as high-functioning kids with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, film school might be an answer. At the Joey Travolta Film School and summer camp, in Lafayette, California, kids work together to make a movie; they start with a script, create sets, operate the camera, act and direct. At the Hunter School, in Romney, New Hampshire, kids dealing with attention challenges can nurture mind- body awareness, energetic mindfulness and sensory integration. It all helps them get to know themselves and relate better to others.
Outdoor skills can help teens
develop healthy risk-taking behaviors, as well as teach resilience, perseverance and self-reliance. SheJumps (SheJumps. org), in Salt Lake City, offers young women 6 to 18 years old an opportunity to master outdoor living skills, boost confidence and encourage leadership via collaborating with strong female role models. Fun activities include mountain biking, skiing and trailblazing.
Leadership Over time, experiential learning can help youths develop leadership skills. Lander, Wyoming’s National Outdoor
Leadership School, a gap-year program for high school graduates taking a year off before college, offers courses lasting two weeks, several months or even a full year. Activities include sea kayak- ing, Alaskan mountain and glacier climbing and wilderness medicine. Teens already on track and wanting
to develop additional leadership skills can tap into motivational speaker and self-help author Tony Robbins’ annual Unleash the Power Within youth lead- ership program event. Groups of youths 14 to 17 years old collectively partici- pate to create individual breakthroughs, move beyond fears and limiting beliefs, accomplish goals and realize true desires. Application requirements in- clude a good academic record, at least 20 hours of community service and a guidance counselor’s recommendation. Robbins maintains, “Grow and give is what life is all about.”
Service to Others A way for youngsters 5 to 19 years old to become empowered is by joining a 4-H group in urban, suburban or rural areas. If we envision a farm kid raising a calf
to show at the state fair, that’s still one facet of today’s 4-H, but far from the entire scope. Founded in 1902, 4-H is a global nonprofit dedicated to learning by doing; specialties now range from computer science and graphic design to leadership, healthy living and the performing arts. Positive mentoring by adults and
developing community spirit ground 4-H clubs, camps and programs.
natural awakenings August 2016
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