|
 ACA
and the National FFA Organization Collaborate to Promote Nature-Based Curriculum
Camp 2 Grow, an ACA nature-based leadership program made possible with the
generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., reaches its first milestone in a collaborative
effort between the National FFA Organization (FFA) and ACA. A key objective
of Camp 2 Grow is to disseminate educational materials that integrate best
practices in youth development.
ACA has partnered with FFA to make available the organization's LifeKnowledge® Youth
Leadership Curriculum to the camp community. The LifeKnowledge Youth Leadership
Curriculum is a collection of more than 200 lesson plans for developing
the "soft skills" of leadership, personal growth, and career success.
The curriculum includes instructional strategies and tools. LifeKnowledge
was created by FFA when a team of more than 1,000 teachers, researchers,
and professionals comprehensively defined "leadership" and the competencies
that make up leadership attributes. These competencies, also known as "precepts," are
now taught, cultivated, and reinforced through experiential lessons that
teach "Knowledge for Life."
Each LifeKnowledge lesson:
- Outlines learning objectives and applications
- Can be adapted to any youth setting
- Is based on a solid educational model
- Makes delivery easy with step-by-step instructions
- Will reach and engage even reluctant youth
LifeKnowledge lessons help youth develop essential competencies
through:
- relevant subject matter
- proven teaching methods
- fully articulated handouts, tests, and activities
- opportunity for youth to see immediate results, assigning youth responsibility
for their own learning
The LifeKnowledge curriculum will be distributed to thirty-five participating
ACA-Accredited® Camps in a pilot program. The camps will incorporate the
curriculum into their nature-based programs by this summer. This spring, all
ACA camps will have the opportunity to participate in this important learning
opportunity for campers and staff alike. Currently in development, the curriculum
has been designed to:
- Teach practical and character-building life skills identified by business
and intellectual leaders as critical for today's youth.
- Utilize scientifically supported teaching methods, theories, and strategies.
- Reinvigorate educators and volunteers who strive to reach learners in a
natural and engaging way.
- Allow any youth worker to "pick up and teach" through the use of scripting.
- Address all learning styles and inspire active participation of even reluctant
learners.
- Recognize the whole person, speaking to and optimizing the best self.
Questions? Please contact Andrea Stearley
at astearley@ACAcamps.org or call
(765) 349-3305.
 |
