Storm the Schools!

Help us by voting at www.stormtheschools.com

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!