HOW TO GET INVOLVED

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon community has several programs and events to help connect with every Four Diamonds Family. These opportunities allow Penn State students to bond with families and learn your inspirational stories, while allowing your family to receive love and support from your THON community all year long. Listed below are some of the most valuable programs we offer to families. For more information, email the respective Family Relations Captain for the program you are interested in, or email Family Relations Overall Chairperson, Elissa Weinbach (family.relations@thon.org).

Project Sibs

This program is designed specifically for siblings of Four Diamonds families, and is open to siblings who are between the ages of five and twelve years old. The THON siblings join a THON committee of their choice during the Saturday of THON weekend, and are paired up with at least one captain from that committee. The new "captains" will shadow our Penn Staters, helping to plan and/or run any events that are going on during that time. Some opportunities include working with DJ Larry Moore and the Morale Captains on color wars, helping our OPP captains keep the BJC safe and clean, or feeding the dancers with our Hospitality Captains. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Jenna Larson (jll998@psu.edu). Registration ends December 3, 2007.

Variety Show

The Four Diamonds Family Variety Show is your time to shine! The Variety Show is always a fan favorite, and helps the dancers stay motivated, and is an exciting and entertaining memory to share forever! There are two Variety Shows during THON weekend for anyone in your family to show off their talents! Please indicate your preference of time when registering. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Jenna Larson (jll998@psu.edu). Registration ends December 3, 2007.

With such an overwhelming response for this program last year, it is possible that registrations received after the deadline will not have a spot in the show. To register, fill out the form included in the November mailing, including what equipment you may need to perform, along with a CD of music if needed.

Captains in Training

“Captains in Training� is a program geared toward the teenagers of THON. This is your chance to get behind the scenes of THON and really help out a committee of your choice! This program will take place on the Saturday afternoon of THON weekend. You will be shadowing a captain and will literally be part of the committee & help to run and/or plan events during that time. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Jenna Larson (jll998@psu.edu). Registration ends December 3, 2007.

Penn Pals

"Penn Pals" is a simple program that allows THON captains to interact with the children of the Four Diamonds Families via letters and fun packages. Each year, families can register their children to participate in the program during mid-October. Once the children are registered, THON captains will be assigned a kid to be their Penn Pal. Families can register via the mailings that are sent out to all the Four Diamonds Families.  For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Colby Wesner (crw172@psu.edu).

Fashion Show

The Fashion Show is an event that occurs every year during THON weekend that is open to Four Diamonds Children*.  Families can register for this event through the Four Diamonds mailer and the registration deadline is typically in early December. Children will get the chance to rock out the runway while sporting their Penn State gear. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Colby Wesner (crw172@psu.edu). Registration ends December 3, 2007.

*Due to popularity of this event, only a family's Four Diamonds child is permitted to participate.

Adopt-A-Family Program

One of the best ways to get involved in THON is to participate in Adopt-A-Family (AAF). Through this program, your family will be paired with a Penn State organization who will "adopt" you. They will contact you throughout the year and plan activities and events to help you connect with members of Penn State's THON community. During THON weekend, the dancers from this organization will represent your family at THON and you will be able to go on the floor and visit them all weekend. Throughout the years, many families have had the opportunity to create incredible relationships with their adopted organizations. In many cases, the family and organization keep in touch throughout the entire year, arrange visits, send packages, and become extremely close. For many Four Diamonds Families, this program is one of their favorite parts of THON because it gives them a special connection to Penn State. In order to become involved in AAF, sign up in your THON registration papers. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Katie Austin (kaa5035@psu.edu ).

Family of the Week

In an attempt to help all of THON get to know our wonderful Four Diamonds Families, The Family Relations Committee has begun a new program called the "Family of the Week." Each week, we will be sending out a little inspirational story to all of our overalls, captains, and committee members of THON. All we need you to do is to simply share your thoughts: Telling us your story, give us an update on how your family is doing; a favorite memory of your experience or of THON; what THON, Penn State, or Penn State Children's Hospital means to you; a favorite family tradition or activity...ANYTHING that you feel is appropriate and will remind all of us how much of an inspiration you are. Pictures can be included! We would love to hear from all of you and help the rest of THON get to see how truly amazing you all are! For more information or to share your story, contact Family Relations Captains Katie Austin (kaa5035@psu.edu) or Matthew Giarratano (mzg125@psu.edu). We can't wait to hear from you!

Harvest Day

Harvest Day is an event that Family Relations Committee holds for the Four Diamonds Families on the first or second Sunday of October each year. At Harvest Day, families have a chance to come to Harner Farm in State College, PA to enjoy a wonderful autumn afternoon with THON's Overall Committee and the 20 Family Relations Captains. The event includes games, a hayride, apple and pumpkin picking, and trips through the haunted corn maze. Although its mostly about fun & games (and of course the kids!), this day is a good chance for families to meet and get to know this year’s new Overalls and Family Relations Captains. All the Four Diamonds Families will receive information through our newsletters concerning the date for Harvest Day, directions to Harner Farm, and how you can RSVP for the event. For more information, contact Family Relations Captain Ben Cunningham (bsc5013@psu.edu).

THON Hoops

THON Hoops is an event that gives Four Diamonds Families a chance to come out and enjoy a Penn State Lady Lions basketball game. Kids get to meet and play with members of the Penn State men's and women's basketball teams, as well as participate in games and events on the court at the Bryce Jordan Center during timeouts and at halftime of a Lady Lions game. The yearly December newsletter features more information on THON Hoops. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations Captain Ben Cunningham (bsc5013@psu.edu).

Penn State Wish Program

The Penn State Wish Program is set up to give Four Diamonds families the opportunity to participate in an exciting Penn State activity of their choice during THON weekend. Some of the wishes include: learning a cheer with the Penn State Cheerleading Team, riding horses with the Equestrian Team, touring the Berkey Creamery, or playing soccer with the Penn State Men's Soccer Team. The wishes will be held on Saturday, February 23 during the early afternoon hours. To register, families must fill out the Activity/Program Registration form by indicating their top 5 wish choices. This form was sent out in the November family mailing, and it must be returned by December 3, 2007. Family Relations Captains will then pair the families with one of their most desired wishes! For more information or to learn about registration, contact Family Relations Captain Ashley Bradford (alb381@psu.edu).

THON 5K

The annual THON 5K takes place every fall and is an all ages event. The annual Kid's Race (ages 10 and under) takes place 30 minutes prior to the start of the 5K. There is also a Four Diamonds Family speaker, music, good company and refreshments. Awards are given following the races. Any additional questions can be directed to Family Relations captain Trina Finney (tmf187@psu.edu).

Family Carnival

The Annual Family Carnival is an exciting event, with fun games, prizes and food. The Special Events and Family Relations Committees welcome you to join in a fun filled day with the THON community at Penn State's White Building. This is a carnival unlike any other your child will experience. The new THON logo is announced at this event, so be sure to get your registration in today! Registration information is sent in the yearly September mailing. For more information or to learn how to register, contact Family Relations captain Trina Finney (tmf187@psu.edu).

Families Helping Families

"Families Helping Families" is a program in which the older and more experienced "veteran" THON families will be paired with new-to-THON families as they adjust to THON. The responsibilities of the veteran families would be assisting their new family with any THON related events, THON related questions and of course, THON weekend. While the Family Relations Captains, Overall Chairs, and all Penn State students love to help whenever it is possible, we recognize that support from people who have been in the same shoes is just as important!  If any veteran or new families are interested in getting involved in this program, or if you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Family Relations Captain Kirsten Hosack( kmh5014@psu.edu).