Our church youth group hosts regional dances for 14-18 year olds almost every other month. Once or twice a year they also hold a dance exclusively for 12 & 13 year olds. E wasn't sure if he was going to attend the dance. Most of the other boys wouldn't be able to go. On the day of the dance he decided he had nothing to lose. He spent a little more time than his usual glance in the mirror before school to get ready. For once, he actually did his hair! What a happy, outgoing, charming young man he is. (He gets those qualities from his Dad).
I couldn't wait for him to come home! Turns out, church dances are awesome, fun, entertaining, and rewarding. Every time an adult chaperone saw a youth dancing, the dancer would receive a paperclip. E came home with 22 paperclips. He was so proud. (We were too). At the end of the dance, youth were to redeem their paperclips for candy prizes. What a treat!
Only one other youth from our ward went to the dance, so E made a lot of new friends. He especially liked the 'courteous rule' that if asked to dance, you had to say yes. That certainly took the pressure off. He learned several line dances and dancing games. It was nice to see him enjoy himself. He has been working so hard at school and scouts that he doesn't always have time for 'fun.'