more pay . We have a human need for significance and appreciation even more than tangible riches . Specifically for us , we share records nearly every day during club meetings , both giving the kids the joy of sharing accomplishments and the leaders specific things to praise . We offer pieces of candy for record milestones , lapel pins for big jumps in skills ( e . g ., qualifying three rings ), and varsity letters for qualifying Ultimate Club members ( including technical , character , commitment , service , and performance standards ). I try to highlight feats and give honor to whom honor is due both in person and in writing . That is the heart behind our slide show tradition : every child is treated as a unique individual with traits to be celebrated and potential to be mentored .
FAMILY One of my favorite compliments from parents and members is when they refer to our company as a “ second family ” or a “ home away from home .” I ’ ve preached that goal many times , but when it comes back to me third-hand and unsolicited , it touches my heart to know that this is an oasis for youth . In truth , juggling is the excuse to get together and work on individual and common goals . With my Type-A personality , I have the drive to get kids to work , but the goal of my program is not busy work or getting tricks for the sake of getting tricks . They can get that from Youtube . The point is working together , growing together , and reaching milestones together , whether achieving one more standard , club level , participating in the Juggle Jam , or receiving accolades .
Here is a practical guide with some helpful hints for your own work with youth in the circus arts .
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SET A VISION FOR YOUR GROUP . Our # 1 mission is to develop lives rather than to develop jugglers per se . Juggling is the excuse ; it gets the kids interested and teaches a measurable skill . However , the kids would discontinue if juggling were an end in itself . My most decorated Jughead and former coach , Billy Watson , juggled five hours a day for five years , achieved multiple IJA Championships medals , and coached two other Juniors and two other Teams toward IJA medals . He never once considered professional juggling , but rather credits his world class juggling years for empowering his efforts in law school , law practice , and a long-term drive toward law professorship . For Billy , juggling was not the end , but rather the means toward his own and his students ’ life-long development .
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BUILD AND MAINTAIN TRUST
THROUGH COMMUNICATION , TRANSPARENCY , AND PERSONAL ATTENTION . I try to thoroughly communicate to my constituents through monthly newsletters , targeted group and individual emails , monthly SLT meetings , and daily face-to-face interaction . Trust built over many years can be lost in a moment . Even if I sacrifice program development ( and a clean desk ), I prioritize personal connections over personal records as a measure of success . I try to greet each child by name every day as well as learn all family members ’ names .
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SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES ,
RULES , AND EXPECTATIONS . My first decade of coaching occurred while I was an employee and an independent contractor of a major school district . I knew how to work with kids , but as our company grew and matured , and I left the umbrella of the institution which gave me my start , I found I needed more clearly defined policies . Jeff Shlosberg , one of many parents who gave us invaluable service , wrote a code of conduct to set the tone of our expectations on trips and in other extended-hours contexts . Even back at our home base , it ’ s important to remind the Jugheads of basic expectations ( respect for people & property ) and basic virtues ( honesty , such as how many snacks to take , and social skills , such as greeting others by name ).
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DEVELOP MULTI-TIERED
MENTORSHIP . My captains , volunteers , assistants , specialists , and coaches have much delegated authority in helping me lead our groups of various sizes and various roles . I have job descriptions for all student leader positions and conduct formal training in the spring and fall .
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STAFF ARE YOUTH WORKERS
FIRST AND SKILLED EXPERTS SECOND . I ’ d much rather have an adult staff or parent volunteer with next-to-no juggling skills who has a big heart for kids than a world class juggler who is a bad influence . Don ’ t sacrifice your kids ’ eagerness and innocence in the name of excellence at all costs . High expectations , structure , and discipline are certainly part of the equation ,
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