Centennial Memory #70: Addition of Squires

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

Today's memory is a recent one, as the program has only been active in Pennsylvania for close to two years. The Squires program has proven to be a success in Pennsylvania, as there are currently five open manors across Pennsylvania, with more still to come. The active Manors are Liberty Manor out of Northeast Chapter, Carlisle Manor out of Carlisle Chapter, William C. Graham Manor out of Lorraine Chapter, Bayse Newcomb No. 506 out of Friendship-Bray Chapter, and King Arthur Manor out of Allentown Chapter.

The Squires program is designed as a "Pre-DeMolay program" for young men between the ages of 9 and 11. The Squires hold their own meetings, host activities, and elect their own officers. A member of the DeMolay Chapter is chosen as the Squire Mentor, to assist the Squires in their efforts and serve as a role model for when they transition into DeMolay. The complete story of Squires in Pennsylvania is still unwritten, and we look forward to seeing the growth of the program.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Successful Squire Program Forming in PA

The word Squire means "a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself." The same can be said about the Squires program in association with DeMolay, as they are a sub-organization for members that are not yet of DeMolay age. Squires are for young men 9-11 years of age, with encouragement for them to join DeMolay when they become 12.

Although this is a new concept in Pennsylvania, the Squires program has been around since 1995. It teaches the important lessons of Justice, Truth, and Wisdom. The proper term for a group of Squires is a "Manor," just like members of DeMolay are in "Chapters." Squires hold meetings, participate in fun events and activities, and interact with the DeMolay members. The DeMolays serve as mentors for the Squires, hoping to one day bring them into the Chapter. 

What does it take to start a Squire Manor? There are several things needed to form a Manor, but the main thing is interest from all involved. A Manor will only exist with interested Squires, Advisors, and DeMolay members. A DeMolay Chapter serves as a sponsor to the Squire Manor. One DeMolay will serve as the Squire Mentor and at least two DeMolay Advisors should serve as the Advisors for the Manor. A Manor should start with 3 Squires, receiving a Charter after receiving 5 Squires. There are several other requirements needed, which I will provide in a link at the bottom of the blog post.

The Squire program can be a successful addition to DeMolay if run properly. It provides a program that can initiate membership for the Chapter. So far, Pennsylvania has 3 Squires Manors that are recognized by DeMolay International: Liberty Manor, sponsored by Northeast Chapter; Carlisle Manor, sponsored by Carlisle Chapter; and William C. Graham Manor, sponsored by Lorraine Chapter. There have been several other Chapters that have expressed interest in starting a Squires Manor as well. The future of DeMolay is bright with the success of the Squire program. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

Starting a Squire Manor in PA

PA Squire Guidelines             

Survey Says: How to Improve the PA DeMolay Product

A few weeks ago, I put together a survey to try to get an idea of the areas in which we can improve the overall PA DeMolay product. I'm happy to say that we had 58 members and advisors take the time to fill out this survey. Here are a few of the things that I have learned throughout the survey: 

In terms of the Keystone Crusader:

• 32.8% would like to receive the Keystone Crusader through social media or email.
• A large portion of the group would like some new content to the publication. 
• Some families receive multiple copies of the newsletter, and would like that lowered.

In terms of bringing back a PA DeMolay activity:

• 30% would like to see 007 weekend back in the future and 24% would like NERF weekend back in the future. 
• A good portion of the "other" responses wanted the Athletic program back.
• The major thing that can be taken out of the results of this question; if the members will support it then we should do it. 

In terms of the Athletics program:

• Almost half of the people surveyed want the Athletics program brought back as a feature to the programs we currently have. 
• About 38% want the Athletics program brought back the way we had it. 
• Make sure that brotherhood is the most important lesson if the program is brought back.

In terms of a specific Athletic Program:

• 42% want to bring back the Flag Football weekend
• 21% want Basketball weekend back
• A good amount would like to see brotherhood style since some chapters cannot field teams. 

In terms of ritual:

• 52% of the people surveyed think that all options should be used. The options were assigning a youth director, hold ritual competitions and set aside time at state weekends for ritual programs.
• Some people think that if ritual is pushed too hard, we could lose members. Find a way to make it fun.  
• A few people are not in favor of the idea of a youth director

In terms of Call Em All: 

• 33% of people say that their chapter uses it all of the time. 
• about 20% would prefer a text message than a phone call from a machine.
• The chapters that don't use it state that they prefer personal phone calls because of the small number of members.

In terms of the squire program (a program designed for 9 to 11 year old boys prepping them for DeMolay):

• 45% think that the squire program is a great idea to get young guys ready for DeMolay.
• 25% of people need more information about the program, including success rates from other jurisdictions. 
• A majority of people think that it's a great idea, but it will need added support from advisors to make it happen. 

In terms of the website and blog page:

• Some people think that the web page needs more updates, especially chapter specific news. 
•  A lot of people like the idea of the blog and would like to see guest bloggers as well. 
• Content needs to be more youth oriented.

In terms of new programming for PA DeMolay:

• Some people would like the idea of video blogs, interviews and podcasts added to the content. 
• A few people like the idea of teaching more life skill oriented programs such as finance, resume building and time management. 
• A few people think that a statewide community service project is a good idea. 

In terms of membership:

•  A lot people think that we should have better incentive programs 
• Some would like to see updated chapter brochures. 
• Advertise

Suggestions, Concerns Complaints:

• Find ways to encourage smaller chapters to participate. 
• Some people like the idea of bringing in guest speakers.
• We need to focus on keeping members and recruiting advisors.

Thank you to everyone who helped out by voicing their opinions on the matter. Here at the PA DeMolay office, we take all recommendations into consideration in order to make this a well rounded product for members and advisors. We have already worked on improving some of these requests, and look forward to making more in the near future. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin