Our Swimming Upstream participants unravel the many issues female teens normally face as they strive to be good leaders. Because this is done in a small group, they feel comfortable and free to share their opinions and concerns. Additionally, they have the opportunity to learn at a young age the kind of character discipline necessary to develop strong leadership skills. We emphasize the critical link between leadership and having a personal relationship with God.
Using journals, the teens express their feelings and thoughts about the topic being discussed and also do activities related to the topic. For instance, we asked each girl to draw a picture of what she thought a leader looks like. Then we asked the girls to consider some of the characteristics of a good leader and share with the group why those characteristics were important. Another activity gave them the opportunity to serve the community. During the Spring Break, they gave up one morning to serve meals to the homeless. This was the first time many of the girls participated in something like this. Yet, it was interesting to observe how joyfully they served.
Perhaps even more importantly, I overhead several girls applying what they learned in the program in their conversations outside of the group and also sharing their knowledge with their mothers and younger siblings. To see how much the girls are benefiting from this program and to know that they are mentoring others is very encouraging to me. It is a privilege to be involved in a program that is making a positive difference in the lives of teens. Not only are they learning, but I am also learning from them. As a youth leader, I am developing a deeper understanding of some of the most serious issues facing teens today, as well as developing effective strategies to help them overcome their obstacles and become strong leaders at home, school, and in their communities.