A pilot program for pre-teens in North Vancouver went so well this past summer, it will be held twice this year.

Starting in the first week of Spring Break, the North Vancouver Recreation Commission will hold its week-long Pre-Teen Youth Leadership Program for kids ages 11 to 13. Another session of the program will also be held once again in the summer. The unique course is designed for kids interested in volunteering. With a combination of theoretical teaching and practical exercises, the program offers pre-teens an opportunity to learn how to be better volunteers.

"The kids who went through it last year absolutely loved it," says Meh Najak, volunteer resources programmer. "Parents thought it was a fantastic program, and one of the reasons why we're doing more of them this year is because of parents telling us they want more."

Graduates of the course are eligible to work as volunteers with North Vancouver Recreation Commission programs even though eligibility for volunteering usually starts at the age of 14. The course offers interactive and educational pieces on communication, conflict resolution, the responsibilities of a volunteer, tips on how to build a resume and a portfolio, public speaking, qualities of a good leader, and how to use those skills when volunteering.

"It's a course that you can take and volunteer with, but also use at school, with your neighbourhood, in your babysitting, and in the world in general," says Najak, adding it's a great opportunity for kids who normally wouldn't be able to volunteer at an earlier age.

She explains the program was designed specifically for the preteen age group.

"Anything younger than 11 is too close to the age of the people they are volunteering with, and at 14 they're eligible to volunteer anyway, so 11-13 is the target group," says Najak.

Graduates of the program are matched with volunteer opportunities that suit their skills. Examples of a volunteer position graduates could apply for include reading or playing games with kids at a half-day preschool summer program with the North Vancouver Recreation Commission. Older volunteers may help with activities in the full-day summer camps for five-to seven-yearolds. This year, the first session of the pre-teen leadership program is being held during the Spring Break to give graduates a chance to volunteer earlier in the summer. Najak notes that once kids are in the system they are eligible to volunteer for anything that would be a good fit for their skills.

"The first few months we are careful about what they're placed in to make sure they're built for success. Then when they have the hang of it, if they meet the qualifications of that specific placement, they can volunteer for it," she says.

Although the first run of the program was popular, Najak says it's not for everyone. Kids who would most benefit from the course are those who are already showing an interest in volunteering.

"It's a child who has an interest, and someone who is already doing things like having conversations with neighbours, starting conversations, helping neighbours walk their dogs, taking out recycling; kids who show a little bit of an aptitude or desire for more," says Najak. "We are looking at kids who just need that extra bump to be able to volunteer."

She says the program is ideal for kids in grades seven and eight who have an interest in volunteering, but who haven't had the opportunity to do so.

"We were shocked at how capable the kids who went through the program last year were," says Najak, adding it's a very active day for participants.

Although it may be a challenging course, just like many camps it's also a great place to meet new friends.

"One of the things that came out of last year's program was that kids were hungry for that interaction with kids like them, and that was one of the things that they just found fantastic. And they have kept in touch, which has been really great," says Najak.

The Pre-Teen Youth Leadership Program runs March 12-16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Harry Jerome recreation centre. For registration, contact Meh Najak at najakm@northvanrec.com, or 604-983-6417.

rduane@nsnews.com