Idée acf4291:

Storm the Schools

Affichée le novembre 17, 2009

• Auteur : Charles Loui-Ying / Chelsea Lake
• Organisation: The Youth Excellence Society / Camp Rainbow
• Endroit : Vancouver, British Columbia
• Catégorie : Améliorez l’éducation
• Coût : À gros budget (50 000 $ à 250 000 $)

Imagine The YES Camp Community feeling - within our school system! Storm the Schools will make it happen!

Objective:

To help in transforming the high school atmosphere into one of mutual respect, appreciation and create an environment that fosters community, growth, education and empowerment. YES!

Background: 

The YES Camps, run by the Youth Excellence Society are focused on facilitating the creation of respectful communities with 13-17 year olds. The non-profit Society started in BC during the '70s and ran the Camp Rainbow Leadership Program. We have facilitated life-changing experiences for over 5000 young people.

The YES Camp staff are responsible for facilitating skill building discussions, forums and small peer support groups as part of each camp. They are trained in facilitation, active listening, responsible communication, conflict resolution and team-building. As part of the peer support groups, the YES Camp staff have heard many stories from across BC's youth population over many years. It is the opinion, and observation of the Staff Team and the Director that the environment created in most BC high schools is often alienating, dis-empowering and potentially dangerous to BC youth. Common stories that emerge from participants include accounts of bullying, drug abuse, eating disorders, abuse of power, suicide, verbal abuse, lack of respect, and low self-esteem and confidence in this age group.

We do not believe that this is right, and know that there are other possibilities. In fact, we successfully create a very different atmosphere with this age group year after year without fail. It takes 2-3 days for us to create a positive, supportive environment with 50-70 youth from all over BC and from every background. The teenagers that attend our program, as well as their parents are always wishing we could create the same environment within their schools. We know we can. The YES would love to STORM THE SCHOOLS!

The Plan: 

The YES team of 25 facilitators, with the support of a few additional specialists would like to take over a high school for 5 school days and transform the student body, and staff into a community of mutually respectful and caring citizens. This will require: - training in communication techniques - relationship building between students and staff - group forums to listen, witness and share experiences - a visioning process with staff and students - training in new styles of teaching and learning - the adoption of democratic and consensus based models of decision making - a willingness from the school administration to learn and grow for the sake of their staff, students and the broader community.

Additionally, this project will also include the creation of a documentary film. The film will help people in other communities and schools realize what 13-17 year-olds are capable of achieving.

List of measurable outcomes within the school:

1. Higher participation by the student body in school activities
2. Higher turnout in democratic elections and referendums with the school
3. The creation of student, staff and parent forums that address the needs and feelings of everyone involved.
4. A distinct decrease in bullying and school violence
5. A distinct decrease in incidents of racism, sexism and homophobia
6. A new, transparent disciplinary system aimed at growth and empowerment
7. New tactics implemented in classrooms to address different learning styles and intelligence types.
8. The implementation of activities and programs aimed at positive affirmation

We can do this! There is nothing stopping us except the funding. We have strong relationships with schools, teachers, and students across the province and we are ready to make positive change happen. Our team of facilitators are brilliant. There is no one more capable of creating a positive impact than The YES staff team.

More information about our non-profit organization can be found at www.theyes.ca

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  The YES participants from across BC
  
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 5:22

  
  
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  A participant talks about her Camp Experience
  A group of participants this past weekend created a video on their own as a gift to the camp staff. This is a short clip from that video.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 3:44

  
  

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Seuls les 1000 commentaires les plus récents sont affichés.

• BCMomma

  As a past participant (15 year old, grade 9 student) oh so many years ago, I can tell you that the YES Camp experience has made a huge difference in my life! It changed the way I thought of myself and others and made me a better person. From participant to staff, to camp manager, to board member and now a mother myself, it has been an important tool for growth in my life. The teen years are a formative time. Where home, school and team life fail to meet the needs of impressionable young minds, this program bridges the gaps along the way. It helps young people become more confident, communicative, respectful and empowered with a vision for their future that goes beyond themselves! My vote is here for the future of young people in BC. I hope you will add your vote and perhaps pass on this opportunity to young people in your lives.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 5:53 EST

  
  

• JakeDaynes

  I too, attended a few years ago, both Basic and Advanced Camp, and I have to say it was one of the greatest times of my life. It isn't often one gets to lower the walls that they've built up around themselves in order to "fit in". After attending over 3 years ago, I still keep in contact with my friends that attended with me, and I hope that the next wave of YES Campers continue to do the same. The YES Camp has definitely changed my perspective in life, and taught me to stand on my own two feet. I'm now Leader of Canada's next Federal Party, and I don't believe I would have had the leadership qualities I have now if not for this Camp. Sincerely, Jake Daynes Leader of the Pirate Party of Canada
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 8:18 EST

  
  

• k-carv

  I went to the YES basic, advanced, grad, and reunion camps. They were all amazing. I learned so much and it changed my life forever. I have learned to be a better person, use my perspecticles and so much more. The YES Camp is such an amazing oppurtunity and everyone should have a chance to experience it :]
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 9:34 EST

  
  

• MATTYMATT

  Okay, this...... it leaves me without words, I cannot describe how excited this idea makes me! As a leadership student, in grade 12, I constantly run into problems and difficulties trying to up school spirit and participation so that the events we put on get attention, and we've made huge strides in the last few years, but an initiative like this would change everything. Also, i went through the entire YES program and even Staffed for a year, and i can say that it is life changing every single time it goes through, AHH I am so excited to hear about the inevitable success of this initiative! YES!!
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 9:50 EST

  
  

• Chem_enger

  While I really support the project, I'm curious as to how you determined that there would be 70% decreases in bullying and discrimination. It just seems like something that would be difficult to describe quantitatively rather than qualitatively.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 10:29 EST

  
  

• DJ

  Nothing has effected my life quite like the YES Camp. I see everything in a different way. After camp I say without a doubt that I am a better person. I have never felt anything that comes close to the unconditional love and understanding a community like Yes brings out in strangers. I believe a program like this in schools could lead to some amazing teens all over BC, and hopefully Canada. XOXOX
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 12:30 EST

  
  

• justme

  The experiances I had at camp back in the late 80s/early 90s have made me the person I am today. I was a shy, insecure and lonely small town girl when I first attended camp. It was and I can still say all these years later, one of the best things I have ever done in my life! (In my TOP 5!) I can look back and realize attending these camps has made a major impact on shaping me into the person I am today. Helping me become the indepdent, outgoing, understanding, caring person that I am. Growing up/being a teen is hard enough wether it was 15 years ago or today. The postive experiances and exceptance that this camp has given me is something I feel everyone should be entitled too. I hope one day to send my future children to camp so they can truly understand what being excepted for who you are is really all about. Love & Hugs to all camp participants past, present and future.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 2:40 EST

  
  

• BCMomma

  I voted again today!!! Did you? Pass this along to all your friends, family, co-workers. Anyone you know. Tell them how you have benefited from the camp program and how important it is that we reach the finals of this funding competition, so that we can bring our program to the BC school system.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 1:10 EST

  
  

• LinzyPi

  Going to the YES changed my life, and made me a better person =) I found myself and the people I love the most at this amazing camp. Imagine what amazing difference this will make to the high school enviornment, instead of cliques, a large community of great kids, instead of bullying, standing up for eachother...amazing things =)
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 7:51 EST

  
  

• Yes.Love

  Wow guys, we really love Camp ... I told my Socials and Drama teacher about it, and they like it ... My Socials teacher said she'd vote yes ... There's been a bunch of bullying at my school, and it's really unfortunate ... Since my starting at this school, the social and amazing parts of the school are gone, and I want to reignite the flame. :D [Basic B '08, Reunion '08, Advanced '09, Grad '09, Reunion '09] CAMP YES FTW!!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 8:50 EST

  
  

• Amandaja

  There are few things the world that can lift a person up, empower them to be the best they can be, and promote love, respect and understanding, but the YES somehow manages to pull it all off. I was a participant as a kid, and it changed my life. It made me understand how to be the change i wanted to see in the world, how to love myself, and how to love others. It strengthened the life skills so necessary to be an effective person today. Im now a current staff of the program and almost every kid that comes through our program leaves stronger, more respectful to themselves and others and better equipt to be leaders in their own lives. Teens seem to struggle so much with their own identity and place in the world, but I believe that this program helps empower the youth of today to be self aware, skillfull and ready to storm the world:) please vote for us!!!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 9:01 EST

  
  

• susan

  K & A's Mom I have to say as a parent(single)of tenage girls I was thrilled to see the changes that my girls made after YES leadership camp. It was the perfect opportunity to try new methods of dealing with emotions, communication with others respectfuly, and develop the courage to stand up and be counted. They totally embraced the program and still can't say enough about it. Thank you, thank you. P.S. We sincerely thank the Credit Union for the sponsorship as well.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 10:22 EST

  
  

• AshtonOst

  The YES changes peoples life's. I go back to school and tell everyone about the epic journey that I just took place in ... all the love and happiness. How you can just open up to complete strangers and feel comfortable knowing that you can tell them anything and that they wont judge or thing of you any different. Now if this happened in our schools well... the world would be a better place.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 12:59 EST

  
  

• Charles

  WOW... This is amazing. The comments here are touching and show the love and empowerment we stand for. Keep it up, and keep the comments coming, your stories are also creating ripples of positive change!
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 3:12 EST

  
  

• maxcap

  I'm a former camper, and staff member. The times I spent with YES, the ideas it exposed to me, the memories I have and the friends I made are still a part of my life years later, and miles away. The YES is a powerful positive experience, and every time I went back I was amazed at the changes that took place in every person there. Such a life changing experience and SO MUCH FUN - it's an unbeatable combination.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 7:17 EST

  
  

• Serenes Mom

  OK I didn't get to go to YES Camp, I sure wish they would have one for Parents...its never too late!! Serene attended this camp three years ago. I drove her out to Lake Cowichan. Her pictures and stories and friends from YES Camp where great. Thanks to our local CO-OP for sponsoring her. She has gone on to do some really cool things, like play Goalie in Hockey, compete in Rock Climbing, become skilled in Graphic Design, Graduate a year early with Honours. She Worked and saved the money so she could go to India for a year when she was 17 with Rotary International. More amazing stories and pictures. Serene attended an Ashram for a month, and returned a certified Yoga instructor, She even went to a 10 day silient meditation retreat in India...anyone that knows Serene will be amazed that she didn't talk, read or write for 10 days...that is truly amazing. Needless to say I am rather Proud of my daughter I know she can go any where and do any thing. This is the kind of kid that has atte
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 2:48 EST

  
  

• BritW

  YES. CAMP. My friends have asked me, what do you do at this camp? What's it about? The only thing I can say, is it's a special place that changes your lives. You learn so much about yourself, other people and so much more. You learn the importance of communication, using words or just the way you stand or sit when talking with someone. You learn about perspectives and how they can change once someones shown you how. By the end of the week, or possibly week-end, you have an entirely new family that you wish you could just pick up and place in your suitcase to come home with you. The staff at the YES camp are all incredible and fantastic role models, I know so many people who have really been influenced by them, for the better. In conclusion, YES Camp changes lives for the better, and that's what we need in this world. Open-mindness, different perspectives, communication, and most importantly that can never be forgotten, LOVE.
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 11:13 EST

  
  

• LaurenNicole

  The YES has changed my life. In order to truly love others, you must love yourself. Through this experience, I learned to love myself, to believe in myself and others. I learned what true acceptance feels like, and how to be part of something larger than myself. I've learned so much through YES camp, and I wish that everyone could experience this.
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 1:13 EST

  
  

• A.La

  There is nothing in this world that has had more of a positive impact on me than The YES. Since going to this camp i have grown into a much more mature and strong individual. I have learned to love myself and that anything is possible. The Yes isn't just a leadership camp, to me, The YES is a movement. Ever since i attended Grad camp 09, I have been begging my friends to go to camp, I just want them to be able to experience the amazing thing that i have. And now with Storm the Schools, they will have the opportunity. With The Yes in our schools people would be more aware of their surroundings. They could learn, as i have, that everyone has something to offer the world and no one person is better than another. The Yes has opened my eyes. I can only imagine the wonders it could do if everyone could have the knowledge that The Yes gives.
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 2:01 EST

  
  

• peedeeflo

  I'm just a normal student, just came into school after homeschool, and I was a social disaster...Going threw new ideas like how to make friends, leaning how clique a school can be in a small town, how to handle school, popularity (which i had little of), and extra activities i was overwhellemed started failing in a few classes, and lost alot of friends. As the year went on it was bleh, but the summer came up and I was invited to the Yes and i was like..better then sitting on my butt all summer and i left. Lots of people think the yes is some leadership thing, but the truth is, the camp doesn't teach you much in the regular way, no it teaches you with hidden motives like how to discover who you are, and what life can be like if you want it. I changes into someone i wanted to be over that one week, and i've made the best friends i've ever had, Sure they not near me, but They'll be With me for my entire life, and so will the lessons i learned...SUCH AS TO MAKE A CHECK LIST OF WHAT I BRING
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 11:30 EST

  
  

• The_Sean

  When I went to the camp formerly known as Rainbow (I guess I will break down and call it the YES camp) I was... definitely not the most social person... I didn't know how to talk to people. From the moment I stepped on that camp ground I knew there was something different here! Right away we started playing games to meet new people and by the end of the second day I felt like I had 80 new friends! It was almost as if I had known these people my whole life!!! It was amazing! The next thing I knew we were doing activities of all sorts, but these weren't any normal activities like making macaroni ducks or something oh no they were thinking activities! Designed to help us better ourselves we learned how to recognize and resolve conflict. We learned to tune into other peoples feelings and try and see things through their eyes. We learned to be socially responsible! We learned that making other people feel good is one of the most rewarding things that you can do! Most importantly
  novembre 22, 2009 @ 12:58 EST

  
  

• NDWGrad2010

  Before I came to this camp, a chain of dramatic events just about shot my self-confidence through the roof. Then i came to Basic A, with absoloutely no idea how much this camp would change my life; I met amazing new people, and with those people, I shared moments that quickly changed my life around. My self esteem shot right back up to where it had been before, and I continued to make unforgettable memories at Advanced and Grad. Ever since then I had been convincing many other people I knew into attending.
  novembre 22, 2009 @ 10:22 EST

  
  

• The YES

  11:44PM - 1000 votes - how Inspiring is this! we have people across the country and overseas joining in for this! Stay tuned, more info about our awesome www.stormtheschools.com plan is coming for all those asking about it. Tons of ways for you to get involved with it, and with the YES!!! Join our facebook page or email us if you want to stay in touch! For all the amazing stories being posted, remember - there is a 1000 character limit. Post in multiple pieces so your inspiring words can be seen!
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 2:50 EST

  
  

• ymmot

  I'm impressed by the camp. A few years back I listened to my teen-age niece talk enthusiastically about what she'd learned at Yes camp about leadership styles. The insights she gained about how people function in groups, what motivates them and how they move forward have never left her and created an appetite for such things that drives her at university to this very day.
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 3:11 EST

  
  

• Val

  We had two mid-teen cousins from France visiting who attended YES camp - these two young men with no so much English and some shyness came away with a great experience, feeling connected, challenged, more mature. Love to see the schools have the opportunity to embrace what YES has to offer.
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 3:16 EST

  
  

• kelllay :)

  I am sososo thrilled that i was able to go to this amazing camp :) it has changed my life and i don't know who i would be without it! I don't want the amazing YES magic to ever leave me, and i honestly never want to leave it. thank you YES camp, for being the most inspiring thing to me ever! SO MUCH LOVE :)
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 12:12 EST

  
  

• HannahJeff

  There are no words to describe how much Yes helped me out. My Yes family was there to hold me when I cried. I could be myself without worrying whether or not I was acting stupid because at Yes there is no such thing as stupid. I loved participating in every single thing I could. After Yes I felt more confident, beautiful, open, and more happy. I want to thank the staff members for creating a family that will last forever.
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 6:58 EST

  
  

• nellie

  The YES is by far the most amazing, most beneficial leadership program I've ever been a part of (and I've been a part of quite a few! :P ) At Yes I learned to trust, communicate, cry, smile, and care. The few days at camp can completely change a life for the better. I know my family and friends all noticed the positive difference the YES made in my life. I'll keep YES camp in my heart and mind for the rest of my life and I hope that kids across B.C. can have a similar chance to learn how to change their world by cooperating and communicating with the people around them. KEEP VOTING FOR YES BEAUTY TO COME TO OUR SCHOOLS!!
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 10:02 EST

  
  

• nathan

  I have participated in the Saskatchewan Co-operative camp in my youth, it just changed my life. I used to be a very shy guy, and I never talked with others. After participating in the camp, I have changed a lot personally. By the time I graduated from high school, I became a leader ( as others described) I was valedictorian of my class. I think Camps are the best way to learn and become the leader, to contribute back to the community. We need this camp.
  novembre 26, 2009 @ 8:46 EST

  
  

• Warren

  Saying YES is the best way to experience new places, people, and ideas. It brings positive energy around you which in turn pushes your life to exciting new levels. Being a part of YES seems to be common sense, the most important part of our society is educating our youth so that they may go right where so many in the past have gone wrong. Please let me know what else I can do to help!
  novembre 27, 2009 @ 6:07 EST

  
  

• laina.p

  It is so significant to consider the magic felt at camp and everything learned there, and have these same practices applied to the school experience. This is such an important time for growth, and a time when so many things can go wrong. It's a time of transition and a place where a lot of people lose out on the ideal experience. I strongly believe that with the Storm the Schools initiative, so much could be different in a way far more positive than the school experience I will remember. It's often said that education's the strongest weapon, and Camp always seemed to provide the education to inspire in and of itself - inspire you to be a stronger person, inspire you to be a more empathetic person, and teach you about not only your life, but the lives of other people around you. These notions condition a person to be someone who is going to make a difference, and that's -always- in demand.
  novembre 28, 2009 @ 1:28 EST

  
  

• jsap

  After having participated in the camps, I cannot imagine my life without the YES. The most important aspect for me was gaining self-confidence by being able to express myself and knowing that nobody would judge me. It was the source of my self-esteem and the experience really opened my eyes. I learned the benefits of living in a caring and loving community where we all work together and the value of good communication, as well as making many new friends that feel like family. The YES should not merely be a week of inspiration and acceptance that is hard to maintain under the pressures of society, but rather a lifestyle incorporated into every community and school so that it can live with us and be a part of who we are. MAKE THE YES OUR EVERYDAY LIVES!
  novembre 28, 2009 @ 6:05 EST

  
  

• Pie

  neat!
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 12:26 EST

  
  

• voice

  Now that Round 3 is almost over, we were hoping to enlist the support of your voters to join with us for another community project trying to help our troubled youth. Each year thousands of bright, creative, promising Canadian teens quit school before graduating. At 2nd Act (registered as idea 1789) we recognize the crucial role self-esteem plays in a student's decision to drop-out. Our educational 2nd Act Program, which includes drama, mock trials, debating, public speaking and slam poetry, helps build the confidence of secondary students. 2nd Act is a non-profit based in Montreal and has touched the lives of more than 600 teens over the past 3 years. With your vote we can help make the future brighter for everyone. The semi-final round begins Dec 2, please visit our project and help support us by continuing to vote after the third round ends. Thank you so much! http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf1789
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 6:56 EST

  
  

• peedeeflo

  OMG 2 hours left!!!!!
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 9:27 EST

  
  

• sirfungi

  Dang.
  novembre 30, 2009 @ 6:30 EST