Dads met in round table discussions

Cornwall, Ontario, Nov. 16, 2010 – No, it was not a meeting of the Cornwall, Ontario Polar Bears Club.  It was Conquest Dads getting together for the first time to share the triumphs and difficulties of running their Conquest clubs for boys in Canada. 

“Yes, some of the men and brothers did a polar plunge in the St. Lawrence River, and it was 31 degrees out!” said Todd Brechbill, program director for the USA who attended the event.  “It’s a very Canadian activity.”

 The men also engaged in a dodge ball competition.  But it was far from all fun and games.

The 16 attendees representing 11 Canadian Conquest clubs met from November 5 – 7, 2010, at the novitiate of the Legion of Christ in Cornwall, Ontario.  The men represented the areas of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the Maritimes.

“It was a great experience of learning, friendship and fun among the men who represented all the active clubs in Canada,” said Brechbill.  “We are hoping to start three more clubs soon.

“Watch out for Canada!  These dads are becoming unified in the mission, and I have no doubt will be the driving force of growth for Conquest this next year.”  The next conference has already been scheduled for November 4 - 6, 2011.

During this year’s conference, the dads exchanged their varied club experiences and engaged in problem-solving through round table discussions.  The format helped the men share successful anecdotes and brainstorm solutions to problems.

“One of the difficulties that all the clubs had in common is motivating dads to help as leaders and mentors,” said Brechill.  “Men naturally will be complacent unless challenged and engaged in the mission, and the success of this past weekend is proof that getting them all together is the most effective way to accomplish great things.  We have to engage them with a sense of the mission of what we as men are all called to.  If we begin to take this approach, and bring out the strong masculine elements through the mission of Conquest, we can be successful in attracting more dads to help with the clubs.” 
 
 “Our keynote speaker was Jack Bisgrove, who really set the tone of what the Conquest mission is all about,” said Brechbill.  Another notable speaker, Fr. Daniel Brandenburg discussed how all men can be attracted to the mission of Conquest as “Heroes, Warriors, and Builders.” 

	The dads take a brisk dip in 31 degree water

 “I would like to encourage you all to consider hosting a local Conquest conference for the dads in your region,” said Brechbill.  “I would be happy to assist you with planning, promoting and organizing a local event.  I truly believe that this is vital to not only the sustenance of our work with the youth in Conquest, but also to strengthen the section and to put us on the path of growth.”

Contact Brechbill at info@conquestclubs.com.