Hi all. After having bowled together for quite a while and it having become a returning event, Ann Overstreet has kindly offered to set up this bowling group, open to all home-schoolers. At her request, I am copying and pasting her email to me here on the list. If you are interested, please contact Ann at email missnobade@netscape.net Please let her know that you came through the ABQ Homeschool Coop

Hi!

Here's the latest update on bowling.

The Homeschool Bowling League will start bowling
in October,
on the first and third Wednesdays
at 2pm
at Leisure Bowl on Lomas.

We plan to continue during the school year, but may take time off due to holidays.
This will be discussed further after our first session.


FIRST SESSION:  OCTOBER 6, 2010, 2pm
I plan to arrive about 1:30pm for the first session to get organized.
You are welcome and encouraged to arrive early for the first session.



FOCUS AND INTENT:
1) The term League is used loosely here.  We will not be following all league guidelines, etc.

2)  We will NOT be focusing on competition between the participants.

3) We WILL be focusing on each bowler improving their own game with everyone being part of one team, encouraging each other.

4) Courtesy, good sportsmanship, and respect for the equipment and each other are the norm.

5) This is a time for visiting / networking for non - bowling parents.  It has proven very pleasant in the past.  However, parents (or designated alternate) should still be available to monitor their own students.


COST:
The rates are based on number of games bowled and include shoes.  The rates are not linear and are strictly the Leisure Bowl rates, there is no additional charge.
There are three tiers, the same as the earlier HS League.
The ages are not exclusive, just an indication of what worked before.
Parents can join in and bowl at these rates too.

Toddlers                         :   1 game       $3
Young ones & Tweens     :   2 games     $5
Teens                            :   3 games     $6

I will collect the bowling fees from group members and pay at one time at the beginning of the session.
Please plan to bring cash for each bowler.  Exact change won't be necessary, but appreciated.


HOW IT WILL WORK:
1)  For the first session, please email me if you would like to participate and provide names and ages of all bowlers.  No need to specify age for the parent, just designate "parent" and let me know you plan to bowl.

2) Bowlers will be grouped by who participates at a given session, not by set "teams".  This method is flexible, so if someone can't attend one week it doesn't "throw a monkey wrench in the works".  Everyone who attends gets to bowl and enjoy.

3) The basic grouping of bowlers will be by age and ability.  For instance:  toddlers, 5-7 yr olds, 8 - 10 yr olds, 11 - 12 yr olds,  teens, parents. It will depend on who participates.  And these groupings are flexible.  One example: If a parent or older sibling prefers to bowl with a toddler, we can arrange that.

4) We will use league style bowling - two alternating lanes - for most of the groups.  The toddler and younger bowlers are an exception.  We will have one set lane for each of their groups.  This will all be clarified at our first session.

5) The number of bowlers per group will vary depending on participation and age.  Toddlers may have 2 or 3 per group, while teens may have 4 - 5.  Note that having a parent or two to assist each toddler group is necessary.

6) The use of bumpers is encouraged for beginning / novice bowlers.  After bowling with the kids for a few years I've found that the fewer gutter balls, the more fun they have and the better they get.  It becomes a challenge to get a strike or spare without hitting the bumpers.  But a strike or spare using the bumpers is no shame, the kids are still excited and enthused.  And that leads to improvement.

7) Leisure Bowl will provide score sheets and statistics for our bowlers.  This allows us to track individual progress.  This will be discussed further after our first session.

FOOD & DRINK, GAME ROOM:
1) Generally, the policy at Leisure Bowl is "no outside food or drink".  There is a snack bar on site if individuals want a snack or drink.  But we ask that the timing not disrupt nor stop their group from bowling.

2) For special times, such as holidays, we may want to do something extra.  I'll have to make prior arrangements for this, but it is possible.  We can discuss that after our first session.

3) There is a game room.  And the students do enjoy it.  However, I ask that bowlers not go to the game room during the bowling session as this disrupts the activity.  Of course, before or after, is your decision.



Well, that's a lot of details and hopefully answers most questions.  Please email me if you have any further questions.

And definitely email me if you plan to participate.  This has been a pleasant activity over the years and we look forward to sharing it with other families.

Hope to see you there,
Ann Overstreet

Just a reminder that the bowling group will be starting next week Wednesday, October 6th. For more information or to sign up, contact Ann Overstreet at missnobade@netscape.net

Hope to see you all there