Here in Cincinnati, our SAR chapter has a very active Youth Education program.
Bob Bowers leads the effort for the Cincinnati Chapter and with the help of Ed Bonniwell and other committed volunteers has performed to a level that is a model for SAR chapters around the country.
In fact, Dan Schmidtz of the Cincinnati Chapter was recently awarded a highest level achievement award from the National SAR organization for his dedication and commitment to providing Youth Education.
Dan Schmidtz (R) accepts a NSSAR Certificate of Accomplishment from Bob Bowers – Cincinnati Youth Education Program Chair
The mission of the Youth Education program is to get into area schools to complement History / Civics education curriculum to share the founding history of our great nation.
Typically, SAR Youth Education representatives arrive in an area school and present a topic on the Revolutionary War era to a student class or sometimes at a gathering of multiple classes. These SAR representatives are typically dressed in period (1776ish) clothing typically worn by military militia or soldiers.
Bob Bowers in period attire
Ed Bonniwell in period attire giving presentation on the Battle of Yorktown
Mike Gunn giving presentation to school students
The goal is to share not only history but create a three dimensional living history experience for students with period attire and objects from the era.
I have witnessed the interest and enthusiasm these students show to our presenters. This is a different experience for these students and the feedback is really wonderful.
Gaining access to schools can be a challenge given the pressure on schools, teachers and administrators to perform well. Those who have chosen to “let us in” have been rewarded and always ask for us to return.
Teachers / School Administrators – if you are a teacher or administrator interested in having us participate, please reach out to Bob Bowers, Ed Bonniwell or any member of the Cincinnati SAR leadership team.
SAR Members – if you are interested in participating / presenting Youth Education programs, please reach out to Bob Bowers or Ed Bonniwell for more information.
For more information on the Cincinnati Chapter SAR Youth Awards programs, see below:
I learned that to be able to go into a school to present information about the Revolutionary War to students and faculty, a SAR member must complete a training program “NSSAR’s Youth Protection Training” prior to entry.
Curious, I went on the NSSAR website and completed the training. Below I will share my experience to help you find and proceed if you are interested.
The link to the training is (password access to NSSAR website is required which you should already have) as follows:
https://www.sar.org/courses/youth-protection-training/
The training took me less than one hour. It is very well done and online. There is a combination of reading as well as brief videos which reinforce the messages. Following completion there is a “Quiz” which you will need to pass to successfully complete. Once you have passed the quiz, you will be permitted to print / download a “Certificate of Completion”.
My certificate is shared below.
Once you have completed, I recommend you share with your local SAR chapter Youth Education committee chair to show your commitment / interest in participating.
My most important “lesson learned” is that this training focuses on every person providing youth education should be careful to understand your role while in the school, what not to do or say, and if you see something that concerns you regarding a student or educator to bring issues to the proper administrator / teacher. To put your fears at bay, in your role as a presenter, you are not in charge and you are not expected to be the disciplinarian.
Overall a good experience to have completed this training.
We encourage you to speak to your chapter or state Youth Education chairman to show your interest. Completing this training does not take much time and would help you show your commitment and willingness to participate.
Do you want to influence the knowledge of our youth? If so, please reach out!
