Parent Volunteers

[fencerbill]

A former coach of the local high school team used to run an adult ed fencing class a couple of weeks after the high school season ended. The class met for 2 hours twice a week for 5 weeks. So there could be significant improvement even for non-fencers.

The way it turned out, you might as well have called it "Fencing for Parents". The majority of the participants, 12-20 or so, were parents, sometimes both parents, of the high school team members.

Results included a much better understanding of what went on, much better support for the team, and improved volunteer participation.

[VorpalCat]

Originally Posted by fencerbill

A former coach of the local high school team used to run an adult ed fencing class a couple of weeks after the high school season ended. The class met for 2 hours twice a week for 5 weeks. So there could be significant improvement even for non-fencers.

Interesting thought, that. Makes me wonder about offering a one- or two-night 'fencing for parents' class. Not 'how to watch fencing' or 'how to help your fencing child' -- give them a quick dip into the basics of fencing themselves so they've got at least a touch of understanding what their child is doing from the inside. (Not unlike the idea of week-long 'summer camp' fencing classes, maybe.)

Right now I get a lot of parents to take the regular class along with their child by pointing out that if they're going to be here anyway, might as well have fun instead of just sitting around! (And if they demur but continue to come every night with their child, they often wind up taking the next class!) I'm going to keep this 'fencing for parents' idea in the back of my head though if I find myself with potential parental understanding (or lack thereof) issues. Thanks for seeding that idea, Fencerbill!

[Peach]

Watch out . . . some of 'em are likely to become fencers themselves. That's what happened to me My daughter's coach offered a "parents day."

[VorpalCat]

Originally Posted by Peach

Watch out . . . some of 'em are likely to become fencers themselves. That's what happened to me My daughter's coach offered a "parents day."

Ta da!

I've found a side benefit of getting the parents to take the regular class is that afterwards, the child may want to jump into the next 'really cool thing my friends are doing' -- but the parent wants to keep fencing and often keeps bringing the child along with them. Yay for retention!