In January, we are running introductory sessions for 9000 Scouts at Jamboree in Queensland.
Over one session of three hours, we hope to convince a number of youngsters from all over Australia, to take Scrabble further. For that, we need friendly helpers in each state. Someone is required to nurture them on their return home. In the initial stages, what a youngster needs is encouragement and a peer group – which means we need to aim for probably 4 to 6 regular players in each state, so that there is always another youth there when they come to tournaments. The Eastern states are taken care of, with a core group of youngsters competing in each state.
The Scouts we are working with will be aged 12 and over.
We need to follow up any promising young Scouts who may want to move into tournaments. Of the Scouts attending Jamboree, we could have up to 1000 attending our 3-hour workshops, where we will attempt to excite them about Scrabble. We hope to have up to 10 possible expressions of interest from youth within each of your states, wanting to take things further.
Once they return to their home states, we need a contact person for each Scout – someone who could perhaps select a personal mentor for practice sessions (some older volunteers, perhaps?), and who can direct them to clubs; someone to invite them to tournaments when they are ready, to hold their hand for their first event/s, and to make sure they are encouraged back after their first attempt. One possible thing to do would be create beginners’ tournaments for them to start with. If you need any assistance/advice, I am always available, with 19 years of experience in encouraging youth to compete.(actually, more than that, make it 27 years if you count my own son). Also, Tony Hunt and Tisa Ng have established a thriving youth presence in NSW Scrabble, and would surely also advise. I can also provide equipment if required for whatever initiatives you plan.
We need friendly people who know the basics of Scrabble (definitely don’t need top players – they are too intimidating!) and who enjoy seeing children flourish. They should be (or have been) tournament players – once a child ventures into a competition, they need someone to gently guide them through the protocols and etiquette, which is only possible if you are prepared to attend the same events (as a player, or even just as an observer).
Note: If you have a caring person who wants to help youth, but has never played a tournament, they can still take on this challenge – but will need to learn about tournaments alongside the youngsters! I am thinking of a parent/grandparent or teacher who wants to learn themselves.
You will get all the help you need, mostly from afar. However, I would happily visit your state to help with any initial challenges you may have.
Mentoring young players is a extremely fulfilling way to enjoy your retirement. I have made many new friends of all ages – players plus their families. I have watched a generation of youngsters move into adulthood and parenthood, with their confidence and skills boosted by their involvement in Scrabble.
Please contact me privately for more information.
Karen Richards
karen.d.richards@gmail.com
Scrabble SA 