For 24 years we have been running the Kids in the Spotlight program at The Haven Institute in BC, Canada. As part of the Youth Leadership Training, each July we hold Intern training for three days where we focus on leadership and personal growth topics. This is followed by 30 days of program which involves working closely with and leading multi-age groups of children.
We engage approximately 150 children per year to enhance their understanding of their own development and to improve their lives.
To date, we have created over 40 young leaders who are interested in making a difference in the world and to make it a better place for future generations.
Many of these young leaders have participa- ted in the KITS program for 7 or more years and are now exceedingly accomplished in their abilities to lead. The KITS Youth Leadership Training has helped them achieve their individual identities and gain the necessary credentials for a successful adult life.
Developing Children Into Leaders - So They May Create Leaders Among Themselves
The uniqueness of the KITS Program lies in its delivery of the training of the leadership skills. Young leaders of ages 13 to 25 are trained to work as a team with groups of children ages 4 to 12 in the creation and production of a one-hour show to be pre- sented in front of an audience.
The hands-on opportunities to lead coupled with group building supports the develop- ment of necessary leadership skills such as:
- communication
- social understanding
- organization
- recognition of others' strengths
- self-awarenss and understanding
- ownership and responsibility
- how to support others
- contribution to the success of the group
