Resource Library

Module 4: Physical - Every single day, healthy adults are making the choice to exercise, eat healthy food and enjoy recreational activities. Many of the physical fitness skills and choices adults make are based on what they learned and enjoyed as adolescents. This guide identifies the different levels of physical development by age group. It also discusses how to apply this knowledge to promote physical activity among all young people.

Module 5: Education and Career Development Encouraging youth to set goals and make sound decisions related to education and career interests is an important role for Program Assistants. This guide will show you how to continue to develop your skills and knowledge as a youth worker to create an environment where learning is fun without being an extension of school.

Module 6: Communication - Every single day, you draw upon communication skills to interact with youth and coworkers. This guide will show you the importance of practicing effective communication skills and modeling those skills for youth.

Module 7: Creativity and The Arts - Programs and activities connected to creativity and the arts are usually quite popular with youth. Combined with other interests of youth such as technology and science, programming in the arts is a great way for youth to build relationships, life skills and self-esteem.

Module 8: Personal, Character and Leadership Development - Every single day, in every encounter within the Youth Center, you have the opportunity to help promote personal, character and leadership development in youth. This guide will show you the importance of infusing character and leadership opportunities into conversation and program activities.

Module 9: Social and Cultural - During adolescence, peer pressure plays an important role in the development of social skills. Interaction with adults such as parents and Youth Center staff also influences how youth treat each other. This guide will show you how you can help guide youth to appreciate the similarities and differences of others and help youth develop positive social skills.

Module 10: Guidance and Human Relationships - Adult guidance is critical in developing positive relationships with youth and helping them develop self-discipline. This guide will show you the importance of effective guidance and its impact on young people.

The design of a Youth Center encompasses more than just placement of furniture. This guide will show you how program settings and good design both impacts attracting youth to the Youth Center.