APPROACH
Each youth program we provide is built upon a positively unique, strength-based approach that includes eight critical elements. Half of these serve as the foundational structure for each program, the other half represents the results we strive to achieve with each youth. Every mentor is trained on this approach during mentor certification.
ASPEN ROOT FOUNDATION
Safety Physical, emotional and legal safety are always the first priority.
Preparation Be prepared to share knowledge, teach a skill, and connect with each youth in a way preferred by them.
Flexibility Be curious about the youth’s perspective and be willing to change what you prepared to let the youth drive the experience.
Family Team Form a family team with parents and youth. Learn the family culture, youth goals and how to engage the youth.
ASPEN TREE RESULTS
Fun Create ways to make the experience fun and memorable for the youth.
Learning Moments Always look for ways to connect moments of learning to the life experience of the youth.
New Story Help each youth to reimagine himself or herself and help to construct a more positive story.
Friendship Build trust with each youth and provide a way to communicate outside of formal program experience.