7. WE DID THIS LAST WEEK, SIR!
Providing a balanced and varied programme.
The following advice is given in the Anchor Boy section of the Officers' Handbook: ".. what takes place in the weekly meeting is where the action is, and it is therefore important to keep it lively, happy and interesting." The corresponding entries for the Junior and Company Sections are: "a full programme should be prepared with one or two items kept in reserve to fill gaps" and "the programme will be well organised . . . great deal of fun and enjoyment . . . balanced approach to the various activities . . . every boy will be disappointed when the time comes to go home, and will eagerly await the next time when he can come to share in all that is offered."
The Handbook goes on to describe typical programmes and the BB publishes numerous books, pamphlets, leaflets, etc., relating to all the main aspects of the work of the company.
Ask yourself this question:
"Do my programmes have sufficient variety in them?"
If you feel that there could be more variety in your programme then you may like to consider the following thoughts:
1. What makes for a balanced programme? Write down the types of activities that ideally ought to be included. At this stage don't concern yourself about the availability of helpers with the necessary skills.
2. It will not be feasible or desirable to try to include all these in a given week's programme! So look back over your programmes for the last session and identify how frequently each activity has been tackled.
3. You may find that some activities are appearing more frequently than others, and some may not be included at all. Should you be trying to modify your programmes in the future in the light of this?
4. Consider also the length of time spent on a particular activity in a given week. For Anchor and Junior boys if this is over 10 or 15 minutes then the boys will easily get bored. Of course, on occasions extra time will need to be allocated, e.g. on craft work, so that the boy can finish and take home his creation that evening. For Company boys this time could be extended to between 20 and 30 minutes.
5. Consider whether time could be saved somewhere in the programme so that another activity can be included. For example how long does inspection and the taking of subs take?
6. To include some new activities may require extra help. Many companies will say that they need extra help. In many cases they have found that somebody in the church or a parent is willing to come for a few weeks or for a specified time slot to assist, whereas they would not consider becoming an officer. A personal approach may well be successful rather than a notice in the church magazine.
7. Figure marching and drill are activities which are declining in popularity. What are the benefits of including them? They can be as popular as any other activity when taught with enthusiasm. Don't apologise to the boys for including them; be clear in your own mind why you are incorporating them. Don't be tempted to say "we'll do this until we get it right!"
8. Consider visiting another company, by appointment, to see how they operate. You may pick up some useful ideas.
9. Have another look at the BB Resources Catalogue and see if there are any books, which would help you in your planning.
10. Obtain a copy, free of charge from London District, of the Resources List compiled by the East Zone Development Officer. This gives details of videos, books of prayers, drama books, Bible activities etc published by some of the major Christian suppliers.
