8. INVOLVING PARENTS

A common theme from companies is that they need more adult help. One of the obvious sources of such help is from parents. However a number of parents seem to show little or no interest in the BB other than using it as a place where they can leave their boys while they are involved in other activities. Is it possible to ignite a spark of interest in such parents?

For some parents there will be compelling reasons why they cannot assist you in the company. Some may be doing shift work, others will need to be at home with younger children, with no child minder to call on. For others their own health, or that of a relative, may preclude them from becoming involved.

Having said that there are other parents who could offer help of some kind or another but who need to be asked! A personal approach is likely to be more successful than an appeal in a general letter to parents.

The following points may be of use to you as you consider the next stages. Many may be of use in your approach to Church Members for assistance.

1. Endeavour to get to know your parents. The parents of younger boys normally accompany them to your meeting place. Try to have someone else to look after the boys at the very start of the evening, taking subs and organising the activity while the others arrive. In this way you can be free to talk to your parents.

2. Follow this up with an invitation to an activity involving the boys and their parents. Why not have a Company Supper or something similar? At this stage the aim is to enable the parents to become comfortable with the company rather than enlisting help. Don't be tempted to ask for help too soon! But at the same time be prepared to accept any offers of help which are made!

3. Asking parents to help out every week is unlikely to be successful! Most will feel concerned that they are being asked to give a long term commitment.

4. Instead identify a number of tasks which are within the competence of parents. Some examples are:

Making the refreshments taking the?subs
Take a specific activity, Achievement or lead a game; give full details in plenty of time
Help with transport
Take a Company Section Badge Class
Be creative in identifying other similar tasks!

5. Don't forget to give as much notice as possible. Provide any necessary material so that they know exactly what is required of them. Where possible keep the group size small and ensure that not all your lively boys are in this group!

6. Reflect on the need to ensure that the BB Code of Practice is followed together with any local arrangements. For the first few weeks at least ensure that you are nearby so that you can provide any necessary assistance.

7. As time goes on some may be interested in helping out in other ways. Have ideas ready! When appropriate invite your helpers to go through the Induction Training.

8. Finally, and certainly not least, don't forget to pray! We believe in a Sovereign Lord, for whom nothing is impossible.