Creating Future Leaders through Youth Groups and Volunteering
Given the right tools, children can grow into adults who will have a major impact in changing the world for the better. Some key things that will empower them are learning to be a contributing member of a group, being taught to think for themselves and to make good choices for the majority, and understanding that volunteering within their community is something that should be expected.
As children reach an age where they begin to socialize they need to be introduced to group play. If they can learn through play to be a part of a group, and not to only think of what they want, it will prepare them for school and so much more.
Some of the earliest groups they can participate in are Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H which have been around since the early 1900's. Many parents may think that they are outdated, however they all teach good citizenship, leadership, self-reliance, responsibility and good character. All of these qualities are as relevant today as when these groups began.
Another group is Camp Fire, formerly Camp Fire USA and originally Camp Fire Girls of America; a co-ed youth development organization with roots that date back to 1910. Their programs include small group experiences, after school programs, camping, environmental education, child care and service learning to build confidence in children, and to provide youth-driven leadership experiences for older children.
Other groups include:
Volunteering from an early age teaches children that giving back to their community is a natural thing to do. They learn to have compassion for those less fortunate, and appreciation for the things they do have. Every community has volunteer opportunities such as soup kitchens, food pantries, nursing homes, hospitals, animal shelters, libraries, child care centers, and beach/forest/park/nature trail clean-up.
Other volunteer organizations include:
Children today have been exposed to many things, and see more than enough examples of how not to behave. Getting them involved in groups that will build their self-esteem and teach character, responsibility and citizenship will instill the right values in them on their way to adulthood. Adding volunteer opportunities to their activities will ensure that compassion and empathy are an integral part of who they are when they become leaders.
As children reach an age where they begin to socialize they need to be introduced to group play. If they can learn through play to be a part of a group, and not to only think of what they want, it will prepare them for school and so much more.
Some of the earliest groups they can participate in are Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H which have been around since the early 1900's. Many parents may think that they are outdated, however they all teach good citizenship, leadership, self-reliance, responsibility and good character. All of these qualities are as relevant today as when these groups began.
Another group is Camp Fire, formerly Camp Fire USA and originally Camp Fire Girls of America; a co-ed youth development organization with roots that date back to 1910. Their programs include small group experiences, after school programs, camping, environmental education, child care and service learning to build confidence in children, and to provide youth-driven leadership experiences for older children.
Other groups include:
- Trail Life USA and The American Heritage Girls are faith based groups that were created due to changes in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. They are aligned with Christian or Trinitarian faiths, and teach many of the same things.
- Navigator USA a secular co-ed scout like organization that stresses outdoor activity and community service.
- The Baden-Powell Service Organization - a traditional, inclusive co-ed scouting organization.
- Earth Champs an independent non-denominational scout-like organization with programs to get children interested and involved in activities that support the environment and living sustainably.
Volunteering from an early age teaches children that giving back to their community is a natural thing to do. They learn to have compassion for those less fortunate, and appreciation for the things they do have. Every community has volunteer opportunities such as soup kitchens, food pantries, nursing homes, hospitals, animal shelters, libraries, child care centers, and beach/forest/park/nature trail clean-up.
Other volunteer organizations include:
- Youth Volunteer Corp. - creating volunteer opportunities to address community needs: https://yvc.org/
- Habitat for Humanity Youth Volunteer Programs - for those age 5 and above to instill a love of volunteering: https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you/youth-programs
Children today have been exposed to many things, and see more than enough examples of how not to behave. Getting them involved in groups that will build their self-esteem and teach character, responsibility and citizenship will instill the right values in them on their way to adulthood. Adding volunteer opportunities to their activities will ensure that compassion and empathy are an integral part of who they are when they become leaders.
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