Press On: Leadership for Life

Press On is a multifaceted, holistic approach to helping middle school students and families in our community thrive. With a unique plan and schedule that parents, students and mentors will set together, students will participate in a mentor relationship, activity-based leadership, life skills development, academic enrichment, Bible study and play. To learn more about Press On view the Press On Brochure.

Press On is Comprised of 5 Core Elements:

ELEMENT 1: MENTOR RELATIONSHIP
Central to the strategy of Press On is the development of a supportive and encouraging relationship for students with an adult role model from outside of the family. As they spend time climbing, or playing in the gym or zone at the Kroc Center, mentors will get to know students and their unique situations and work to draw out their gifts and talents.

ELEMENT 2: TEAM HUDDLE
The purpose of team huddles will be to develop essential leadership and life skills, expose students to the world around them, encourage students to actively participate in their community and provide a supportive, encouraging environment where students to learn to use their gifts. Students will meet for team huddles twice per month in place of the regular after school programming. During that time students will be provided with everything they need to practice preparing healthy snacks and participate in some kind of experience that strategically integrates leadership concepts and personal life skills. The following are specific activities and leadership concepts for team huddles this spring:
• Team building (Communication and Character)
• In your own words: A Recording Studio Activity (Identity)
• Giving back: Reading and playing with Elementary School Students (Responsibility and Attitude)
• Around the World: An International Fair (Maximizing Opportunity)
• A Unique Perspective: Field Trip to Shriners Childrens Hospital (Attitude and Perspective)
• A Special Family Dinner (Commitment and Service)
• One at a Time: Solving the Worlds’ Problems (Problem Solving and Handling Challenges)
• An Outdoor Adventure with the US Forest Service (Discipline)

ELEMENT 3: ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
One element of Press On is to engage students in productive after school activities. The Kroc Center operates a free after school program everyday from 3-6PM and, thanks to the generous donation of a Kroc member, students may access free transportation to the Kroc Center from three local middle schools. The after school program at the Kroc includes homework and study time, enriching, hands on activities that often include interactive presentations by community members with specific skills or hobbies (e.g. fly fishing, architecture, film making, professional athletics) and time to play in the gym or the Zone.
At least two of the local middle schools also offer after school programs on campus. If a student prefers, he or she may participate in the after school program at their own school as part of the Press On plan. The intention is to ensure that most days of the week students are engaged in something productive after school.

ELEMENT 4: PLAY AND EXPLORE
Every student will have the opportunity to participate in at least two Kroc programs of their choice per semester. The options include such things as guitar lessons, art classes, film making or recording studio sessions, break dancing, aquatic or land based activities or training, multisport and much more. As they select the programs in which they will participate, students will be encouraged to try something they have never tried before and to include at least one program that requires physical activity.

ELEMENT 5: BIBLE STUDY
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. The Bible--the word of God--is the single most important resource in our lives, and we believe it is important for all of us to study it, understand it, and wrestle with it. Student can join us at The Salvation Army Kroc Center for church services on Sunday mornings, as well as small groups, youth groups and other Bible studies throughout the week. Or, if a student is already engaged in Bible study at another church they can continue to  be involved in that community.

A Press On kickoff party for the whole family will take place on February 7, and the semester will wrap with a year-end celebration on June 4. The cost is $60/student for the semester. Program scholarships are available.

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Patti Davenport at patti.davenport@usw.salvationarmy.org or 208-763-0617.