Leadership
Development Program

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Through group work and team building initiatives, adventure challenges, community service experiences, weekend retreats, panel discussions and workshops, and adult and peer mentorships, youth will explore the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility as they develop individual and interpersonal skills.

Enhancing the work of YMCA staff, adult mentors and volunteers, recruited from the public and private sectors, will interact with groups of youth in program activities. Peer mentors will serve as listeners, motivators, role models and friends. These peer mentors are prior participants in the Leadership Development Program who are selected by staff based upon their willingness to help others, maturity level, leadership skills and positive peer influence.

Under the leadership of enthusiastic, caring YMCA professionals and these adult and peer mentors, program participants will engage in opportunities to:

  1. Set and achieve personal and group goals, while increasing self-awareness and an understanding of teamwork.
  2. Develop problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills.
  3. Develop an increased understanding of and comfort with persons of diverse backgrounds.
  4. Explore relationship skills such as empathy, sensitivity, trust and peaceful conflict resolution.
  5. Explore leadership styles and effective leadership skills.
  6. Learn that their actions have an impact, that they are valued and that they can and will affect their future.
  7. Build meaningful friendships and have fun participating in new, exciting and challenging experiences.

Ongoing Youth Development Opportunities

The YMCA of Central Ohio offers a number of fun and exciting teen programs in which youth may continue their personal and social development. These programs include: Leaders Clubs, YMCA of the USA Leaders Training School, summer teen, camp and Leaders-in-Training programs, teen adventure trips, and YMCA teen nights, as well as continued involvement in the Future of America Program as peer mentors. Future of America program participants will be encouraged to continue their skill development and learning through participation in these programs.

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