Birmingham Family YMCA

400 East Lincoln
Birmingham, Michigan 48009
phone: 248 644-9036
fax: 248 644-8378
birminghamymca@ymcametrodetroit.org
Parrish Underwood, Executive Director

Click below for: (If any of these links do not open, use the 'Contact Us' link or contact the Expedition Navigator)

Opening and closing ritual (word doc, rev 1.0) for use in Circle Meetings

Blank Activity Sheet (Excel) please email completed sheets to Tim

Blank Expense Document (Word) please complete and bring to Council meeting.

TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE PROGRAM - GET INVOLVED!

Here are some hints for keeping your Circle strong and active:

Meetings are started and ended on time, and do not go longer that 1 1/2 hours.

The dads should agree the calendar and hosts at least 3 months out (preferably for the whole year) so everyone knows the schedule. Example: third Thursday of the month.

The hosts should send reminders at least a week in advance, with directions if needed.

Refreshments are served prior to closing ceremony - giving an official ending to the meeting.

Activities are planned which are understandable to the girls. (The dads can then understand as well).

Circle size is best kept between six and twelve pairs. Large Circles become unmanageable in most homes.

The Circle Navigator (or delegate) attends all Expedition meetings and maintains contact with the Expedition Navigator.

Dads Meetings are called whenever needed, but at least 2-3 times per year.

Dads and daughters sit together during meetings and refreshments.

A Circle has at least one activity and/or meeting each month.

Dad/Daughter pairs work as a team wherever possible (i.e., crafts, games, skits, etc.).

Business and planning should be kept to a minimum during Circle meetings (use email to keep the dads up to speed, and then for the girls, hit the major events like a campout, or parade, or late nighter, but keep it short).

Try for a Circle outing for the entire family at least twice each year. Many of the Federation and Expedition activities are for the whole family.

Circle members evaluate their Circle program and progress as a group regularly.

The Circle has varied activities. For example, Circle meetings may include cooking, 1st Aid Instruction, Scavenger Hunts, and Gift Making. Circle outings may include trips to parks, museums, tours, movies, sporting events and Nation/Federation Events. Circle projects may include service projects, scrap books, photo albums, Circle banners and tribal property. The Circle may also participate in other YMCA programs such as swim lessons, gymnastics, youth sports, or day and resident camping.

Members develop an enthusiasm, esprit de corps, and pride for their Circle.

The Circle accepts and appreciates each member. All members feel needed and important.

Leadership is shared by all dads in the Circle.