Youth Groups Committee

Chariman: SK Joseph L Shankle

Information from Supreme for this committee:

• Look into the youth activities that are the most needed or have the greatest chance for success where you live. Many youth groups either exist in your area or could potentially fill a specific need in your community.
• Volunteer your council’s manpower for the operation of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) or Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) program in your area. Contact your diocesan youth director with suggestions for programs or offers of support.
• Promote council and community support for the program in your area. Big Brothers/Big Sisters offers unique one-to-one services to single parent youths. The program matches volunteers with chil- dren who can benefit from the friendship and guidance of a Big Brother or Big Sister. Knights and family members may be interested in volunteering as Big Brothers or Big Sisters, or councils may want to help the organization with fund-raising, promotion or program development. Each year in early spring, the national Big Brothers/Big Sisters organizations coordinate local bowl-a-thons to raise funds (“Bowl for Kids’ Sake” in the U.S. and “Bowl for Millions” in Canada). This is one area where councils can make a real contribution. For information on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, the local agencies and areas of involvement, write: Big Brothers/Big Sisters International, 1315 Walnut St./Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 717-5130. The Web site is www.bbbsi.org.
• Knights of Columbus councils are strong supporters of scouting programs for boys and girls. Consider sponsoring a scout troop or recruiting capable scout leaders. Adopt a project to enrich the quality of local scout activities. Examples include camporees, aquatic meets, scout shows, camp development, etc. Donate capital and operating funds to make scouting activities more attractive. Enlist the support of council members who can supply technical advice which scouts need in devel- oping projects. For more information about scouting, contact the Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015, www.scouting.org; or Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018, telephone (212) 852-8000, ww.girlscouts.org. In Canada contact: Scouts Canada, 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON K2C 0A7, telephone: (613) 224-5131, www.scouts.ca; or Girl Guides of Canada, 50 Merton Street, Toronto, ON M4S 1A3. Telephone: (416) 487-5281, Web site www.girl- guides.ca.
• Learning by doing is at the heart of the 4-H Club program. Members take an active part in learning and the program builds young leaders. Council members can assist by serving as adult leaders and offering support and assistance in the many varied projects and activities conducted in the 4-H pro- gram. Contact National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, telephone: (301) 961-2800 or www.fourhcouncil.edu.