[wendymom]

We always start every meeting with a game or team building activity. (it gets the wiggles out of their systems)

Learn to ask questions like...That didn't seem to work, what could you do to change the outcome? We have two different ideas, what is a good way for us to decide which one to use? What if you tried X Y Z, would that make a difference?

Stress to the PARENTS that they are to be HANDS OFF. You will also have to remember to be hands off (that is the hardest part for my high schoolers when they are mentoring)

Practice the YMCA, cupid shuffle and electric slide before going to a competition. Make sure you are out on the dance floor being goofy with them.

Make sure everyone participates in at least one mission and at least has one line in the presentation.

This sounds silly but: Make sure they know each others names. (we found out a couple of days before an event that they never learned names but managed to communicate for 3 months without it)

Practice your presentation in front of anyone who will sit still for you. Make sure you ask questions so they can practice answering. Make sure they know it is ok to say they don't know to an answer instead of just making something up.

Good Luck and have fun