S.T.A.R.S.
International
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Table of Contents
What brought on the development of this program?11 years of diving and 5 years of Scuba instruction have proven to exhibit that the sport is an excellent tool to build self-confidence, self control, discipline and reinforce the necessity of team work. As an instructor for the Chicago-based Diveheart Foundation where scuba is employed with physically and cognitively challenged youth… this shed light on the potential value and caused a natural spin off with “youth at-risk” who face social challenges. Back to TopWhat constitutes a “Youth At Risk” as it applies to this program?The definition is broad and there are variances around the world, however we are focused on teenage youth (ages 13-17) who face; Cultural, Economic, Social, Academic, and/or Behavioral challenges that threaten their future development Back to TopWhat is the most important characteristic for an instructor to have who works with this segment of youth?Following the second year of teaching the S.T.A.R.S. program encompassing 25 kids I have found that it takes 3 things (CUP), Compassion, understanding and patience!-You cannot expect to undo years of negative influence overnight and you have to see yourself as they do, understanding they may have been directed not to trust, not to respect, commit or even appreciate.-Gaining the participant’s trust is key to setting yourself apart from others who influence their life.-Depending on the particular circumstances that brought these kids into the program you may be working against a lifetime of broken promises and mental neglect Back to TopWhat level of professional experience does your staff encompass?Chicago Based Professionals who have second careers as Certified HSA and Professional Association of Dive Professionals, two police officers, certified personal trainer, a youth development expert and social work interns.Back to TopWhat drives the need for an At-Risk program of this nature? • Without focus, youths seek alternatives to fill their time and energy reserves • Teens need to be recognized for involvement in “something” positive • Leadership skills will set them apart from their peers • Youth need positive influence, reassurance, coaching, role models and inspiration to make the best life choices • Social, economic, academic and cultural challenges result in exponentially harder choices for youth, demanding even a greater need for mentoring • Long term solution assistance and Active Involvement in structured activities • YAR typically lack clarity of Integrity, Values and Respect due to misguided views • Need to confront and conquer one’s Fears Back to TopHow does one become a candidate?
Back to TopWhat are your expectations of the participants?
What are the key program goals and benefits based on the curriculum for S.T.A.R.S. participants?Besides significant personal growth and self development ü Provide participants with pathways to “accomplishment” ü Aid the youth in developing “self confidence” ü Implant a new “interest” or “positive diversionary” activity ü Instill youth with environmental protection “values” ü Bestow participants with an opportunity to belong and achieve positive “recognition” ü Promote “commitment” by the youth to “achieve” a seemingly unattainable goal ü Deliver a productive course, unlike a traditional summer camp ü Exhibit the process of gaining “respect” through accomplishment Kick off interest in an activity that the whole family can become involved in Materially, What Does A Participant Come Away With?
Through professional collaborative internships (2 offered in 2007) What are your expectations of the parents and guardians during the program? • Steady 2-way communications including attending feedback sessions • Cooperation ensuring their youth is at each event • Concurrence with participant behavior contract stating the youth will be self motivated to work towards and attend each session, not forcing anyone else to be the trigger, driver or dragger. • Support at-home with course home work and assignments • Cooperation with gathering Metrics (3 rounds of report cards) • Allow us the opportunity to earn their trust • Agreement to fulfill a predetermined amount of volunteer hours in support of their participant in 4 areas; 1. Event preparation 2. Fund raising · Children will be doing presentation for funding themselves 3. Media assistance 4. Acquisition of Supplies Really 6 Significant Reasons… 1) Cost. TCI was able to fulfill travel needs for 60-75% of the cost. 2) Safety. TCI being an island with limited flights in and out enables us to maintain a contained environment where it is very difficult to either blend in, or exit the island 3) The culture. Cultural sharing adds a major positive element to the program and without it this trip would be just another summer camp with kids not understanding another way of life. 4) Remoteness. Since parents are not permitted to tag along it isolates the kids from families which causes self growth and removes the element of parental protection and/or over protection 5) Optimal Climate Conditions. Weather and diving conditions are ideal and very predictable. If the sea is rough on one side you move your diving to one of the other three calmer sides….. unlike Florida when you are basically on one of the two coasts. 6) Friendliness. The attitude and hospitality of the people in TCI cannot be beat. Local attitudes are the hidden secret to what brings people back to the islands. What is the budget for such a program and where does the funding come from? • Primarily factors are the program size and travel costs • Budget, is based on 9 months of involvement – Single International Trip involving 20 kids 8-10 staff and instructors $120K • Without TCI involving only 18 kids and staff about $75K – Single Local program without travel can be done for about $25K • Funding has been generally pursued through local civic agencies, corporate sponsors, individuals and grant foundations although…Ideally we desire corporations to provide sole funding and even group branding. Just as important is local community/civic support where civic mentors can volunteer to accompany the program • Improved Confidence, Self Esteem and public speaking skills • New values derived from Team Building and advanced communication skills • Enhanced Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution capabilities • Becoming an Ambassador to the family, city, state, and country • Demonstrated Self Control and Commitment to overcome obstacles • Kids, that go from mentoring, to mentors and role models • Develop new Life Strategies, and reveal non-traditional Educational and Career opportunities. This skill and program has limitless application. Educationally speaking – PADI Courses are sanctioned by American Council on Education (ACE) for 1 semester hour – Physical Ed. giving the kids a jump start to college credit – Scuba certification is highly applicable to studies in • Biology or Physics • Marine and Environmental Science Career related – Scuba relates to distinct careers in • Science, Marine Biology • Aquatic Training • National Park Services careers • Marine Preservation/Conservation • Recreational Sports Management • … even the armed services like the Coast Guard & Navy • Respect for one another, personal property and the environment • Inspiration to Succeed and establishing their own Unique Identity • Reinforce Personal Values and coaching towards mature conduct Emphasis on Accountability for Choices and considering the consequences of their actions or a lack of preparation Do you have any success stories from the past two year’s participants that stand out? • Participant to leader transition in 2005 • Significant individual GPA increase in 2005 within 6 months • Under significant task loading in 2006 participants held their GPA solid • Leaders emerge among weak members in 2006 • 2006 Participant perceived himself as a US Ambassador and found within himself personal self control • Healthier life styles derived through diet and regular exercise in 2006 • THEN IN ~~2005 participants located an unprecedented 14 lbs of concealed drugs during beach cleanups thus making international news and achieving badly needed positive recognition. What’s been the feedback from your participant’s?
What’s been the feedback from the parents?
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