“This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.”
— Robert Kennedy.
What is positive youth development?
Positive Youth Development is an intentional approach to engage youth within their communities, schools, organizations, social groups, and families in a productive and constructive manner. This approach aims to influence positive relationships, choices, and states of mind as our young people begin to develop into independent adults.
Positive Youth Development at Moorelands Kids
At Moorelands Kids, it is our goal to ensure that all programs and activities have the intention behind them to recognize, utilize, and enhance young people’s strengths. We believe that all youth have strengths and potential to grow. We work strategically to base all our programs on the four C’s to ensure activities are intentional so that children can gain skills, experience personal growth, build confidence and make friends. Tools that will set them up to lead happy successful lives.
The Four C’s
The Four C’s is a nationally-recognized positive youth development engagement model that focuses not on “fixing” behaviour problems, but on the building and nurturing of beliefs, behaviours, knowledge, attributes and skills with the intention of influencing a healthy and successful adulthood.
A positive youth development framework focuses on developing the growth of the Four Cs in participants:
Confidence – a sense of self-worth and mastery; having a belief in one’s capacity to succeed. Being realistically sure of yourself and your abilities, and knowing one can rely on their skills and strengths to handle what comes their way.
Character – taking responsibility; a sense of independence and individuality; connection to principles and values.
Competence – the skills and ability to act effectively in school, in social situations, and at work.
Connections – a feeling of safety, structure, and belonging; positive bonds with people and social institutions.
By contributing to positive youth development within our community, you can help prepare young people for success. We encourage you to provide opportunities within your communities for youth to learn, gain exposure and improve their health where ever possible in order to support and encourage the importance of positive youth development!
by Robyn Bell
Learn more about what what we do!
At Moorelands Kids, we are intentional. Learn more about Positive Youth Development at Moorelands Kids.
