YMCA Adventure Guides: Circle Meetings
All members of the YMCA Adventure Guides program participate in small groups called Circles. A Circle usually consists of 7 to 10 parent–child pairs, which take turns meeting in each others’ homes regularly throughout the school year for program activities. Circles also hold parent-only meetings, during which parents plan for future Circle meetings as well as Circle adventures out in the community. A typical circle meeting contains any or all of the following.
1. Opening ritual. The opening ritual of a Circle meeting tells all members that they are now moving into a special place, an imaginative place, where Circle rules guide behavior. The ritual might include one or all of the following:
| • | Circle song | |
| • | Parents and children sitting together | |
| • | Opening thought or prayer | |
| • | Flag salute | |
| • | Reciting the program aims |
2. Roll call, field reports, and collection of dues. Reporting from members allows each parent and child an opportunity to speak in front of the group. Usually members tell about a family activity, outing, trip, or accomplishment that has occurred since the last meeting. Roll call provides an opportunity for members to check in and say, “I’m here!” Many Circles decide that at each meeting a small amount of money should be contributed by each young member to the Circle Treasure Box.
3. Business discussion. Only essential items of interest to both children and parents should be covered. You can deal with other topics at parent-only meetings. The purpose of the business discussion is twofold: (1) to help children understand that good planning is a part of creating positive experiences and (2) to empower our children to take part in the activities of the Circle. The business portion of the meeting should include the following:
4. Leader Lines. The Navigator might tell a story (or call on the Storyteller to tell one), recognize rites of passage or accomplishments of Circle members, talk about the season of the year or a special event or day coming up, or pose questions focusing on one of the program aims.
5. Activity. The meeting host or an assigned Circle member presents the game, craft project, or other activity involving parents and children participating together.
6. Refreshments. The meeting host provides simple refreshments (usually no more than two items) to be served by the host parent and child.
7. Closing ritual. The Navigator calls the Circle back together for the closing ritual. This marks the end of the meeting; after saying goodbye, all members should leave without dawdling.