By Tom and Carol Januski, F266041
Youth Committee Chairmen
September 2009
We had a very good turnout at the Bowling Green, Ohio, convention. Approximately 160 children were preregistered for the convention, with 120 in attendance for the Youth Program. One family had seven children; now, that’s participation. The baby was still too young to take part in the Youth Program this time, but we’re sure he or she will be looking forward to it in a couple of years.
The children had an awesome time in the Youth Center, working on crafts, playing games, and just meeting new friends and renewing friendships from the past. We also had numerous activities off the campus, such as the Toledo Zoo, Cedar Point amusement park, miniature golf, and bowling.
If you haven’t yet brought your children or grandchildren to an FMCA international convention, and, specifically, to participate in FMCA’s convention Youth Program, you don’t know what you are missing. The Youth Program is open to children from ages 2 (if potty trained) through 18. They are divided into four age groups: TOTS, ages 2 to 5; TWEENS, ages 6 to 9; PRE-TEENS, ages 10 to 12; and TATS (Teen-Age Travelers), ages 13 to 18. The kids have so much fun, they don’t want to leave.
The TATS hold an annual election of officers, and the following were elected in Bowling Green: Emily Fenker, F251710, president; and Philip Marlowe, F267754, vice president.
All of our volunteers are great with kids and have had background checks in order to work with the children. Not only do the kids come back year after year, but so do the volunteers. It is really neat to see the relationships develop and to watch the kids change and grow up from year to year, moving from one age group to the next. The program is open for children of the vendors also.
We hope to see you and your children next summer at FMCA’s Redmond, Oregon, convention!