By 2Lt. Mark Fields – PA 4th Alpha

Originally, our twins Joshua and Stephen wanted to ensure that we could earn Good Conduct with each Handbook. We have found that the best way to ensure that we complete a Phase Booklet is to stick with the six-week format. Over time I found that planning and protecting those six weeks became one of the keys that enabled us to complete many Handbooks.

Also, I realized that I had to participate in every aspect of the Handbook. I completed my Handbook with them, and that is what they wanted: to spend that time with Dad working on something meaningful. This is the heart of the ALERT Cadet program.

Now that I have multiple boys on multiple Handbooks, I still try to work with each of them on all the parts. In essence, I’m redoing each Handbook with each of them. We may have three or four sons on different Handbooks, but we all start and stop a Phase simultaneously. Since some activities are common, like PT, we do it together when possible.

Before starting each Phase Booklet, I list what will be required for each son. I try to lay out what skills and character qualities we will be doing and the needs for each. I also include any service or adventure project. Then my wife and I sit down and look at the calendar to find the best start week based on the family’s schedule. We pray together over what needs to be accomplished and which days or weekends could be used to work on the projects.

What follows are some general patterns that work for us:

• When we block out time, I put it on my phone calendar to ensure something else doesn’t take that time.
• We start a Phase Booklet on a Monday, which allows the last day to be a Sunday. This provides that last Sunday as more time to do any PT tests or last-minute Scripture memory recitations.
• Sunday afternoons are the most unconstrained time. We work on our Scripture memory, Bible projects, and character qualities or skills.
• When the boys work on the Scripture memory during the week, that week they focus their personal devotion times on the Scripture memory they are learning to help cement the words and truths.
• On the calendar we incorporate “free” nights or days that can be utilized to work on projects in the Handbooks.
• If possible, we try to do the service project or adventure outing within the six weeks, but sometimes they have to fall outside of that time frame due to schedules or weather.* (It is not fun camping in ten-degree weather in the mountains of PA. We have tried!)
• Each of the boys struggles with different aspects, so I try to cater the plan to each of them. Some find Scripture memory easy and enjoyable. Others struggle and need help navigating. I attempt to listen to the heart of each son. Their heart is more important than completing a project on time.
• We journal daily, just before bed. That part of the Handbook has become automatic.

Our schedule can be very chaotic at times. My two oldest sons (the twins) and I volunteer as EMT’s and Firefighters for our local departments. Often a call occurs during one of our ALERT Cadet times, however we plan extra time during the six weeks to make up for these interruptions.

It may seem like a lot, however I cannot express how much these ALERT Cadet times have meant to our sons and me. We have had great conversations and amazing memories with the adventure and service projects. I treasure these times and look forward to them. I fight hard to protect our time together.

This is what works for us. I pray this helps and encourages others. If I can be of any assistance, or if you have questions, please contact me. Email is generally the best method of contact: [email protected]

Strong to Overcome!

*This does not violate the six-week requirement for the Good Conduct Award.