YMCA Specialty Program - Grow In Spirit
The YMCA's Grow In Spirit program teaches children how giving, caring, and helping others is important for building a strong community. The book "How Bonnie Blue Bird Finds A Happy Heart", helps children to know and understand that they can make a positive difference in the life of someone else!
This innovative and engaging program promotes and encourages positive attitudes and behaviours by showing children that they are valued and able to positively impact those around them.
The program was developed in response to a need to teach young children the concept of giving and caring for others.
The "Grow In Spirit" program is based on a children's book "How Bonnie Blue Bird Finds a Happy Heart" written and illustrated by Nancy Mattes. Published by the YMCA, this touching story, of how a tree of Blue Birds becomes a community, teaches children why it is important to give and care for others.
A story-teller uses the storyline and a variety of props to deliver a lively and engaging presentation. At the end of the story, children learn that caring, helping and giving are all ways to develop positive behaviours and attitudes.
