Club for Lower Income Families- How To?

[michaelheggen]

Something else to consider is to make your beginner programs dry. Or maybe just the offsite parks & rec programs. It's all less expensive and easier to transport and maintain, and I think that people (especially kids) should learn to fence "off the box" anyway.

Also, I think you and I have messaged about high school fencing leagues. We also added a middle school league last year. These programs (both of which are dry foil here) offer an inexpensive way to expose kids to fencing for a few months—kids who might not otherwise try it (whether due to interest or finances).

For comparison, we are adding electrical épée competition to our high school league this year. Our cost per fencer for that is double the cost for dry foil—and that doesn't take into account that the salle is providing scoring equipment.

If you're trying to introduce fencing in a less-affluent area, it's hard to go wrong with dry foil. As your program develops over the next couple of years, you can use your proceeds to bootstrap into other weapons and/or electrical.

-Mike

[Applesauce and Foils]

Hm, I guess I read your reply but then Ididn't reply, Michael. Sorry about that.

Yes, we're doing dry. As much as I like training on the scoring machine, that's not the route I can afford to go or want to go with beginners.

So a little update for all of you:
I spoke with the rec center people in our town and they were very, very interested in getting a program started. They have invited me to do 3 demos for them at their different locations, and are offering me space in their centers if the kids are receptive to the idea of a fencing program.
I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to see them. Since fencing is one of those weird sports, I didn't know if they would take it seriously, but they were great! They want to introduce the kids to something besides a "ball" sport, and fencing is an attractive way for them to do that.

The only thing is that a lot of their kids are from low income families, so my pricing would have to be adjusted to accomodate them. I believe the way I'm going to do this is to say "This is the price for students coming through the rec centers only," and I think people will understand.
I thought about doing it different ways, like the students should ask for the lower price, but that doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me in the long run, since I know most of them will need it. I don't want to be making people uncomfortable.

I have given real thought to the suggestions people made about having a scholarship type program, or have them write an essay about fencing, etc., but that doesn't really meet the needs of the kids. I feel like- if this is something that they want to do, and it can be a positive thing in their lives, let's have as many as can come.

Maybe that's foolish. It's probably not good business sense, but I think it's in the spirit of our club, so that's why I'm going this route. And also, the fact that we're still holding a regular class and expanding in other ways helps.

Anyway, that's the update!
AF

[michaelheggen]

Sounds like you're off to a good start.

Are you thinking about extending your "rec center" pricing to those students even after they are integrated into your regular program?

-Mike

[Applesauce and Foils]

Yes. It's not that they're going to "integrated" in that they're not part of the club already. They'll still be full members of the club so nothing will change. And I can't imagine raising the price on them after they know they love it, just to find out they can't afford it. How awful.

The thing is, I'm keeping my current location, and adding on these new rec center locations as well. If people want to go to both, provided the classes are on different days, that's fine with me, as each class will have more students and will ultimately work towards building a stronger club.

AF

[michaelheggen]

Cool. We may borrow this model if/when we start working with our local Boys & Girls Club.

-Mike

[Applesauce and Foils]

Well- I'll let you know how it goes, then! If it turns out terribly and causes the end of the club, you may not want to borrow it, lol!
But thanks for the encouragement. That's pretty cool to think it might spread to Oregon.

AF

[Applesauce and Foils]

So here's what's moving on the rec center front:

Went and did the demos, and the kids loved it, of course. We demoed (sp? Is that even a word?) for probably close to 200 kids and staff members that hung around to watch. I love it when adults become engrossed in the demos, too!

Every program coordinator I spoke with was excited about getting a program started. We just have to sit down and come to an agreement on price.

The biggest way for us to cut cost, is if the centers buy their own equipment. I've sent them some ideas on how to fund such a venture, so we'll see what happens.

After that, we just need to set a cap on the class size, and decide how long each session will run.

AF

[michaelheggen]

That is very encouraging to hear!

Please continue to keep us up to date as things progress.

-Mike

[Applesauce and Foils]

Sho will! It's just, not much is moving at the moment. I believe the rec centers are trying to end a very busy run of Summer Camps and that's why things are slow.
However- I think I've found a good discount on equipment, so things are looking good.

Btw, anyone that's interested in this thread should also check out my blog "Applesauce and Foils' Blog" on this site. It's got a few more details and musings than I want to post here.

And while I'm talking, so far the best thing that I've found to do, is talk it up to people- basically tell everyone what you're doing. Some may be able to help you with ideas, give you good advice, or as mentioned, discounts. Never hurts to do a little publicizing for your club, anyway!

AF