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Grow In Spirit Program
Builds Character
The five YMCA values of acceptance, balance, caring,
giving and responsibility are based on our Christian
Heritage. We live by this set of core values every day.
They guide our decisions and behaviours. So important
to us, how can we be sure that these principles are
instilled in our children? To help children understand
and adopt several of our core values, the YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo
is offering a new character education program for children
called the KW YMCA's Grow In Spirit™ Program.
This innovative
and engaging program promotes and encourages positive
attitudes and behaviours by showing children that they
are valued and able to positively impact those around
them.
The program
was developed in response to a need to teach young children
the concept of giving and caring for others.
The "Grow In Spirit" program
is based on a children's book “How Bonnie Blue
Bird Finds a Happy Heart” written and illustrated
by Nancy Mattes. Published by the YMCA, this touching
story, of how a tree of Blue Birds becomes a community,
teaches children why it is important to give and care
for others.
A story-teller uses the storyline
and a variety of props to deliver a lively and engaging
presentation. At the end of the story, children
learn that caring, helping and giving are all ways to
develop positive behaviours and attitudes.
In Canada
today, we are experiencing a shrinking donor and volunteer
base, with the majority of volunteer work in our communities
being done by less than 30% of our residents.
The KW YMCA Grow In Spirit ™ Program teaches
our future generation the importance of contributing
to society. We're continuing our work to build
strong kids and a strong community.
The soft-cover book is available for
$10.00 Canadian and makes a great gift for children
age 3 to 8 years old. Copies are available at
the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA front desk. Or you can order the book by downloading an order form.
We thank the Forever Fund, the Endowment
Fund of the United Way of Kitchener-Wateloo & Area
for its generous support of the Grow In Spirit program.
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