By Kahra Bus of the Department of Parks and Recreation
As the 2014–2015 school year has come to a close, so does a chapter of this mom’s life. After 10 years, my youngest child is leaving Baker Elementary School. While many parents are making this transition, it has struck me in a very particular way. When our children are in elementary school we, as parents, are in deep- running back and forth to school, practices, play dates and music lessons- you name it. Starting at 3:45 p.m., the starter’s gun goes off and the running begins. We feel like we are so overwhelmed that there is never enough time…
Fast forward.
My oldest is in high school. After school clubs, activities and sports dominate. Free time is spent on homework or with friends. Parent involvement is limited and there are days when I shake my head and think, “I feel like I haven’t seen her in days!”
So, why the trip down memory lane? Because it struck me as I write about fall sports registrations, that before long I won’t be able to coach my children anymore. Before too long, my involvement in their activities will be limited to how much they tell me at dinner. Before it’s too late, I want to share this perspective with every parent registering for Fall Recreation Programs.
When my oldest was in kindergarten (2005), I received a call from the Department of Parks and Recreation, asking if I would be interested in coaching. I had only ever played recreation soccer as a fifth and sixth grader, and never followed it with any amount of fervor. I told them I had no experience. They said it didn’t matter — that the Recreation sports leagues are successful because of parent involvement, not experience. So I said sure! You mean I can run around on the field like a big kid and the kids will believe that I know what I am talking about? Awesome!
Over the last 10 years, I or my husband have volunteered to coach a multitude of sports- some of which we had played, some of which we had not. We have coached alone; we have co-coached; we have both coached more than one team when there weren’t enough coaches; and we have recruited friends to coach. And at the end of every season, we have met new parents, new children and have always had a great experience.
So this week, as you settle into summer and think distantly toward for fall, consider coaching a recreation sports team. Recreation Soccer, Recreation Field Hockey, Recreation Basketball (winter) and Lacrosse (spring) all need parent/volunteer coaches. It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of your child’s personal growth and development in a fun, supportive and friendly atmosphere. One hour a week and one hour on the weekend — the commitment is minimal, but the reward is immeasurable.
Do you love the sport, but don’t have a child in the program? The Department of Parks and Recreation accepts adult volunteers. All independent adult volunteers receive a state registered, background check. Volunteering to be a part of your child’s extra-curricular activities is limited, so take that time now, when there is time, even though it doesn’t feel like it. Enjoy watching them play, learn and grow. Before long, their caps will be flung into the air and you will be able to look back and remember all of the fun along the way.
