Future Possibilities for Kids

Email: info@fpcanada.org

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Ready, Set, Goal!

Our flagship program

ABOUT READY, SET, GOAL!

Ready, Set, Goal! ran as a free leadership program for children 9 to 12 years old. Program participants were given the space to strengthen their problem-solving skills, practice creative thinking, engage in a team, build confidence, and develop community awareness leading to civic engagement. Kids were challenged to communicate powerfully, take on responsibility and most importantly, have fun!

HOW THE PROGRAM OPERATED:

KidCoach

Weekly Calls

4 Activity Days

Activity Book

READY, SET, GOAL! IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. 
OUR FINAL PROGRAM CONCLUDED IN MAY 2023.

The Ready, Set, Goal! Program matched Kids with a trained adult volunteer called a KidCoach. Each week the KidCoach and Kid connected for 30- minutes by phone or video call and developed leadership skills using our Activity Book. This program benefited both the Kid, who gained leadership skills, confidence and resiliency, but also the adult volunteer, who improved their communication and coaching skills.
Four times during the program, groups of Kids and KidCoaches came together as a Crew for virtual Activity Day sessions. Crews practiced teambuilding, discussed challenges, and celebrated successes in a safe and engaging space.
The Ready, Set, Goal! program allowed Kids to apply the leadership skills they learned by developing and achieving a Goal of Contribution – a project designed to have a positive impact on their communities. But the methodology of the Ready, Set, Goal! program could be applied to any goal – be it academic, personal or community.

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Frequently Asked
Questions

Future Possibilities for Kids has developed and measured the methodology, frameworks and programs, effectively piloting ways to build effective adult-child/youth relationships, positively impact kids and inspire possibility thinking. While FPK has developed and run several successful programs aimed at kids ages 9-12, the methodology could easily be adapted for use in other settings and with different target audiences.

If your charitable organization is interested in exploring how you might apply our methodology to your organization, please reach out to info@fpcanada.org.

We asked Kids and adults to think of as many possible ways a paperclip could be used. On average, Kids came up with five times as many ideas than adults! Possibility Thinking is the ability to see opportunities where others see obstacles. Kids become powerful decision makers when they take ownership of their ideas. Our Kid-led approach allowed Kids to feel seen, heard and acknowledged with support from a KidCoach that promoted learning opportunities in every situation. KidCoaches worked with their Kids to turn possibility thinking into possibility doing!
Activity Days were virtual or in-person meet-ups for all Kids and KidCoaches. They gave Kids and KidCoaches and opportunity to connect with others in their Crew for an engaging time of team building and fun interactions. Kids and KidCoaches also attended a graduation celebration that showcased the accomplishments of Kids and KidCoaches throughout the program.
KidCoaches were adult volunteers who gave their time to support Kids to become future leaders. They represented diverse cultures and backgrounds. A successful KidCoach was highly adaptable, non-judgemental, approachable and passionate about giving back to their communities by supporting kids. To become a KidCoach they were interviewed, reference checked, attended training, and submitted a police background check.
KidCoaches and Kids were grouped into teams that we referred to as Crews. Crews were composed of up to 10 Kids and 10 KidCoaches, and were led by a volunteer Crew Captain, who was also a former KidCoach. The Crew Captain led a Crew by providing support and encouragement. On Activity Days, Crews connected as a group, doing activities together, and sharing about their experiences in the program. As Crew members, participants celebrated all that was achieved together through each person’s journey in Ready, Set, Goal!

Described by experts in the field, The Search Institute, Developmental Relationships are “a close connection between a young person and an adult that powerfully and positively shapes the young person’s identity and helps develop a thriving mindset.” [Source: The Search Institute: https://info.searchinstitute.org/]