Specialist Youth Service Corps
The Wanganui YMCA offers a Specialist Youth Service Corp programme in the Manawatu (Palmerston North) area.
The Specialist Youth Service Corp programme is a 20 week course, aimed at 15 and 16 year olds. Two programmes are offered a year, one starting in February and one in July. This Specialist Youth Service Corp programme is designed to improve skills, increase motivation, provide personal direction, improve social behaviour, challenge negative behaviour, and give tools for change.
The programme promotes:
- Increased self-esteem and self-control
- Co-operation, independence and compassion
- Increased sense of responsibility of self, others and society
- Greater awareness of dysfunctional behaviour
- Understanding of risk taking
- Increase in trust
- Improvement in physical health and fitness
The programme also looks closely at positive alternatives in
- Discovering who we are
- Dealing with independence
- Feeling awkward
- Peer pressure
- Being accepted and belonging
- Making choices
Throughout the course students will be required to plan an event or activity considering budgets, level of fitness, food quantity and nutrition, equipment, and communication.
Formal education activities will take place that embrace personal growth:
- Career planning
- CV
- Employment opportunities & Work Based Training
Whilst Aotearoa / New Zealand is largely multi-cultural we operate the premise that many people are bicultural. In the content of this programme we find out who we are and where we come from.
- Local history
- Maori protocol and spirituality
- Maori medicine, bush craft & karakia
The Specialist Youth Service Corps specialises in behaviour modification through:
- Trust building & Goal setting
- Challenges
- Humour and fun
- Problem solving
- Adventure therapy
Throughout the programme the outdoors, community projects, challenging recreation and work experience are utilised to facilitate the development of the young people. Participants are encouraged to pursue further training, education and employment upon completion of the course.
Ultimately the programmes’ are aligned with the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa’s vision, six principles and goals.