🌱 Youth Leadership Foundations
— Designed for High School Students —
Tentative 12‑Month Program Schedule
This schedule is tentative and may be adjusted based on youth needs, speaker availability, and community opportunities.
Program Format
- 3rd Saturday of every month starting at 2:00 pm. Duration is typically 2 hours (2:00 pm–4:00 pm), extending to 4 hours (2:00 pm–6:00 pm) when mentoring or guest speakers are scheduled.
- Each session includes snacks and drinks.
- Quarterly group mentoring is integrated into the monthly session.
- Youth participate in two volunteer projects per year.
- Local guest speakers join us periodically to provide encouragement and real‑world insight.
📅 Month‑by‑Month Schedule
September
Orientation & Re‑Engagement
- Welcome, introductions, and program overview
- Team‑building activity: “Discover Your Strengths”
- Quarter 1 group mentoring
Speaker: None
October
Communication Basics
- Clear communication and active listening
- Partner and small‑group exercises
Speaker: None
November
Emotional Awareness
- Understanding emotions and building empathy
- Scenario practice and reflection
Speaker: None
December
Giving Back
- The importance of service and community impact
- Volunteer project preparation
- Volunteer Project #1 (Nov or Dec)
- Quarter 2 group mentoring
Speaker: None
January
Goal Setting & Time Management
- Simple goal‑setting and planning basics
- Personal goal map activity
Speaker: Local community volunteer — “Making a Difference at Any Age”
February
Conflict Resolution
- Healthy communication during disagreements
- Role‑play and peer practice
Speaker:None
March
Financial Literacy Basics
- Saving, spending, and budgeting
- Money‑management game
- Quarter 3 group mentoring
Speaker: Local banker or financial educator — “Smart Money Choices for Teens”
April
Teamwork & Collaboration
- Working well with others
- Team challenge activity
Speaker: None
May
Positive Self‑Image
- Confidence, identity, and positive self‑talk
- “Strengths in Action” activity
Speaker: Youth mentor or motivational teen speaker — “Believing in Yourself”
June
Community Leadership
- What it means to lead in your community
- Summer service planning
- Volunteer Project #2 (June or July)
Speaker: None
July
Summer Leadership Skills
- Decision‑making and responsibility
- Leadership scenario activities
Speaker: Community leader or youth program representative — “Youth Leading Change”
August
Celebration & Next Steps
- Reflection and preparing for the next year
- Recognition circle
- End-of-Year Resident Camp
- End-of-Year Graduation
Speaker: Inspirational closing speaker