Newbie Pinky

[Pinky Shortcakes]

You must have a good sense of humor to live in Buffalo! LOL My ex-husband was from there. I HATE snow, so I could never ever pull that off. My in-laws (current ones) live in Roanoke. We go there quite often to visit. My husband (current one) grew up in Woodbridge and graduated high school from Woodbridge SH. Where did you work?

Thanks for the info. I did check out that Advanced 2008 website; I fear I don't have enough experience to attempt anything like that, but maybe next time. When I read how they don't lower their standards for newbies, that scared me right off. I don't blame them, don't get me wrong. There's a time and place for everyone and everything. Thanks again!
God bless,
Robin

[Fitzwilly]

Originally Posted by Pinky59

Hi Harmony! Thanks for all your help. I just asked our assoc pastor yesterday if he knew of anyone in our church that did clown ministry, and he said no. But then he said he'd love to try his hand at it with me! He's very young, and I know he would have the right "spirit" for it! He said he already knows how to make balloon animals (he's ahead of me right there!). I would love to do some nursing home visits, but don't know where to begin. I ordered a DVD online about clown ministry. I'm hoping that when it gets here, it will give me some insight on how to get started. Right now I'm flying solo!
God bless,
Robin

That is great Pinky. You will have to get him to join the Forum.

What is the name of the DVD? Who is it by? I know of a number of clown ministry teachers (Janet Lithersand (Lither - something) Janet Tucker, and Brenda Marshall are a few.)

[Fitzwilly]

Pinky, you should check out the Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp Pricilla Mooseburger Originals The camp is a fantastic place for brand new clowns. Many times campers have never even put on makeup when they go to camp for the first time.

[Flutterby]

Robin,

I am a winter weather person - I play ice hockey and love to ski - so Buffalo is the ideal place for me! I used to work at Woodbridge Animal Hosp. I went to North Stafford HS - graduated in 93.

As for being scared off by what was said about "standards for newbies" - I don't think that was meant to scare anyone off! I think it is Leon's way of saying that they want to make sure that even newbies reach their fullest potential! With the number of pro's and retired Ringling Brother clowns that are scheduled to be at Advanced Studies this year, it is an ideal cast of teachers from which to learn! Plus since you are looking to get into ministry clowning - some of their evening schedule for the week is DEDICATED to that topic! According to the schedule for this camp one of the tracks they have for clowning study is ":Clowns in Ministry: This track is a must for those who wish to work with their home churches and the mission field. If you have been called to serve in this way, you are in the right place."

Don't sell yourself short just because you are a newbie! Camps like this one and ANY of the others that people talk about in this forum are the best places to go to get HANDS-ON experience! And with the instructors schedule to be at them, you couldn't ask for better mentors! Usually, all of the instructors are EXTREMELY approachable and are more than willing to help and give extra pointers! All you have to do is ask!

The only way to GET experience is to put yourself in the position to gain experience - which is exactly why camps, classes, etc are a great place to go to LEARN...

I literally got thrown into clowning b/c my mom wanted to take me & my sis-in-law on a cruise this year... She found the Clown Cruise and asked if I would have a problem with that idea - I said no - it sounds fun! Next thing I knew, my mom had me pick a name, my sis-in-law made me a costume, and the rest is history! I had a BLAST on the cruise and am very fortunate to have had the chance to learn from the people I did while I was on the cruise...

I have honestly only been home from the cruise for less than 1 month - and I am fortunate enough that I just this past weekend was able to have my first gig... I volunteered to do a birthday party for the niece & nephew of a friend of mine. I got a very generous tip out of it and the experience of being able to do it will only help me in the long run!

Again, the only way to GET experience is to put yourself in the position to gain experience...

May every day be a circus day!

[Pinky Shortcakes]

I looked it up in my saved emails and it appears it's called Clown Basics and it's by Letusteachkids.com. I thought it was on clown ministry, but I may have ordered something else. The memory is not what it should be, LOL. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will help. I can only go up from this point, hee hee

[Pinky Shortcakes]

Wow, that looks amazing. I'll have to save up some $$ and think about it. I'd need to get a job to pay for it (not in my retirement budget unfortunately). Thanks so much for the info. It looks like the perfect opportunity to learn.

[Fitzwilly]

Pinky, email Tricia (Pricilla Mooseburger) or call the shop and ask about the Scholarship opportunities. The official deadline may have passed or be close to passing but... there is "official" and there is reality, who knows what might be available until you ask. Another opportunity is the scholarship that COAI (Clowns of America International) offers its members. Membership is $30 or $35 dollars a year and you receive a full color, very informative magazine every other month. the website is Clowns of America International I know the printed application flyer asks for the member number of a current member if someone refered you. It is not a necessity but you may use my number #26791 and name Dan Langwell if you wish.

[in Harmony with Jesus]

As far as beginning nursing home visits, the easiest thing is not to plan anything. Just call a local nursing home, ok it through the activities coordinator & set up a date & time. Sometimes when we go we do have something planned - we'll take a piano player with us (there's a piano at the home we visit regularly) & we'll have planned a few of the old hymns to sing then we'll take requests. Sometimes we take little goodies like stuffed animals - be sure to clear anything like that through the activities coordinator... candy isn't a good idea. diabetics & such. But they LOVE stuffed animals & small figurines & such. But really some of our best visits are ones we don't plan anything but just go visit. There is nothing like seeing a person's face light up when they realize a clown is peaking around the corner at them. It's such a blessing to be able to bring joy to people like that. Definitely something that is not soon forgotten.

[Pinky Shortcakes]

Thanks so much, Harmony. You've inspired me already! I just need confidence in doing that, something that I'm seriously lacking. Do you do any magic tricks, or anything to entertain, even when you don't have anything "planned"?

[Pinky Shortcakes]

You are so sweet. Thanks for the info. I did click on the scholarship button on that website and the deadline was 2/1. I understand what you mean about that not necessarily meaning the DEADLINE, lol. But, truth be told, and not to bore you to tears, but I just got back from the doctor this morning and I may need surgery in 2 months, so I think I'll file Mooseburger away for this year. But a huge 'THANK YOU' to you for all the info and help!