When we were Divisional Youth Leaders it always bothered us to see some really great kids in the division not participate in camp or in divisional activities. We know the impact these things can have on a young person. They feel more connected to the Army and see the bigger picture. Not to mention that their influence and abilities would be a tremendous asset to the programs and to the individuals around them.
My oldest daughter is going to High School next year (YIKES). She is in the band programs and a Cross Country runner. Band sessions and athletic training takes place all summer long. They actually start the week after school lets out. She is excellent in both of these programs and needs to participate in the summer activities. The bandmasters and the coach need her to participate during the summer. Of course come fall she will have football games every Friday night and I just found out yesterday that she will have Cross Country meets every Saturday. That eliminates her from a lot in regards to the Army. She is supposed to work at camp this summer and she is supposed to be in NEOSA Brass this fall. There is no way she will be able to do it all.
I never realized how much school impacts those "off times" in a young person's life. I think if I were a DYS now I would find a way to reach out to those kids more. There has to be a way!!
2 comments:
You are right! One sport and connection with a music program and your schedule in high school is tighter than a drum.
It sounds like your school programs are starting to delineate whether or not K. is able to work at camp over the summer. And its a story you are familiar with and know the details so well. Some music programs don't let you play with them unless you in the summer marching camp. Other make you be alternates, even when you are a striong musician, because of your "misses."
I can remember my corps officer and other TSA divisional officers and staff nearly jumping through hoops to "bend" the requirements to help me be able to be everywhere I needed to be, or else help me provide adult answers about why I couldn't. I couldn't have been a fraction of the time involved with Army programs if it hadn't have been for flexible and vision-filled people.
If camp turns out to be an experience she needs to make a choice about, I can undertstand why it will be hard. She will pray and you will pray and be able to help her know the best devotion of her time and energy. When I was in high school, marching band was an elective part of the music program, but that is not the case at your school.
I hate when dedicated and motivated teenagers find themselves caught in the center of a tug-o-war over their time and preparation and participation. Each program will be enhanced by K. touch and influence, if only there can be a way to allow it all to be cohesive, not devicive.
All in all, you see the polished and precious treasure she is developing into and can see her struggle to "be everywhere." On top of so many things in a mom's life, you are her scheduler, the one who is aware of her available time and energy. Be the bouncer for her, helping her reach these decisions in a responsible and full way.
One tremendous think about a tight schedule - there is no room for dating!
Praise God for that last statement!
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