Learning for Life
Learning for Life offers seven programs designed to support schools and community-based organizations in their efforts to prepare youth to successfully handle the complexities of contemporary society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation and self-esteem. The seven programs focus on character and career education. The program is designed to involve both boys and girls.
Learning for Life programs help youth develop social and life skills, assist in character
development and help youth formulate positive personal values. It prepares youth to make ethical decisions that will
help them achieve their full potential. There are two program methods. We have six school-based programs and one
worksite based program.
Adults involved in Learning for Life are selected by the organization in which they work (i.e., schools, local businesses, community organizations, etc.). Race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, economic status and citizenship are not criteria for participation in Learning for Life.
At a time when drugs and gangs are ravaging many of our schools and communities, Learning for Life programs can be a catalyst to help stop this trend. The program uses age-appropriate, grade-specific lesson plans to give youth skills and information that will help them cope with the complexities of today’s society.
Learning for Life programs are delivered in two methods:
- School based programs that utilize curriculum for grade K-12 as well as a component for Special Needs.
- Work site based program (Exploring) that give high school aged youth hands on career experiences.
Mission Statement:
It is the mission of Learning for Life to enable young people to become responsible individuals by teaching
positive character traits, career development, leadership and life skills so they can make ethical choices and
achieve their full potential.
Value-Added Features of Learning for Life:
Leadership Development Guidebook for Teenage Youth: These leadership workshops are designed for senior high students. The goal is help them develop life skills, personal management skills and group leadership skills. The guidebook includes 16 workshops as well as information on planning options. The workshops can be offered as one-day sessions, an overnight meeting or as a series of workshops.
Drug Prevention Education Program: This is a series of books for kindergarten through sixth-grade youth. The books include age-appropriate and grade-specific lesson plans geared to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. A full-color poster is included in most books.
Kid Serve Community Service Learning: This program is designed to raise awareness about social problems that kids can address in their community through planned community service projects.
Training:
Learning for Life offers training seminar for all seven programs. They are designed to prepare volunteers and teachers to
use Learning for Life materials. The training can also be conducted to orient school administrators, prospective financial
supporters and other interested parties on the value of the programs.
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Many Learning for Life and Exploring groups, especially those at the high school level, travel to camps around the country to learn about themselves as well as about academics in a fun, outdoor setting. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys or skiing in New Mexico provideds a nice change of pace from the doldrums of academic life. |
Philmont Mountain, New Mexico |
There are many companies that help these groups plan such trips. On group, Blue Sky Adventures, is sponsored by the national Boy Scouts of America council. Blue Sky Adventures helps Learning for Life and Exploring groups plan trips to places like Philmont and the Florida Keys. For more information on their trips, check out their website.
For more information on Learning for Life or Exploring, contact the Council Service Center at (540) 265-0656.
