Crafts are a traditional part of the Y Guides program. Having an interesting and rewarding craft at every other meeting serves a valuable purpose.
What do crafts achieve for the children?
- Learning to use hands to make things
- Making something to take home to show to others and to display in room
- Spending time with and making something jointly with dad
What do crafts achieve for dads?
- Working with and teaching son/ daughter
- Having a learning experience
- Improving skills in various areas
Advanced preparation is the key to a successful craft project. Learn to utilize the craft at each meeting as a quick and concise portion of your meeting. It‘s important that all crafts are completed during the meeting (in usually 10-15 minutes) and do not need to be finished at home.
- Have all materials necessary for the project.
- Have a sample. Make one at home before your meeting. This will give you an idea of the time involved.
- Arrange distribution and method in detail.
- Father and child togetherness during craft time keeps the focus on the craft.
- Have all materials close at hand to permit quick start.
- Don't be content with a poorly organized and conducted craft period.
Crafts for First-Years
Three words: "Keep It Simple." Remember, you want to have a craft that the kids can do (or almost do) by themselves with assistance from Dad. It should be a craft that can be easily completed in a short period of time. The attention span for first-year is not very long.
Crafts for Second-Years
Crafts for the second-years should be both challenging and rewarding. Remember the three words: Simple, Interesting and Inexpensive. The craft for this age level should be simple enough for the kids to complete, yet a bit more challenging than last year. Dads should continue to help make all crafts with their children, hopefully with a bit less instruction. It‘s necessary to use your imagination in selecting a craft. Without this, you will have a dull craft and a restless group. Be certain that the craft does not cost an excessive amount of money.
Crafts for Third-Years
Modify or change the craft procedure of the first- and second-years. The children are developing and need more difficult tasks. Dad's interest also lags if the routine of the first-years is continued.
Keep the program theme. Father and child must participate together. Utilize crafts in support of other third-year programs such as camping, service, or athletics.
Develop a custom-themed project or two that takes the entire year to complete. Have each dad develop a project related to his business or hobby.
Only with the interest of all the dads will the craft be a success. Involve the fathers in the development of ideas and require constant side-by-side participation of fathers and sons/daughters.