My name is Jaime Layman. Along with my husband (Chad) and son (Caleb-14) we decided to sign on as a host family for the Big Sticks. What a great adventure and honor that summer really was.

    I can’t even count the number of time we’ve been asked,”What made you sign up for that?”  It’s very simple.  We’ve always gravitated toward activities that get us involved in the communities we’ve lived in. We see this organization trying to bring something really special and fun for families to Dickinson. A lot of people are working so had to make that happen. So when we seen a post on Facebook looking for homes the players can stay in, it was a resounding—YES!  This is something we can do! 

    What a blessing that summer really was for our family. First and foremost, the boys we had staying with us couldn’t have been more sweet and charming. They really became a big part of our family. Caleb especially loved having “big brothers” to look up to. I’m not sure if they realized what shining role models they have been for our son, but as a mom, it was everything!! I could not have imagined anyone better. Such special memories we have with them: hours upon hours at the ball field cheering for them, afternoons at the lake, Mario Cart tournaments ;-D, dinners with the team and other host families! No matter where life takes them, our boys have really found a home in our hearts. In addition to the bond found with the boys, I was pleasantly surprised at the friendships I found with their mothers. I try to imagine how hard it must be to have your child going to live with a family you have never even met for an entire summer. A lot of text messaging and phone calls formed a friendship that I hope will always be there.

    For our family, it’s all about the relationships and memories found. We can’t think about the team without thinking about the other host families, team managers, and the fans we had the pleasure of becoming super fans and friends with. The moments spent with such wonderful friends will never be forgotten. For sure…our summer was made even better by the people that surround this team! 

We can’t wait for the next season…to welcome our next group of guys in our home and to the team , to cheer for our guys from the stands, to toast the group at the next dinner, and to run on the field in victory at the next championship game!   We’re counting the days!

To become a Big Sticks Host Family or if you have any questions about being a Host Family, please email jason.watson@badlandsbigsticks.com or call the Big Sticks office at 701-483-7849.

Feel free to fill out our Host Family questionnaire at http://badlandsbigsticks.pointstreaksites.com/view/bigsticks/events/host-families