The New Youth Challenge

Résumé du livre

New Youth Challenge (NYC) programs teach new skills and attitudes to school-age children in non-school care settings. The programs empower children by allowing them to direct their own actions and take responsibility for the activities in which they are involved. This manual outlines the NYC program, how to make such a program work, and the role of the concept of challenge in this program. Section 1 defines the basic concept of the program, challenge (defined as a systematic reaching forward toward difficult but valuable achievements), and presents a structured model for the program. Section 2 describes patterns of interaction between staff and participants during the three typical phases of a youth program--the directive phase, the shared influence phase, and the guidance phase--and how this model transfers to "real life." This section also explains how to design a challenge course based on a series of interaction patterns. Section 3 explains the role of the challenge instructor in terms of an analogy with a tradesman with a toolbox. Section 4 provides practical tools, such as determining baselines of performance ability and providing feedback, that will help children link their present efforts to their challenge goals. Section 5 deals with frameworks for motivation, including visions, efficacy, and systems, and the influence of self-esteem on motivation. Section 6 contains examples of proven programs and ideas. (AP)