For quite some time now, I've contemplated the involvement of youth in the ONDEG program.  There are a few changes that will be implemented immediately, and others to follow.  To determine the best course of action, I am soliciting input from member parents who would like their children to be in our program, as well as input from members who feel they can contribute to a youth program.  If you are an ONDEG member and would like to be involved in making decisions about the ONDEG Youth Program, please attend a meeting on Saturday, January 29th at 10:30am.  From those attending this meeting, I intend to select individuals to serve on the Youth Advisory Council which will help shape the ONDEG Youth Program.

Here are some of the topics that I will be asking the Youth Advisory Council to formulate policies for:

• Scholarship fund
• Learning progression
• Learning level
• Mentor program
• Marketing / exposure

Changes to youth training (as of 01 February 2011):

• Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.0.
• Students will no longer train for free.  Membership fee discounted by $20 ($80 per month per student).
• Student participating in the program must address the trainers as "Coach".
  
• Any student that misses more than two consecutive months of ONDEG training must coordinate with the lead trainer for refresher training which will be charged at the regular hourly rate.

Coming up in part I:  A bit of history.  EDIT:  this is part one!  Silly boy...a bit of history will be part two!