HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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CARES offers several programs with messages geared to high school age children. These programs are delivered within the classroom, after school on an elective basis, or as part of an extra-curricular group such as the National Charity League, Service League of Boys, Girls Scouts or Eagle Scouts. Highly interactive and very topical, CARES’ high school programs focus on raising awareness, making positive personal health choices, developing strong leadership skills and making good decisions.
This program is an intensive 35 hour/15 week comprehensive training for students interested in gaining essential skills for becoming effective leaders. After developing skills in self-assessment, organization, goal setting and public speaking, participants apply themselves to independent leadership projects that demonstrate their community service and leadership.
Service projects recently undertaken by leadership students include mentoring preschool and elementary youth on a variety of topics using diverse mediums, from drama to athletics; participation in the International Linus blanket project – supplying hand-made blankets to needy families; creating and performing drama programs to middle school students on challenging topics such as cliques and internet safety. Program graduates continually return to the Challenge to mentor trainees, or offer additional hours or ideas for community service.
In the spring of 2009, CARES passed an exciting milestone as we graduated another talented group of student leaders from our intensive Leadership Challenge© program. This class brought the total number-to-date of high school leadership graduates in New Canaan to 513. 50% of our graduates are now attending college; the other 50% are busy applying their leadership talents in our schools and community.
Sean D., NCHS senior, courageously shared his thoughts… “Before taking Leadership Challenge, I was hesitant to take chances and put myself out there. Leadership Challenge helped me feel stronger about myself and my abilities. I now try to push myself into new experiences, especially in order to meet new people.”
This program is offered in two sessions, spring and fall, and meets weekly for an hour and a half. Pre-registration is required for this class.
After School Program – Leadership Summer Institute
The Summer Leadership Institute is for high school students who cannot make the time commitment to the leadership training (Leadership Challenge) during the school year. The Summer Leadership Institute will offer an intensive 6-week, high-octane alternative that condenses the leadership training and service learning experience into a shortened block of youth development training and real-world application. As part of the Summer Leadership Institute, students will participate in approximately 30 hours of skill development specific to organization and time management, goal-setting, decision-making, interpersonal relations, public speaking and team building. Students will simultaneously apply their burgeoning skills to independent leadership projects related to ongoing community needs, in the form of internships, community service, and work-study opportunities. As a culminating event, students who satisfactorily complete the leadership requirements will present their projects to the public at a graduation ceremony, where they will also receive leadership certification.
This program is intended for incoming sophomores through seniors attending New Canaan High School or students residing in New Canaan attending other high schools.
Drama, set design, writing and acting are all part of the script for this award-winning high school mentoring program. Recently this group created and performed two different short plays for 4th and 6th graders, addressing issues of popularity, gossiping, self-confidence and personal identity.
This program requires a year-long commitment, with emphasis on productions in March and May. Pre-registration is required for this class.
After School Program – Leadership Club
The Leadership Club is a self-governed group of high school students motivated to provide philanthropic service at the local, national and international level. The group is led by club members and facilitated by our Executive Director. Projects the club has recently undertaken include creating first aid kits for Tanzanian schools and orphanages; cooking and visiting elder residents at our local School House Apartments, and continuing to provide relief (i.e., clothing drives, non-perishables, school and medical supplies) in times of national disaster.
After School Program – SKIDS (Asset-Based Strength Training)
(Program information coming soon)
Classroom Program – Alcohol Awareness
This single or double-session program is designed to identify and positively influence psychosocial factors such as peer influence, self-efficacy, teen-parent communication, and perceived ease of access to substances and other high risk situations. In this program we focus on strengthening problem-solving and decision-making competencies, including the development of healthy alternatives to risky or maladaptive behaviors.
Classroom Program – Pre-Prom Program
(Program information coming soon)
Classroom Program – Stress Management and Coping Skills
(Program information coming soon)
Classroom Program – Peaceful Personal Relationships
(Program information coming soon)
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