Youth programs give kids a great start
With emerging economies around the world fighting for jobs, money and skilled workers, the next generation of youth have to be even more well-rounded than the generation before them.
Even at a young age, the ability to overcome barriers like shyness, confidence and social phobias is vital for children to develop into future leaders.
Youth programs such as sports teams, clubs and organizations can often be the first step for youth to break out of their shells. This helps them to see a broader view of the world around them and can be the biggest influence on their future maturity.
The skills children learn through organizations at school and in their community can extend far beyond dribbling a ball or painting a picture. They improve their ability to think for themselves, and their ability to handle differing opinions and personalities around them.
The experiences that they can learn from others trained to help them deliver their best on a daily or weekly basis can be invaluable. Through these experiences, children often face the same challenges they will encounter in adulthood and become better prepared for the future.
Above all, kids still need to be kids. Jumping up and down, getting dirty and running with their friends can turn out to be the best life skills they can learn.
Taking time for themselves, developing interests that are not part of any curriculum and balancing work and play can allow young people to understand the idea that fun and responsibility can be different but the same.
The goal of youth programming should be to expose kids to a variety of different skills in hopes that they take an interest in a few. The pride in belonging to a team or organization encourages kids to take ownership of their decisions and to help empower them.
They can also learn the difference between success and failure at this level and develop the skills to deal with both.
Organizations like The Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada have a long history of creating future leaders from kids of all backgrounds. Their goals include challenging youth to reach their full potential.
Want to help youth build a solid foundation? Start with where they come from, help them name their dreams, and turn these into the principles that guide them where they want to go!
Did you know? Over half (55%) of our young people spend more than three hours a week in sports, clubs or school/community organizations. Programs like PRO Kids and Pro-action jeunesse try to make sure that money doesn't stand in the way of participation.
* Jason Murray is Program Team Leader of the Moncton Boys and Girls Club. Community Assests is a bi-weekly column written by members of the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick's Youth First Committee.
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