Youth leadership training is designed to help young people improve a variety of personal skills. There are many youth leadership training programs offered by local, national, and international organizations. Training programs may vary widely in scope, focus, and offerings, but most aim to help young people develop skills that will serve them well in both the present and the future.
There are a variety of skills that youth leadership training can help young people develop and understand. Some of the basic concepts taught in many popular youth leadership training programs include conflict management, communication, goal setting and achievement, and a strong sense of personal ethics. The goal of many leadership programs is to help youths develop skills that can serve them well, both in interpersonal relationships, and as community, business, political, or moral leaders.
It is important to note that many youth leadership training programs are affiliated with a particular organization, such as a church or youth activity group. This means that many programs stress the values of affiliated sponsors or organizations, and may recommend a particular religion or strongly suggest that trainees convince others to join the sponsoring organization. Before signing up for a program, it is important to read available literature and reviews on the program to make sure it suits both the interests and the personal ethics for the young people involved.
A youth leadership training program may have many different ways of teaching members new skills and helping young people uncover their own passions and interests. Some use group activities, such as hosting or participating in charitable functions, to teach members about certain values and social ideals. Others may use lectures, classes, and presentations to interest members in a wide variety of ideas and world views. Still other programs may stress early participation in the adult world through internships and political advocacy.
Retreats and overnight trips are often a feature of youth leadership training. This may be an excellent way for young people to have new and unusual experiences, and even see parts of the world they might never have dreamed of visiting. Trips may include group-building exercises like obstacle courses or physical challenges, or may be centered around performing services, such as building or restoring homes in impoverished areas.
Joining a youth leadership program usually does involve fees, but in some cases scholarships or fee waivers may be available. Trips, excursions, or extra activities may involve additional fees. If the group is affiliated with a parent organization, donations or subscriptions to that organization may also be required or requested. Be sure to ask questions about fees and costs before agreeing to participate.
