expect all 8 venues to suit children. Hopefully a camp host can choose from multiple venues, but it all depends on what activities the host goes for. A camp for kids can have differet focuses, too, some activities even depend on the right season. Swimming might be less popular in Winter, while snow activities won't be practical in Summer. Supporting all possible skills will not be possible, so we simply ask each of those 8 venues to provide equipment for minimum 3 skills at the time. With some good planning there is no problem hosting a Kid outdoors camp one week, and a Teen dancing retreat the next - at the same venue. We expect the regions to adjust their provided activities over time, but it would be too early fixing rules regarding this right now.

How about adults?

- We have a list of 8 unique runnaways that we want realized (see below), and I'd expect that many of those will suit young adults and up. While the retreats (custom venues) will be built and owned (or rented) by each region, the exact program is on the hosting side, depending on private initiative from Camp Rangers and others.

Who can initiate and host a runaway?

- Basically, anyone can initiate a runaway, but there are Camp Rangers for a reason. They will have the experience and we think they will be the better hosts. We now encourage more residents to become Camp Rangers. No matter how the runaway is geared towards skills or socializing, the runaway management will be needed. Right now the few that qualify are located in the south.

Your Ministery suggests 8 skills based runaways. Will they be like a short term boading schools for grown-ups?

- No. Our private boarding schools are doing a great job, already. Ministery of Science & Education wants to fill in with a few additional single skill options. While a couple runaways might get a career focus, like the entertainment industry, others might be plain hobby related, like Knitting, Baking or Butterfly collections. And all of them will likely combine with socializing, physical activity ande fun. We'll leave those details to the hosts, though.

How about the plain social getaways, focusing more on relations and unwinding, perhaps with a contest?

- The combination of those 8 supported venues and the endless oissibilities of runaway ideas will probably cover any desired version. If you don't find what you want, just host the runaway yourself! We don't want restrictions, and will applaud any initiative. A group of friends can initiate a runaway and decide the program and management themselves. Clubs might set up retreats, and they can even be repeating events. Venue will come with a certain set of equipment matching a certain theme, but each runaway won't neede to make use of everything available. We want minimum 6 hours per day involving minimum 3 skills, though, but that can simply be cooking, diving or dancing. Those 6 hours can feel like a vacation. These venues will be quite flexible. You should find that at least half of them might suit your runaway idea, regardless of lifestage, gender, interests and skill level.

And how will people sign up?

- We are looking into using the club system actively. If things work out like we expect, the owner can fill the runaway with club members. Basicall it will be the host's initiative. These details must be explored a bit further, though.

The suggested 8 themes

Encouraging a set of 8 custom venues, 1 for each region. We want 4 of them to be operative within this coming Spring, and the next 4 within the coming year. Builders reserving one of the 8 labels listed below, can expect financial support of §25,000 from the state of Mazaloom.

The theme shall be the main vibe of the venue, but there can of course be additional offers/equipment. The Fitness venue can have a bar and a dancing floor or other sorts of entertaining, but the fitness facilities should be the main attraction in order to get our support. Each venue must have equipment for minimum 3 skills, but these skills can be adjusted over time and by request. Indoor, the skill facilities can be located in each their room, outdoors skills can be located in each their designed area. This means that if the skill is Archery, it is not enough to place one single archery station in a corner of the backyard. Minimum 4 attendees must be able to build the same skill at the same time.

Don't forget to include a touch of regional culture and crafts. Some attendees even like that you prepared a nice spot for selfies, such as an easily recognized monument, landmark or view.

Wildlife

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Etymology, Fishing, Herbalism, Gardening, Flower arranging, Archaeology.

We want a venue suitable for runaways focusing on nature including plants, fish and insects. This venue will be even more varied if located in a region with changing seasons. Learning about nature combined with physical activity would be good. A farm or ranch setting might work, too.

Target groups could be kids and teens, as it would make the perfect arena for Scouts, but actually youngsters in general. Also suitable for Scientists, and if adding a more general skill like Fishing or Gardening, it can also work as a vacation runaway for any age YA and up.

Fitness

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Fitness, Diving, Dancing, Skating, Archery, Horse riding, Bowling, Video gaming.

We want a venue suitable for sports enthusiasts, focusing on Fitness in various forms. This venue can benefit from surrounding resources such as waterfront, jogging routes, and a neighborhood stable. Should be easy to combine with facilities for relaxation, such as sauna and massage.

Target groups would be YA and A, but a camp for teenagers should fill easily, and perhaps a less intense program for elders, even?

Culinary

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Nectar making, Juice Fizzing, Gourmet cooking, Baking, Cooking.

We want a venue that focuses on culinary. This can be either drinks or foods, or a mix of both. Te perfect runaway for anyone in the Resaurant business, but also for anyone searching some inspiation for their own kitchen. It should be easy combining these with general resort activities like games or physical activities, or simply resting by the pool or in a garden. The more relaxing route would even attract vacationers and elders.

Target group would be anyone into eating and drinking, and those serving either. With a good dining area, this venue might even be used for weddings.

Romantic Luxe

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Romance, Wellness, Mixology, Charisma,
Mischief.

We want a venue with a romantic touch in luxurious settings. It might work as a vacation spot, but could alse be perfect for single clubs, couples in need of romance consultation (if possible), or simply to unwind. A resort mainly focusing on relations, with relaxation and entertainment high up on the agenda. Spa facilities would add nicely, and some crafting activity might be popular, too. Not too extreme on luxe, though - the stay must be affordable to the average visitor...

Target group will be YA and up, into relaxation, comfort and fancy drinks in the jaccuzzi. The occational clothing optional getaway might be a thing, too.

Crafts

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Papercrafts, Handiness, Painting, Pottery, Gemology, Knitting, Cross stitching.

We want a venue focusing on traditional crafts. This can be inspired by regional culture, but additional extra oportunities can alter. Suited for hobby crafters and for those wanting to check out a certain skill before they start a private business. Crafting clubs might appreciate such getaways, too. Most of these activities can take place indoor, meaning climate is less important. They can easily be combined with other activities for relaxation in a salon or a bone fire dinner in the garden to make the stay more memorial.

Target group would be all ages depending on the skills chosen. Maybe the Crafts runaways will become a favorite with Children and Elders?

Academic

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Logic, Research & Debate, Parenting, Thanatology, Rocket science, Robotics.

We want a center with the more academic approach. Perhaps with a conferance hall, and general hotel facilities. Career clubs might find it useful to build skills and specialize, as well as tending career network. A successful mental process might benefit from some outdoor physical activities.

Target group YA and older, mainly career related. Politicians will enjoy upping skills before an election, and fresh YA or late Teens even might attend this sort of runaway to prepare for University.

Producers

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Media production, DJ-mixing, Writing, Programming, Photography, Fabrication.

We want a venue where the entertainment industry - professionals and newbies - can gather to specialize and improve. Entrepreneurs could also find inspiration and share ideas. The focus on building a business will have common aspects regardless of it being entertainment or production. Studios offering various producer equipment for DJ-mixing and media editing, and also fabrication. Being geared towards producers won't mean performing artists won't be interested as well.

Target group would be YA and older, but even Teens might be interested in some of the offers.

Performing Arts

Minimum 3 of these skills must be supported: Singing, Piano, Guitar, Violin, Acting, Comedy.

We want a venue where performing artists can build skills and brand, and through socializing also build a network. A cinema, karaoke salon or a bar with instruments for random jam sessions might be a good addition, the latter can even be outdoor if the climate zone allows.

Target group would be YA and older, but teenagers should be interested in these skills, too.