SYLC: Parent Resource Support Your Young Leader
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WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR YOUNG LEADER
Supporting your teenage son or daughter as they mature in identity and independence may be a challenge. However, as a parent you know it is important that you continue to communicate your love. In deciding how you will support your child as they participate in SYLC, choose ideas that match your style and meet your goals. The following list of ideas is provided to help you develop your own strategy for support.
BEFORE SYLC
Talk to your son or daughter about how they feel as they approach the SYLC program. Discover or take interest in the ways your son or daughter may become involved in leadership or service.
Gently remind your son or daughter regarding:
- Upcoming deadlines for Combined Health and Consent form, Behavioral Contract and Family Insurance Card
- Upcoming deadlines regarding payments or participation in fundraising
- Any team gathering prior to SYLC
- Assist or support your son or daughter with fundraising projects
JUST BEFORE LEAVING FOR SYLC
- Plan to eat a meal together as a family. Include time for prayer.
- Provide support as needed for the last minute preparations.
- Prepare a card or note of support to include in your son or daughter's luggage.
DURING SYLC
Set aside a time during the day to pray for your son or daughter and for all youth preparing for leadership.
A Sample Prayer:
Dear God our Creator, we thank you for entrusting (name) to our family's special care. Bless our son/daughter with renewed faith, joy and courage to be the person you created him/her to be. May he/she grow in ability and strength as a bearer of your love for others, especially, among his/her peers. Amen.
- Follow the daily updates about SYLC online at www.salesianym.org/sylc
- E-mail greetings to your son or daughter at this address: [email protected]. These notes will be posted for the community.
- Read through Parent Resources also online
- Plan a special way to welcome your son or daughter back home: serve a favorite food, sign a card or prepare a welcome home poster.
AFTER SYLC
Set aside a time or a special meal to hear about the experience. You might want to talk about some of the following:
- How do you feel about your SYLC experience?
- What was it like?
- What happened? What was the most significant part of the experience?
- Who did you meet?
- What did you find most challenging about the week?
- What did you enjoy most about the week?
- What did you learn?
Be supportive of the new ways they will be seek to be involved in service to their local communities.