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

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May 1999

“The Inspiration of Youth”

The above phrase is a two-way street. Youth evoke inspiration in adults, and youth receive inspiration from adults. This, I dare say, has been the defining characteristic of my career working with kids. My role as “inspirer” isn’t obligatory or manipulative; it’s the very reason I began working with youth 10 years ago. Youth need strokes and affirmation. They need solid role models, cheerleaders and confidants outside of their parents. That was my line when interviewed for WISE GUYS in 1992, and my conviction remains today. I give because I received from so many inspirational role models growing up.

Equally important, I work with kids because I’m inspired by the kids. I love their innocence, enthusiasm, passion & energy. I love to see their eyes light up when learning something new. I love to see friendships develop among them, especially where there were no friendships before. I love it when they know me well enough to detect my joys, stresses, and the love I have for them. Why do I thrive on youth work so much?

Well, part of the reason is that one year ago this month, Wendy and I discovered we can never have natural children of our own. God instilled in me a deep love for kids since my own youth, and my faith only confirms my calling to love kids in the absence of my own biological ones. Through coaching, directing and just hanging out, I fulfill my God-inspired desire to be significant in the lives of children. And then there’s Wendy: my saintly wife who not only tolerates but enjoys designing logos, T-shirts, tickets, posters and web pages as well as hosting youth parties right out of our home.

We don’t know the future of this Club; we only see Today. As far as it depends on us, we will continue to provide a haven for the two-way street of youth inspiration--for their development and our joy.