Youth Leadership Canton

Mission Statement: To develop the leadership and problem solving skills of local youth, providing future leaders to benefit our community.

Criteria for the program:

  • Be a student in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools or a resident in Canton.

  •  Have not failed any subjects in the 7th grade.

  •  Be in the 8th grade during the program year.

  • Commit to attend all sessions (a schedule is published at the beginning of each year).

  • Have parental permission to participate in the program.

  • Have the support of your school.

  • Demonstrate a desire to become a leader or have leadership skills.

  •  Parents need to make arrangements for transportation (carpooling available).

 

Requirements for completing Youth Leadership:

  • Attend retreat

  •  Miss no more than one session

  • Complete 15 hours or more of community service

  • Participate in Recognition Day

  • Recruit two applicants for the next class

  • Commit to writing an article about your experience for your school newsletter

 

Youth Leadership participants can expect to:

  •  Learn and practice leadership skills

  • Strengthen character

  •  Identify personal leadership abilities and potential

  • Increase knowledge of the community

  • Recognize opportunities for involvement in the community

Program Schedule:

Day 1 – Retreat (Mandatory)

Goal: Build trust among participants and help them gain an understanding of the characteristics of good leadership.

Day 2 – Leadership Styles & Team Building

Goal: Build on team-building foundation that was started at the retreat, and determine your leadership style. 

Day 3 – Community Service Day

Goal: To increase participants awareness of volunteer opportunities in the community. 

Day 4 – Canton Awareness Day

Goal: To help participants develop an appreciation and understanding of the community in which they live.

Day 5 – Public Safety Day

Goal: To have students explore the public safety needs of the community and learn how to deal with unsafe situations.

Day 6 – High School Leadership

Goal: To have students explore available leadership opportunities in high school and learn about characteristics desired by employers.

Day 7 – Recognition Day

Goal: To give parents and community leaders an opportunity to learn about the accomplishments of the Youth Leadership class. To recognize the achievements of the participating students.

For more information, please contact:
Debbie Zevalkink
Canton Township
(734) 394-5188