Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce and West Simcoe is developing a Youth Junior Leadership Program for youth ages 14–18 who participate in our Youth Council and Outdoor Wellness programs.
The program will create a pathway for young people to move from participation into meaningful leadership. Junior Leaders will receive structured training, mentorship and hands-on opportunities to develop skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, facilitation, community engagement, event planning and outdoor leadership.
Youth will have opportunities to help plan and deliver activities, support younger participants, contribute their perspectives to community initiatives and take on increasing levels of responsibility.
Through Youth Council and Outdoor Wellness, participants will be able to practice leadership in real-world settings where their ideas and contributions make a difference.
The goal is to equip young people with the confidence, skills and experience to become positive leaders within BBBS and their broader communities. The program will establish a sustainable leadership pathway that can continue to benefit youth for years to come.
Young people are not just the future of our communities - they are an important part of our communities today. When youth have meaningful opportunities to contribute, lead and build relationships, they develop the confidence, skills and sense of belonging needed to become engaged community members.
Through our Youth Council and Outdoor Wellness programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters has seen firsthand what happens when young people are given the opportunity to try new things, build relationships, take on responsibility and contribute to something bigger than themselves. The Junior Leadership Program builds on this experience by creating a more intentional pathway for youth ages 14–18 to develop and practice leadership skills in real-world settings.
Rather than simply learning about leadership in a classroom, participants will learn by doing. They will help plan activities, work alongside peers, support younger participants, solve problems, communicate with adults and take meaningful responsibility within program activities. These experiences will give youth the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence and see themselves as people who can make a difference.
This opportunity is especially important for young people who may not have access to extracurricular leadership programs, outdoor experiences or other supportive environments where they can develop these skills. By removing some of those barriers and creating a welcoming space to learn, contribute and lead, the program will help more youth see themselves as capable and connected members of their community.
Investing in youth leadership is an investment in the strength of our community. When young people are given the opportunity to lead today, they are better prepared to contribute, volunteer, build relationships and create positive change in their communities tomorrow.
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Having our youth engaged in developing their leadership is essential to our communities and contributes to community connections and sense of belonging.
The Youth Council at BBBSGBWS helps create opportunities for youth to use their voice and take action to help make their community a better place.