A Special Note for
Parents & Teens
Hey Parents & teens,
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We're stoked to introduce you to the HERO Badge Program! This isn’t just another school activity - it's about discovering and amplifying the Heart, Empathy, Resilience, and Optimism that's within you. Consider this an opportunity to take charge, shape your story, and find your unique strengths.
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In our fast-paced world, understanding these HERO qualities can be a real game-changer. By truly embracing Heart, Empathy, Resilience, and Optimism, you'll not only navigate your own challenges better but also make a positive impact on those around you.
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Here’s what you can expect from the HERO journey:
Foundation & Perspective: Dive deep into the HERO mindset. This is about understanding its essence and unlocking the potential of a "Yes, I Can" attitude.
Self-Strengthening: This is the practical bit. How can you incorporate these HERO values in your daily life? Spot challenges, overcome them, and rise stronger.
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Unified Bravery: Here's where it gets even cooler. Use what you've learned to uplift others, creating a ripple effect of bravery and positivity in our community.
Every week, you'll face challenges like the "Heart in Action Challenge" or the "Empathy Builder Challenge". These are designed to guide you towards understanding yourself better, handling tough situations, and becoming a positive force in your circle.
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How can you make the most of this?
Talk About It: Share your HERO journey with friends or family. You might be surprised at the insights and personal stories they have to share.
Lead by Example: Show, don't just tell. Live out the HERO traits in your daily life and maybe even challenge your peers to join in.
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Reflect: Every challenge has a reflective component. Taking a moment to think about what you've learned can be super rewarding. Plus, it's always cool to look back and see how much you've grown.
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And hey, at the end of these challenges, we'll have a badge presentation event to celebrate your progress. Remember to turn in your contributions by the end of the month. The presentations are set for the beginning of the next month.
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Your voice and perspective in this program are essential. Together, let's cultivate the HERO spirit, empowering each of us to lead with passion, empathize authentically, face challenges head-on, and always find that ray of hope, even on the toughest days.
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Best,
Coach Robert
Step into the Shoes of a HERO
Ever thought about what it really means to be a hero? It's not all about capes, smashing bad guys, or epic movie scenes. In its true essence, being a hero means being a protector. And guess what? The real superpower a hero wields is love – for themselves and for others. A hero possesses strength not just for themselves but for two, always ready to lend a hand. With the HERO badge, we'll dive deep into Heart, Empathy, Resilience, and Optimism – building the resilience and optimism we need to show up at our best, so we can support others. Ready to embark on this journey and discover that genuine hero within you, built on love, strength, and protection? Let's redefine heroism together!
What is a HERO Badge?
HERO stands for Heart, Empathy, Resilience, and Optimism. Sounds inspiring, doesn't it? This badge is about bringing out the best in you and helping you shine bright. Think of it as unleashing your inner hero power!
Why Should I
be a HERO?
Being a HERO is like having a superpower! It means you have a deep understanding of emotions, both yours and others'. It's about possessing that grit to push through even when things seem challenging, and holding onto that spark even on days you might not feel like smiling. Think you've got that HERO vibe inside you? Let's unlock it together!
Badge Level 3
For our young adventurers aged 12 to 16, this is your special badge level:
Level 3 - For 12-16-year olds:
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Dive into the HERO elements and build that "I've got this" mindset.
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Integrate the HERO vibes in your everyday moments and tune out that doubting inner voice.
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Transition from moments of doubt to standing tall with confidence and bravery.
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Channel your HEROIC mindset to uplift and motivate those around you. Let's get to it!
TASKS TO COMPLETE
Each week you will focus on one of the HERO qualities, Heart, Empathy, Resilience, and Optimism. Below, find a description of each quality and how to complete each weekly task to earn your HERO badge.
HEART IN ACTION
OBJECTIVE
This challenge is all about boosting your courage, honing your communication skills, and lending a helping hand to a friend in need of bravery. Your mission is two-fold: to collect "No's" and to encourage a friend or acquaintance to face a fear
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You have only 2 challenges this week. The Embrace the "No" Challenge, and the Arena Adventure Challenge. Those who are 15 and 16 years old can select either challenge to complete. Anyone under 15 years of age must complete the Arena Adventure Challenge. This challenge may take longer than one week and that is okay.
EMBRACE THE NO CHALLENGE PART 1
Rejection can be tough, especially during our formative years. But what if we viewed every "No" not as a setback but as a step forward? As we mature, understanding and accepting rejection can be a powerful tool in strengthening our resilience. This challenge is designed with your age group in mind, recognizing the sophisticated perspective you bring. This is a two part challenge.
Note: This activity is for 15-16 year olds only.
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Task:
Objective: To collect "No's" and learn from them. This isn't about seeking rejection but about equipping yourself to handle it when it comes.
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Guidelines:
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Approach with Respect: Connect with people you trust—friends, family members, classmates, even teachers. Think of genuine requests or favors that might lead to a "No." However, ensure your approach remains respectful. This is about personal growth, not causing discomfort to others.
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Document the Journey: Keep track of your experiences in a journal. Who did you approach? What did you ask? How did they respond? This isn’t about tallying rejections but reflecting on each experience.
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Limit Phone Calls: While it's okay to use phone calls for about 25% of your interactions, face-to-face requests often lead to richer learning experiences.
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Reflect & Share: Dive deeper into how each interaction made you feel. Was it as intimidating as you imagined? Did your feelings about hearing "No" change over time? Discussing your experiences with peers or mentors can offer valuable insights.
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Safety & Boundaries: Always prioritize your safety and comfort. Engage only with people you trust and refrain from requests that could be seen as inappropriate or unsettling.
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Support System: This challenge might evoke varied emotions, and that's entirely okay. If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain, lean on your support system—be it mentors, teachers, or counselors. They're here to guide and support.
Remember, it's not about how many "No's" you gather. It's about the understanding, resilience, and personal growth you gain from the experience. It's a journey, and every step, even if it's backward, brings growth. Let's embark on this mature, transformative quest together.
ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE PART 2
Objective: Now, with resilience in your toolkit, it's time to empower others. Become a beacon of encouragement, helping someone overcome their hesitations and face challenges.
Guidelines:
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Identify the Challenge: Seek someone facing a personal hurdle. This could range from confronting a fear to exploring new opportunities.
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Heartfelt Conversations: Engage in a genuine conversation, understanding their reservations.
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Be Their Pillar: Offer your encouragement. Sometimes, a mere "I believe in you" can change everything.
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Walk Beside Them: Should they decide to face their challenge, be their unwavering support—whether in spirit or being present.
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Journey Reflection: After, dwell upon the experience. Contrast it with your own challenges from Part 1 and extract the learnings.
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Completion & Reflection: For a successful completion, weave together your experiences from both parts. Delve deep, moving beyond mere events to emotions, growth, and revelations.
The Encouragement Challenge is about more than personal challenges—it’s about maturing as a compassionate supporter for yourself as well as others. As the journey concludes, you'll not only have flexed your resilience muscle but also enriched the lives of those around you. Embrace the experience and grow collectively!
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Reflection: Bring together the learnings from both challenges, understanding the transformation you've undergone and the positive impact you've had on others.
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Create a HERO Journal: Dive deep into the experiences. Which moments were toughest? When did you feel the most pride? How have these challenges shifted your perception of rejection and support?
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Connect with Others: Organize a small group discussion with peers who also participated. Share your stories, learn from theirs, and recognize the shared resilience.
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Celebrate the Growth: Plan a small event or gathering. This could be a simple evening with close friends or family, where you share anecdotes, celebrate successes, and maybe even laugh at the unexpected outcomes.
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Feedback Loop: Provide feedback to the challenge organizers. What could be improved? What parts of the challenge did you find the most transformative?
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Complete the Attached 'Heart Reflection' document.
ARENA ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
Objective: Inspired by Brené Brown's teachings about taking risks and embracing vulnerability, this challenge helps you step out of your comfort zone. Not only will you dare to face challenges, but you'll also become a rockstar supporter for someone else taking their brave steps!
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Part 1: Dive into Your Arena
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Task: Venture into an uncharted territory of your interests. Take a leap of faith into something you've hesitated about but always felt a pull towards. This is about celebrating personal growth, regardless of the outcome.
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Guidelines: Selection: Identify an activity or project that stirs a mix of excitement and apprehension within you. This could be auditioning for the drama club, initiating a community project, or trying out a new hobby.
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Mapping It Out: Draft a clear strategy. What are the steps involved? If it's a complex goal, can you segment it into more manageable tasks?
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Documenting the Adventure: Maintain a journal. Chronicle your aspirations, challenges, triumphs, and even setbacks. Every entry is a step in personal growth.
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Reflection Amidst Hurdles: If you hit a roadblock or things don’t pan out as envisioned, take a moment to ponder. What did you learn? Remember, every experience, good or bad, adds to your growth trajectory.
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Part 2: Championing a Peer’s Quest
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Task: Having embraced your personal challenge, now transition to bolstering someone else’s spirit. Assist a peer in their journey towards something they're passionate or anxious about.
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Guidelines: Identifying a Peer: Spot a friend or classmate on the cusp of diving into their personal "arena" but needing a little nudge or support.
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Be Their Pillar: Extend your help. It could range from being their rehearsal partner, aiding in strategizing, or merely lending a patient ear to their concerns.
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Post-Challenge Discussion: Once they've faced their challenge, sit down and exchange experiences. A two-way flow of insights can be enlightening.
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Reflect on Your Dual Role: Transitioning from a challenger to a cheerleader is powerful. Contemplate on this shift. How did empowering another make you feel? Note down this transformation in your journal.
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Final Reflection & Submission: To triumphantly complete this dual adventure: Undertake both your personal challenge and champion someone else’s.
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Compile and present your journal entries, offering a vivid glimpse into your transformative journey from being a challenger to an encourager and complete the attached Arena Reflection document.
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Remember, the heart of this challenge lies not in success or failure, but in the act of attempting, learning, and growing together. Dive in, and let's grow!
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WEEK 2
EMPATHY IN ACTION
OBJECTIVE
Cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement, drawing inspiration from the principle, "To whom much is given, much is expected."
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Heroes come in various forms. They often go unnoticed, silently making positive change. As teenagers transitioning into adulthood, this is the perfect moment to develop empathy and transform into community heroes.
DAY 1
Understanding Privilege
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Begin with an introspective journey into recognizing one's privilege.
What You Will Do:
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Engage in a guided discussion about privilege. Understand its layers and identify where you might have advantages. Use provided questions to delve deeper (Privilege discussion document attached).
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Ponder: "How can I utilize my talents, resources, and time for the community's greater good?"
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DAY 2
Take daily initiatives to reflect the spirit of a "Community Hero."
What You Will Do:
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Engage in a minimum of one Empathy in Action activity daily (options below).
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Chronicle your experiences through writing, photographs, or videos.
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Compile these into a reflection piece for introspection and community sharing.
Daily Challenge Actions (Choose or Craft Your Own):
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Peer Mentorship: Mentor younger students.
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Local Business Support: Connect with local businesses, understanding their challenges, and offer help.
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Elderly Engagement: Spend time with an elderly person, listening and learning from them.
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Environmental Stewardship: Initiate or join a community clean-up or tree-planting event.
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Animal Welfare: Volunteer at an animal shelter.
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Digital Advocacy: Research and discuss a community-relevant social issue online. Ensure respectful and constructive dialogue.
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Skill Sharing: Offer a free community workshop showcasing your talents.
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Your Own Empathy Action: Propose an action that resonates with you (with organizer's approval).
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Midweek Reflection: Gather to discuss ongoing experiences, address challenges, and reorient goals if necessary.
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Challenge Review: Conclude the week with a reflection session, discussing experiences and insights.
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DEBRIEF
Reflect on the Following:
How did your actions resonate with you and the community?
Were there ripple effects of positivity from your actions?
What's your future vision as a Community Hero?
Parent/Guardian Engagement:
Invite your parents to participate in the reflection session, offering an external perspective and emphasizing collaborative growth.
Final Note: Empathy transcends understanding; it's about proactive support. Harness your potential and be the change in your community.
WEEK 3
RESILIENCY IN ACTION
OBJECTIVE
Delve into an exhilarating week brimming with tasks curated to strengthen resilience, nurture self-awareness, and catalyze positive engagements. Adapt your experience using our "scaling" system to suit your comfort and progress. Embark on introspective journeys, narrate your experiences digitally, and stand a chance to be spotlighted for your endeavours!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Embarking on a journey to strengthen your resilience is a commendable step, and we are thrilled to guide you on this path. We believe in offering experiences tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. Hence, we've designed two engaging activities for you:
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Resilient Mindset Challenge: Dive into a medley of activities, each crafted to boost your resilience in diverse areas of life. You're at the helm here! Feel free to pick any topic that resonates with you. Your mission? Complete three mini-projects from the selection. It's a beautiful blend of introspection, creativity, and real-world interaction.
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Resilient Entrepreneur Challenge: If you've ever fancied the roller-coaster ride of entrepreneurship, this week-long venture is for you! Dive deep, from ideation to prototype, and immerse yourself in the highs and lows of crafting a solution for your community.
Whether you choose the freedom of the Resilient Mindset Challenge or the structured journey of the Entrepreneur Challenge, remember this is about your growth. Every step, every reflection, every 'aha!' moment propels you forward in your resilience journey.
RESILIENT MINDSET CHALLENGE
ACTIVITY 1: SOCIAL RESILIENCE
Objective: Understand the vital role of community and social support in building resilience.
Steps:​
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Identify: Remember a time when the support from someone was pivotal in helping you overcome a tricky situation.
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Express Gratitude: Reconnect with that individual. Convey your gratitude by writing a heartfelt letter, send the letter, read the letter over a phone call, or read the letter in a face-to-face conversation.
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Give Back: Extend your support to someone you're aware of who's grappling with a challenge. This could range from simply listening to actively helping them.
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Digital Twist: Share an anecdote or picture on a digital platform (like Instagram or Snapchat) about this support structure. Ensure to maintain the privacy of individuals involved.
ACTIVITY 2: THREAT-TO-CHALLENGE
Objective: to shift your perception of problems, allowing you to see both the threatening and challenging aspects of situations. This mental switch can be empowering, turning seemingly insurmountable issues into growth opportunities.
Materials:
• Notebook/journal (or digital equivalent)
• Pen or pencil
• A coin or a digital tool to flip
Steps:
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Pinpoint the Problem: On a paper, describe a current issue or problem you're dealing with.
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Gauge Your Emotions: Note your gut reactions to this problem. Do you feel fear, stress, or anxiety?
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Introducing the Coin: Think of a coin. One face shows the "problem" side, the other, the "opportunity" side. This coin symbolizes the dual nature of your situation.
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Toss the Coin: Engage with this mindset shift by actually flipping a coin. Catch it. It's a symbolic gesture of shifting perspectives.
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Seek the Opportunity: Divide your paper or start a new section titled "Opportunity Aspect." Dedicate a few minutes to transform the "problem" into an "opportunity."
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Ponder:
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​What insights can this situation provide?,
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Which growth avenues does this open up for me?
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How does navigating this situation enhance my strength and resilience?
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Re-evaluate Your Feelings: With this new viewpoint, record your emotions. Has your fear or worry lessened?
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Strategize: Outline a minimum of three actionable steps to address this "opportunity." These will guide your approach to the situation.
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Reflect: Mull over this change in perspective. Do you feel more equipped to handle the issue? Are your strategies more palpable now?
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Discuss: If you're at ease, discuss your revelations and strategies with someone you trust. Articulating this shift can fortify your newfound approach.
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Guiding Points: This exercise isn't just about problem-solving, but about reshaping how you perceive problems.
The coin is a tangible symbol of the multifaceted nature of situations.
Employ this method whenever you're confronted with new challenges. With practice, you might instinctively seek the "opportunity" in issues.
ACTIVITY 3: FLIP THE SCRIPT CHALLENGE
Objective: Transform negative self-talk into affirming, positive messages.
Materials:
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Notebook/journal (or digital equivalent)
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Pen or pencil
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Optional: coloured markers or highlighters
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Flip the script guide (attached)
Steps:
Monitor your inner dialogue for a day, noting down instances of negative self-talk. At the end of the day, review these notes. Beside each negative statement, rewrite it into a positive affirmation. Over the next few days, whenever you catch yourself in negative self-talk, instantly "flip the script" to its positive counterpart.
Digital Integration:
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Compile your affirmations into a digital vision board via tools like Pinterest or Canva.
ACTIVITY 4: CAST YOUR RESILIENCY SYMBOL
Objective: Materialize your personal representation of resilience.
Materials:
• Paper or canvas
• Drawing/painting tools (or digital designing tools)
• Optional: sculpting materials
Steps:
Meditate on what resilience means to you. Draw, paint, or craft a symbol that embodies this meaning. Place this symbol somewhere you can see daily as a reminder of your inner strength.
Submission: Provide a copy of your Resiliency Symbol with a description of what your symbol means and why you chose the elements you did and why they resonate with you.
Tech Touch:
• Digitally-inclined participants can design their resilience symbols using graphic tools.
RESILIENT ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE
RESILIENT ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE
ACTIVITY DEBRIEF
Objective: Embrace the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and understand its resilience.
Materials:
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Notebook/journal or digital planning tool
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Internet connection
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Materials for prototype/demo
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Student Guide (Attached)
Daily Tasks:
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Day 1: Identify a problem in your community that you'd like to solve.
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Day 2: Draft a basic business plan around a product or service addressing this problem.
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Day 3: Dive deep into digital tools and platforms that can aid budding entrepreneurs. (Updated as per feedback)
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Day 4 & 5: Develop a prototype or demo. Optionally, create a webpage or social media profile showcasing your business concept.
Rewards and Recognition:
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Complete the challenge and earn digital badges or certificates.
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Exceptional projects have the chance to feature on our platform.
Feedback Portal:
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Post-challenge, share your insights, queries, and connect with peers.
Parental Corner:
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Parents are encouraged to access our guide to support their children during the challenge. (Parent Guide Attached)
After engaging in your chosen activities, discuss what you learned with your parents and write it down so you can report back to your coach. Documentation (like photos or written reflections) should be shared with your coach. This is a key part of earning your HERO badge, focusing on the "R" for Resilience.
WEEK 4
OPTIMISM IN ACTION
OBJECTIVE
To foster an optimistic outlook towards life's challenges and to develop the ability to shift to an optimistic mindset. Choose and complete at least two of the small projects below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Through a blend of introspective activities, imaginative role-playing, research, and self-reflective challenges, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of personal control, optimism, and the value of constructive feedback. Embracing these tasks will not only offer tangible reminders of your inherent ability to adapt and grow but also provide you with tools and insights to navigate life's adventures with positivity and determination. Engage in this journey and unveil the boundless superhero within you!
OPTIMISM PLAYLIST
Objective: Craft a playlist of songs that uplift your spirits, reminding you to stay optimistic even when times get tough.
Materials Needed:
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Access to a music streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
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Notebook or piece of paper
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Pen or pencil
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Playlist example doc (attached)
Activity Steps:
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Introduction: Music has a powerful ability to influence our moods. Today, you're going to curate your own "Optimism Playlist."
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Music as Emotion: List various moods you often experience (happy, sad, anxious, etc.). Beside each mood, note a song that resonates with it. To get started, here are a few uplifting song suggestions: Song 1, Song 2, Song 3.
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Optimism Tracks: Dedicate some time to discover songs that inspire and uplift you.
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Craft Your Playlist: Compile at least 10 tracks into "My Optimism Playlist."
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Write Your Insights: For each song choice, jot down a brief explanation of why it heightens your optimism and seek out quotes that resonate with you and align with the theme of the song.
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Share the Vibe: Encourage a friend or family member to craft their own Optimism Playlist and exchange them. This way, you get a double dose of positivity and a glimpse into what uplifts your loved ones.
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Extra Credit: Create a video that in comprised of quotes that match the music and share it with your friends and family or your social platform.
OPTIMISM TIME CAPSULE
Objective: Construct a time capsule that captures the positive fragments of your present life.
Materials Needed:
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A sealable container (shoebox-sized or smaller)
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Personal items of significance
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Paper and an envelope
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Decorative materials (stickers, pens, markers)
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Time Capsule Example Doc (attached)
Activity Steps:
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Introduction: Today, you're preserving your current joys and achievements in an Optimism Time Capsule.
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Box Decoration: Embellish your box in a manner that mirrors optimism and happiness to you.
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Item Selection: Handpick items symbolizing positive elements in your life.
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Letter to Future You: Draft a letter to your future self. Pour out your hopes, dreams, and sprinkle in encouragement. The goal is to remind your future self that optimism isn't just positivity—it's knowing you have the strength to overcome hurdles.
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Seal the Deal: After placing all items inside, seal your box.
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Pick a Date: Mark a future date of significance for unsealing your capsule.
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Safekeeping: Store your time capsule in a memorable yet undisturbed place. Setting a digital reminder for the unsealing date might be a good idea to ensure it's not forgotten.
REFRAMING YOUR GAME: DECONSTRUCTING FAILURE AND BUILDING RESILIENCE
Objective: Understand and overcome feelings of failure through introspection and a change in perspective.
Materials Needed:
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Large sheet of paper or poster board
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Writing and coloUring materials
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Sticky notes (optional)
Activity Steps:
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Identify the 'Failure': Ponder a setback or perceived failure. Centralize it on your paper.
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The 3 P's: Surround your failure with notations on Personalization, Pervasiveness, and Permanence.
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Challenge the 3 P's: Counteract each P with external factors, other successful life areas, and previous comeback stories.
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Redefine & Reframe: Overlay your perceived failure with a redefined statement focusing on growth.
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Map Your Strengths: Dedicate a section to listing your strengths.
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Visual Reminder: Garnish your visual guide to resilience.
Note: Try discussing your insights and realizations with a friend or family member. Their perspective might offer additional clarity.
DEBRIEF: PARENT GUID
Parents, please take some time and discuss with your child what they learned from this weeks challenges. Below is a document that can help you debrief with your child as you help them reflect on what they learned from their experiences.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of our HERO Badge challenge, I've come to realize that being a hero is more than just grand gestures; it's about having Heart, Empathy, Resilience, and Optimism. Being a hero isn't solely about monumental achievements, but about embracing empathy, resilience, and self-belief. Throughout my journey, I've engaged in insightful activities that honed my capacity to be compassionate and tenacious. Each day, this experience reinforces my intrinsic value and capability. Through the missions I've accomplished, I've learned the importance of lending a hand and sparking inspiration in others. This journey has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth, equipping me with skills and perspectives that will be invaluable in future endeavors and employment.
HERO BADGE COMPLETION DOC.
Parents, please download and assist your child in completing the HERO document that is required to be submitted to be considered for the HERO BADGE. Click the PDF document icon to download the form.