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The Nation Navigator |
Navigator Training and Orientation
If you are a new Nation Navigator, read this and consider sharing it with your Circle Navigators.
If you are a new Circle Navigator, please read this and take it to heart.
Why I Am the Nation Navigator
I never really aspired to be a Nation Navigator.
After all, Navigators have to do stuff, and who has time?
Yet, I have (reluctantly) agreed to take this Y-Adventure Guides leadership position.
There is only one reason I have done so:
I believe that the Adventure Guides program has helped me create something special with my kids. I want others to have the chance to create that special Adventure Guides thing with their kids too. I want the program to continue.
These Are My Objectives
- I want my Nation members to have fun.
- I want to minimize the "work" and "overhead".
- I want the events of the year to be special.
- I want to every member of my Nation to create MAGIC!
- Among parents and their children
- Among the children in each circle
- Among the parents in each circle
These Are Things I Will Do
- I will make my Circle Navigators' jobs as easy as I can. I will minimize "busy work".
- I will be sure we have adequate planning for our Nation participation in the Program.
- I will be sure that each Circle knows our plan, agrees to our plan, and adheres to our plan.
- I will facilitate smooth resolution of any problems that might arise during the year.
- I will supply guidance/instruction/continuity to anyone who volunteers to help with Nation events.
- I will be the "visible" leader at our events - especially campouts.
These Are Things I Won't Do
- I won't make our trophies, run our soccer, cover Federation events, etc.
The job of the Nation Navigator is overall planning and delegation, not execution. If our members volunteer to cover a piece of work and follow-through on their commitment then our Nation (and Federation) will benefit. If our members choose not to take an active role, our entire Nation (and Federation) will suffer the deficit.
- I won't take credit for the success of our events
Nor will I accept blame for the failure of an event.
When I hear positive comments, I will tell the members to thank their Circle Navigator.
If I hear complaints I will tell the members they must talk to their Circle Navigator.
Meeting Attendance is Mandatory
It would be great if I could work with each of my circles individually, but I do not have time.
Our monthly Navigators' meeting is the administrative forum for our Nation.
Attendance at our meetings is mandatory.
Each Circle must have a representative present at each meeting.
If a Circle Navigator cannot attend, he must arrange a substitute.
It's Up to the Nation Members
The Adventure Guides program is sponsored by the YMCA, but it is not delivered by the YMCA.
As a Nation Navigator, I do not have any YMCA resources at my command.
There are no paid staff members working behind the scenes to make it all happen.
The Adventure Guides program is just a plan, nothing more.
It is up to the members of each Nation to execute the plan.