Programming with intention: fostering positive youth development through recreation

The intent of this project is to create a staff handbook for Northern Star Kids, a non-profit organization in Prince George, BC, that offers free quality recreation opportunities for children living in financial poverty. Research has shown that children living in financial poverty are less likely than their middle class peers to participate in organized recreational opportunities or to remain committed without support. The Northern Star staff handbook will help to address these issues by equipping staff with the tools to deliver a high quality program to the children in the organization's service area. The staff handbook has three main functions: a) to ensure the vision, philosophy, and goals of Northern Star Kids are sustained over time b) to create a culture of consistency in the delivery of programs and staff interactions with youth and c) to articulate a program focused on the unique needs of youth living in financial poverty.