Mentors Matter
YMCA Teens In Action Program
OPPORTUNITY: The YMCA Teens in Action Mentors Matter program enabled area adults to partner up with kids and help them develop the attitude and skills needed to guide their future. The program recognized that kids need positive adult role models who exhibit responsible behavior and are willing to make a positive difference in their lives. Using the game of golf, teens learned not only about the game but also about life lessons. Students were taught the basics of the sport, as well as etiquette, interpersonal communication, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.
RESULTS: Jennifer Mueller, Youth and Teen Development Director for the YMCA of Greater Dayton, wanted to KICK off the program with an interactive presentation for both mentors and teens that would help “plant the seeds” for the entire series.
SPONSORS:
Fran Kick worked with both adult mentors and teens ranging in age from 12 to 17 years old. The program focused on leadership, decision making, service learning, and was based in part on the 40 Developmental Assets from the Search Institute.
“Perfect way to set the tone for what our focus was and what we wanted to accomplish throughout the summer.”
Jennifer Mueller, YMCA Youth & Teen Development Director