KidLead targets young leaders
FONTHILL, ON - Leadership development programs are generally aimed at young adults between the ages of 25 and 35. However, a new initiative targeting children ages 10 to 13 means they too will be able to benefit from formal leadership training.
Children can grow to become great leaders, says Phil Whitehead, executive director of CrossLink Ministries Canada - an organization that resources and equips the church to reach children, youth and families.
CrossLink is now directing KidLead, a leadership program for kids co-founded in the U.S. by Alan Nelson and his wife Nancy.
Whitehead, who visited the Nelsons in California while preparing to bring the program north of the border, says the KidLead program is consistent with CrossLink's mission to reach children with the gospel message through non-traditional leadership training.
"This is a program I wish we had 20 years ago. Our western culture has missed the boat by focusing more time on leadership training for young adults, where as in other cultures 12 to 15 years of age is considered the beginning of adulthood."
According to the KidLead website, 10 to 20 per cent of children have natural, observable organizational leadership qualities. Another 60 per cent have some degree of latent potential, allowing them to learn skills of influence.
"Most psychologists would tell you that character is pretty well set by the age of 14. Through KidLead, our mission is to work with children at a young age to establish character values," says Whitehead.
Ontario is the first province to offer KidLead's LeadNow program for ages 10 to 13. Next January, Whitehead says he hopes to expand the ministry and introduce the LeadWell program for ages 14 to 18.
"With a foundation of clubs in Ontario it is our hope for the future to be able to offer the program in other provinces."
Certified trainers deliver KidLead, which offers a faith-based version for churches and Christian schools. Participants take part in four activity-based training modules, which involves eight experiential club sessions lasting 90 minutes each. Kids learn composite and character skills, including honour, integrity and teamwork.
"KidLead isn't a kids' program emphasizing leadership, but rather a leadership program targeting leaders when they are most moldable," says Whitehead, adding, "Our society and our churches need leaders."
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