Muncie dads step-up their game

Muncie dads step up their game
By Hopeann Hintz and Savannah Teegarden

For children, spending quality time with their fathers gives an opportunity to strengthen a long-lasting bond.

David Schnake, youth pastor at Muncie’s Eden Church, recently realized that many children today do not get enough of that time with their fathers. That is why at he decided to start an All Pro Dad program at Royerton Elementary School in Muncie, where his three children attend.

“I did it to better myself as a father,” Schnake said. “I really decided that I need to step up my game as a dad.”

The All Pro Dad program focuses on strengthening the relationships between fathers and their children. The program is a one hour-a-month before school breakfast where families meet with other families.

During this time, they discuss a wide range of family topics, create fun memories, and build lasting relationships by spending valuable time together.

Famous influences
All Pro Dad has about 1,000 chapters nationwide, and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy helped start the program in 2007. Dungy is currently a spokesperson for the program. Schnake said that Dungy is a great role model for fathers across the country.

“You don’t get much better than Tony Dungy,” Schnake said. “He is a man who lives by his actions, and actions speak much louder than words.”

Making an impact on the community
Natalie Wray is a 6-year-old student at Royerton, she and her dad, Jan, enjoy participating in the school’s All Pro Dad chapter.

“It makes me happy,” Wray said. “I like it when he comes into school to see me.”

According to Schnake, the National Parent Teacher Association has partnered with All Pro Dad because of the rise in test scores. Schnake said he believes the positive family influence helps children develop mentally, making the children better students.

“There are just so many positive things out of this program,” Schnake said.

Find a chapter near you
According to the All Pro Dad Web site, there are 861 All Pro Dads days in 46 states. Specifically, there are 92 chapters, currently, in Indiana.

Here are the East Central Indiana chapters:

Delaware County:
Muncie – Royerton
Muncie – Glad Tidings

Grant County:
Upland

Madison County:
Alexandria
Anderson
Elwood
Pendleton - Pendleton Elementary
Pendleton – 3D

Top ten ways to be an All Pro Dad*
1. Love Your Wife
2. Spend Time With Your Children
3. Be a Role Model
4. Understand Your Children
5. Show Affection
6. Enjoy Your Children
7. Eat Together as A Family
8. Discipline With a Gentile Spirit
9. Pray and Worship Together
10. Realize You’re a Father Forever

*from the All Pro Dad fact sheet found on allprodad.com