Red Top Fun Day: Snowboarding and Skiing
On Saturday, March 3, 2018, Grandmaster Crandall and Master Stalloch brought four American Eagle Style black belts to experience Snowboarding at Woods Valley Ski Resort in Westernville, New York. In the American Martial Arts Institute, black belts who are under the age of 18 may request in writing to be accepted into the junior rank class assistant program, often called the Red Top program. This leadership program is documented, in part, in the book Leadership Piece by Piece. The program endeavors to heighten the knowledge of our Red Tops with short trips that provide unique experiences. This trip included lessons with a snowboarding instructor, rentals, an lift tickets.
These excursions expand the Red Tops socially and bring them together through shared experiences. For example, in the past we have taken Red Tops on introductory PADI scuba diving experiences, go-karting, tubing, skeet shooting, and more, which were completely paid for by our school. In return, we received more knowledgeable and excited Red Top participants for our school as a whole. We have also brought the Red Tops skiing and snowboarding at one of our local ski resorts. This also brought them closer to each other and to the school. The day was fun and filled with learning and camaraderie, resulting in more knowledgeable and enthusiastic Red Tops. It also stimulated a lot of talk among the lower ranks who expressed the desire to be Red Tops and be able to participate in these non-martial arts activities. These are just two of the many opportunities we have provided for the Red Tops.
Former Red Tops, who are now over the age of 18 and therefore can no longer be in the Red Top program, but who are still active in the school were also invited to attend. Many are out of the area attending college and were unable to make the trip. The four current red tops who participated were Timothy Ha, Ryan Byrne, Alivia Franz and Dakota Fedor. Grandmaster Crandall and Master Stalloch took care of the expenses. Also, helping for the day were Mrs. G. Stalloch, Mrs. Crandall, and Miss Crandall.
A good time was had by all, and we are looking forward to our next Red Top Fun Day. Some topics being looked into for the future include horseback riding, white water rafting, and others. To learn more about the Red Top Leadership Program read the book Leadership Piece by Piece or see your instructor.
