Encourage Students to Achieve Goals with Beautiful Challenge
Coins
By Caryn Smith © 2012, All Rights Reserved
It’s nearly back-to-school time, and for an educator that means
another year of keeping kids motivated to learn, in school and
off drugs. Good grades and the promise of a brighter future are
both important, but something most kids don’t fully grasp or
appreciate.
Simply adding a tangible reward, however, can really bring the
message home and make all the difference to a kid who might be
struggling. Inexpensive challenge coins clearly depicting the
goal are a valuable tool you can use to remind kids of their
aspirations, help keep them on track, and reward them for their
achievements.
Historical Significance
Challenge coins got their start during WWI, when they were given
to members of a unit to not only prove membership (when
challenged) but to improve morale and team spirit. Unit
commanders might also give special coins to members in
recognition of an achievement or other honor. Today, these coins
are highly prized as collectors’ items, and organizations such as
Scout troops, ROTC units, and sports teams continue to use
challenge coins as rewards for a job well done and for team
building.
Reward, Encourage, and Empower
Help seniors face the world with integrity by challenging them
to make a positive impact on society. A challenge coin presented
at graduation can help students achieve their goal of making the
world a better place for all. Your school colors and a meaningful
quote or class motto on a top-quality metal coin is a valuable
keepsake they’ll treasure for years, and which will remind them
of their pledge.
Troubled students often gain the greatest benefit from challenge
coins. Kids at risk of dropping out may stay in school longer if
their efforts are recognized and rewarded with a quality memento.
Consider rewards for attendance, improvements in grades or study
habits, or other accomplishments. Like participation in group
activities, these tokens of achievement can help troubled teens
feel as if they belong, making them much more likely to succeed.
Rewarding students for a job well done is important, but you
might find getting kids to commit to a goal is easier when you
seal their pledge with a challenge coin. For example, kids who
vow to stay off drugs may find it easier to keep their promise if
they have a reminder like a challenge coin to carry with them. A
simple motto on a quality metal coin is often enough to help kids
resist temptation, even when their peers put pressure on them.
Choosing Your Challenge Coins
Challenge coins are available in a nearly endless variety of
colors and designs. You can incorporate your school colors, your
mascot, graduation year, class motto, or any other meaningful
information. Stamped metal coins have a sophisticated look
perfect for solemn occasions like graduation ceremonies, while
soft enamel coins allow you to add color and additional details
to your design. Challenge coins can be almost any shape, and
range in size from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter.
When choosing a challenge coin vendor, be sure to look for a
supplier who offers custom color matching, so you can be sure
your school colors are accurately depicted. Delays in shipping
can ruin a carefully planned ceremony, so ask about turnaround
times as well. Lastly, many people like to display their
challenge coins as a reminder of their achievements. Ask your
supplier if they offer stands, cases, or other accessories, so
you’re not left hunting for suitable alternatives.
Caryn Smith is Manager of Lapel Pins R Us. When you need
challenge coins visit http://www.lapelpinsrus.com today and get
your order fast!
