MEMBERSHIP and OTHER INFORMATION

PLEASE READ THIS IN ITS ENTIRETY – MANY OF YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED HERE!

" Exactly what is Star Attraction Corps and what is my child’s role in it?"

The answer to this question is, “Star Attraction Corps is whatever you want it to be for your child!" We are an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Club. As such, we are part of a national sports federation involving over thirty sports, including gymnastics, basketball, track and field, karate, baton twirling, swimming cheerleading, dance/drill and many more. The AAU was founded by one of the original members of the United States Olympic Committee to create a like competition venue for youth athletes. The USOC even today remains a backer of the AAU and provides meritorious recognition to our sports.

Our club, which is separate from the Parks and Recreation program, invites all participants in the P&R classes to join Star Attraction. We have many extracurricular activities which have included parties, parades, community fairs, sporting events, concerts, mall presentations, nursing home shows, school assemblies, competitions, the AAU Junior Olympic Games, exchange trips and more! Although the children are not required to partake in any of these events, many children participate at least a few times throughout the year as a part of the learning experience and because it is fun to do so! In fact, most of our events are fun for the whole family.

Baton twirlers, flag twirlers and cheerleaders who join Star Attraction Corps will automatically be members of the Parade Corps. As its name connotes, these are the athletes who march in parades. As a part of the curriculum in the parks and recreation classes, they will be taught the parade routines. For all students, the motions and tricks taught in this routine are moves that are necessary to know for their sport. By learning these moves in a routine format, practicing and drilling these necessary moves becomes fun!

“Please explain the classes.”

Classes are held through Parks and Recreation Departments. These classes are taught by the staff of Star Attraction. Students enrolled in these classes are eligible to join Star Attraction Corps and participate in all Star Attraction Corps activities

In baton twirling there are four levels of expertise. The first level is beginner or developing. The second level is intermediate. It is for students who have reached a certain level of expertise. To move to this level, the athlete must be recommended by the instructor. The third and fourth levels are also upon the teacher’s recommendation - Junior Team and All Star Team. The junior level competes in select local competitions and performs when invited. All Star Team is the next level. There is a separate set of expectations for members of this team, and athletes must be selected by an instructor to try out for a position on this squad. These athletes are dedicated to our club as a top priority in their lives. They are a Travel Team, performing at all the events, which have included basketball games at Villanova University , St. Joe's University, the Mummer’s Parade and the First Union Center . They compete at the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

All cheerleaders are eligible to participate in our parades, performances, parties and Star Attraction hosted competitions. In cheerleading, levels are divided by grade in school. On occasion, an instructor will move a child to a different class. This can be for a number of reasons, one of which may be that your child may be a natural ‘base’ or a ‘flyer’ and would have more opportunity for that role in another class.

Flag Twirlers are also able to participate in all of our events, activities and performances. Like cheerleading, Flags are divided by grade in school for classes.

In addition, Baton twirlers, Cheerleaders and Flag Twirlers are invited to be a part of the Show Corps. This class is offered as a part of Upper Merion ’s Parks and Recreation program. It is held on Wednesday evenings in King of Prussia . This one hour class incorporates a variety of equipment, dance, and music. It is a stage type production. (When invited to perform for the Mummers Parade, it was the Show Corps that was asked to go.) Registration for this class may be made by calling 610-265-1071. You need not reside in Upper Merion to participate, and there are no extra fees for non-residents.

Other classes, such as Modeling and Dance are also offered through the Parks & Recreation Departments. Private lessons in Baton Twirling are offered by appointment. Contact the Star Attraction office for information or to make an appointment.

“How do I join Star Attraction Corps?”

1. Membership in the AAU is required. This should be done through the class instructor or the Star Attraction office. The cost is $15 per year. If you are already a member of the AAU in another sport, you may use that membership card for membership in Star Attraction*. Flags register under Dance.

Chaperones must also be a member of AAU and join as a Non-athlete in the same sport as your child. The fee is $17 per year. (If you are interested in being a chaperone, you should contact Star Attraction through email or telephone.)

*Attendance is taken at all events. You must bring your membership card to your first performance to be recorded. If you forget your card, you will have to buy another membership and contact our office for information on a refund. We will hold the registration for one week to give you a chance to send a copy of your card to our office. Once your card has been recorded by Star Attraction, you need not bring it to other events.

2. You must wear a Star Attraction tee-shirt or sweatshirt to performances. If you are a returning baton student, you are eligible to wear a uniform! Junior and All Star baton teams wear special trim on their uniform.

“What is the competition? My child could not possibly be ready to compete so soon!”

Approximately once a month for four months beginning in February, we host a competition. We have these events for a number of reasons. This is our club’s largest fund-raiser. The Star Attraction Parent Booster Club runs the concession stand and a raffle. You are encouraged to attend any or all of these competitions to watch. There is no admission fee, although an item for the raffle table is requested. All family members and friends are invited.

We run the competitions to give our children the oppor tu nity to demonstrate their skills locally. This provides motivation to the children to practice at home and to put forth their best efforts in the classroom. This relaxed venue can also be used to show off to their family and friends what they have been working on in class. It gives them experience in front of people, which is very much a part of baton twirling, cheerleading and flag twirling. This becomes another aspect of their training.

Teachers will tell the children when they are ready to compete in team and/or solo events. All members of Star Attraction Corps may compete at all the competitions with our Parade Corps. There are at least three additional events in which every child may perform at the competitions: with their own class (Team), with all the classes combined (Parade Corps), and alone (Solo). More experienced classes will be competing in additional events as directed by their teachers. Solo events include the parade, twirl team, flag or cheer routine done alone. This is what you are learning in your class. For Parade Corps, the parade routine is performed. All children are encouraged to participate in this event.

At the fourth competition, a separate Parks & Recreation competition is held. The divisions held include parks & recreation solo baton twirling, cheerleading, flag twirling and marching events. This is the only oppor tu nity your child will have to compete on a new beginner level, where the other children in this division are also parks and recreation s tu dents! Additionally, there is a very special event called “Miss Star Attraction.” For this event the children will do the parade routine and the cheer, baton or flag routine that they learned in class by themselves. They will be interviewed with questions about themselves and their involvement with their sport and Star Attraction. The winner in each division will be awarded prizes and a banner to wear at Star Attraction events. Miss Star Attraction Cheer, Baton and Flag will also be fea tu red in our parades.

Though there is an entry fee charged to cover rental/custodial, judging, and other fees, it is kept low for our recreation events. Many of you may wish to attend one competition just to see what it is all about. Your child is encouraged to participate by competing with the Star Attraction Parade Corps. (N.B.T.A. says, "Winning is participating.") You will be happy that your child will want to practice after seeing what it is all about!

“What happens when the session is complete?”

Our program runs in most districts for all four seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. A few districts do not have a summer program but will begin again in the fall. Each session teaches new routines, tricks or cheers. They are not just a repeat of the prior session, though basic skills will always be drilled. Competition teams will keep adding to their routines. As the child progresses with each session, she may be invited by the instructor to participate in a Junior or an All Star team. Accepting this will be your choice.

“What can I do to help Star Attraction Corps?”

Parent volunteers are always needed. Although parents are not allowed in the classroom after the first class of a session, ‘classroom parent volunteers’ are allowed in the class every week to help the teacher as needed. Parent volunteers may also chaperone or carry the banner at parades or help at the competitions. It is similar to being a classroom mom and field trip chaperone at school. Older siblings may also volunteer, especially as banner carriers. Volunteers must join Star Attraction Corps. (See the explanation on how to join above.) Please call or email the office if you are interested.

“How can I keep informed about Star Attraction Corps’ activities?”

The best way to get information about our activities is through email. Send your email address to stellarsassistant@hotmail.com. Include the Parks and Recreation department through which your child is enrolled. You may also call us at 610-933-2074.

“What if I have problems or concerns?”

If you have any concerns or problems, DO CONTACT US and as soon as possible! We will do all we can to help you. On the other hand, please call the Parks & Rec. Department to let them know about the good things we are doing!

Star Attraction: 610-933-2074 StellarAssistant@hotmail.com