JUGHEADS
Youth Juggling Company, LLC
5905 Concord Avenue
Edina, MN 55424
jugheads@comcast.net
or 952.926.0896

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February 2002

“Catch-22”

No, I’ve never read the 1961 novel, but the modern cliche is often used, I suspect. Webster’s defines catch-22 as “the circumstance or rule that denies a solution.” I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately in light of an expanding roster of clubs and kids and the reality of making a living.

Specifically, the circumstance is that I have successfully created (with Wendy and dozens of parents along the way) a youth juggling program that brings challenges and joy to kids and a teacher-like salary to me...but I must pace myself and make choices lest I burn out...but I need to earn a living...and I’m often VERY reticent to ask for help lest I burden others...but unless I take strategic breaks the quality of the program will diminish...you get the picture.

I’m not attempting to pen a cryptic glimpse into the future. First, my aim is to state just how much it means to me (and Wendy) when parents chaperone, sew, sub, plan and encourage, lending their hands and hearts to help--especially when they initiate the service! To put it bluntly, I don’t see such gestures as nice tokens of kindness but as the edge that keeps JUGHEADS going.

Second, and longer-term, it would be wise to put our heads together in order to create more of a safety net for the endurance of JUGHEADS (e.g.: Hire staff? Have parents run it if I take a Sabbatical?), rather than make it fully dependent on my leadership (and endurance). This program need not necessarily be reduced if I pull back temporarily or permanently. Any ideas are welcome.