Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm interested, but still have a few
questions about the program.
A: Contact Mike Noxon at
Navigator@ymcaswprincesses.org. He will be able to explain
the program and get you in touch with a circle that would best suit
you. You can also call him at (708) 870-1980.
Q: The year is almost over. Should
I just wait until Fall?
A: Waiting is always an option, but the "Friends Forever" goes
beyond the Father-Daughter. Most of our girls become great
lifelong friends, and activities for some of our groups continue
year round. Feel free to call Tim and arrange to
join us at an upcoming event.
Q: Are there age limits
A: We have girls in our program as young as 4, and as old as
16. Since our program is a Father-daughter program, you can
help the younger ones with some activities. It's never too
early to commit to spending time with your daughter, and watching
them grow is an experience that cannot be shouldn't be missed.
Q: What is the Longhouse
and Shorthouse?
A: The Longhouse is comprised of all of the dads in the program. The Shorthouse is a
smaller group of dads that have volunteered to help organize the
outings, fundraisers, and perform other support functions for the
program. We are always looking for more help so feel free to
be active in both. The Longhouse and Shorthouse meet once a
month to hear feedback on past outings and provide details on future
outings (Shorthouse meeting immediately follows the Longhouse
meeting). These are informal meetings that last about an hour.
All dads are encouraged to attend every Longhouse meeting.
The Circle Chiefs are expected to attend each Longhouse meeting.
Also, the Longhouse meetings are where dads submit their daughter's
patch design to be voted on by everyone present.
Q: What are the patches all about?
A: The patches are a way for the girls to creatively express
themselves and what a particular outing means to them. The patch
design is submitted at the Longhouse meeting by the father and all
submissions are voted on by all of those present. Once a winner is
determined, a fabric patch is created and distributed at the next
outing to each program participant (dads and daughters). The
Princess whose design won is presented with an award at the next
outing. The patches are attached to the Circle vest that each
participant wears. The girls have fun looking back at patches they
have created over the years.
Q: What are the vests for?
A: Each Circle (group) has a specific color vest and design that is
worn by both dads and princesses to show proud memebership in the
Circle. The outing patches are attached to vest and provide a
history of all of the outings. The girls are proud and enjoy
seeing their design worn by all of the members of our nation. Vests
can be ordered through The Patch Store (www.thepatchstore.com). Contact
your Circle Chief to find out more about what vest your Circle uses.
Q: Who are the people that organize the
program?
A: The program is run entirely by volunteer dads who have
been in the program and realize it's value. We have
optional Informational meeting monthly to convey important information to all the
members. Here is a short list of the officers (Shorthouse) and their
roles:
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Head Navigator. The Head Navigator ensures continuity in meetings and typically conducts portions of each meeting. The Navigator acts as the leader and representative for the Circle. He or she also presides at parent meetings, makes assignment sheets, and checks to see that jobs are being done. The Navigator represents the Circle at the Expedition meeting. The YMCA will provide training for the Navigators.
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Assistant Navigator. The Assistant Navigator takes on the duties of the Navigator when the Navigator is absent. He or she attends Expedition meetings and usually becomes the next Navigator.
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Treasurer. The Treasurer looks after all Circle resources, including the Treasure Box, drums, talking stick, Expedition awards, and other materials. He or she keeps record of reimbursements to members from the Treasure Box for approved expenses and collects all fees for program enrollment and various Expedition gatherings and submits them to the YMCA office.
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Roster Bearer. The Roster Bearer keeps Circle records and rosters and conducts roll call at meetings. He or she submits reports to the YMCA regarding Circle adventures and accomplishments, conducts the annual Circle evaluation, and is responsible for communication.