Methodology
Our methodology is based on a very simple principle, “all kids like to play.” We use this principle to teach the values and life skills mentioned in our philosophy section, and strive to include the whole family in physical activity and recreation.
Aside from our founding principle, the most important ingredient in our organization is effectively delivering the message of our mission to the kids we mentor. It is imperative to have passionate coaches and volunteers who enjoy transmitting this message and who uphold those values in their personal lives. Through the dedication of our passionate personnel and volunteers we generate what we call the “magic” which is a unique atmosphere where kids and their families feel welcome and at home. We have a standing joke at CASA that in order to be accepted as a volunteer, you have to pass a “smile test.” Meaning we want to work with good, friendly, and most importantly compassionate people.
Because we are helping kids’ with a variety of different backgrounds and circumstances, we expect our personnel go the extra mile to help our kids and set a good example. It is important to establish a relationship built on trust, and the education-fun will follow! We belive that the secret to successful coaches and volunteers is kind, passionate hearts. We know that with enough passion any lacking skills can grow and develop. It’s much harder to teach compassion.
In many cases, our volunteers come from similar backgrounds as our kids and thus can relate their own life experiences. Through these personal experiences they are able to teach our kids the value of sports and what a powerful motivator for success sports can be. We strive to instill that monetary reward is not the end goal. Coaches often contribute funds from their own pockets in order to fulfill the needs of their teams. This level of commitment and dedication is what makes the difference. When kids feel that they are truely cared for, they respond well. We’ve come to realize that when people act out of passion and not for economic reward, the end result is more intense and effective.
The other important component of our philosophy is that “everybody is welcome to participate.” No one will ever be rejected or excluded from participation (unless of course it is due to disciplinary action). In fact, we chose the acronym C.A.S.A. because in Spanish it means “home” and that is precisely what we intend to achieve: a place where everybody is welcome and feels like home.
The delivery of our philosophy is divided into ten sub-divisions:
- Kids recreational sports
- Kids competitive sports
- Academic development
- Student athletes
- Adult recreational sports
- Adult competitive sports
- Family education
- Family recreation
- Community sharing and fundraisings
- Mentoring and community involvement
All of our kids’ activities have values and character monitoring. This monitoring has a direct relationship to the ability to participate. Simply put, if anyone isn’t upholding our core values, their ability to play is affected. This teaches kids lessons in accountibility and consequence.