How does a youth organization run successful, fun events that keep kids coming back to see what happens next?
For older groups, younger members play an important role in planning and running things. Adults are more critical of younger people.
One of those adults could be you.
There is always a need for adults to fill a variety of roles. Someone to lead the organization of an event is obvious; who is usually an experienced member of the group. But they can’t do it all alone.
You could help with the physical setup and cleanup for the event. Or handle paperwork, phone calls and other paperwork. Perhaps you could be the one who takes care of the finances, brings the money to the bank, etc. Publicity – calling the media, making and posting posters, things like that. And if you’re computer savvy, there are a number of things you’d be useful for.
If you don’t have experience with the youth group, if you don’t know how it works, don’t worry. Fresh ideas are often the best. There will always be someone around to answer questions and update you.
If you’re just starting out with a band, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Whatever situation you are facing, it has probably already been done. There are forums on the Internet where if you ask the question, you will get a multitude of answers from different points of view. Just choose the one that suits your situation.
If you look at the “Upcoming Events” below, you will notice several adult leader training events. Most are for Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, but no matter which group you’re involved with, the same type of training is available, often online, designed for your time constraints.
So please take that first step. Pick a group, share your strengths or ideas with them, and get involved. Whether you work directly with the kids or behind the scenes, you’ll find new friends, a creative outlet, and the satisfaction of watching these “good” kids have a good time while growing into beautiful men and women.
Events to come
- BSA Cub/Scout Adult Leaders Roundtable, Thursday, 7 p.m., Highland Church of Christ, 425 Highland Ave., Abilene (one block west of Sayles Boulevard). 325-677-2688.
- Let’s Go 3: Outdoor Training for Adult Leaders of Girl Scouts in the Central Texas Council, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. $15 per person; the deadline has passed, check availability. (Must have completed Let’s Go 1 and Let’s Go 2.) Register at gsctx.org under the “Events” calendar; scroll to the date.
- Girl Scout Cookie President Q&A, Sunday 2-4 p.m. Virtual event for Texas Oklahoma Plains Council members. No charges; register on gs-top.org under the “Events” calendar.
- “Welcome to Cookies”, for caregivers of girls who have never sold Girl Scout cookies. 7 p.m. Nov. 16 (Zoom event). No charges. The registration deadline has passed; check with your town hall for availability.
- New Leaders Learning Journey (for adult female Scout leaders), 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 (virtual event). No charge, but you must register before Sunday at gs-top.org under the “Events” calendar. Questions: Shannon Spencer, 806-589-5950 or sspencer@gs-top.org. Star party at Lake Brownwood State Park, 8-10 p.m. Nov. 19. Park admission fees apply. Meet at the softball field next to the Group Recreation Hall. No lights, please (except red lights).
- National Center for Illustrated Children’s Literature, 102 Cedar St., Abilene offers art activities every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. free of charge. 325-673-4586
Contact Carl Kieke at 325-673-3552 (voice only); or kiekec@suddenlink.net. The deadline is Monday for publication the following Monday.
