About Us

"I learned that people in my class are going through the same hardships that I'm going through. It was a powerful experience."
7th Grader, Courage Retreat

About Us

TEACHING VALUES. BUILDING CHARACTER.

For 20 years, Youth Frontiers has been delivering programs that improve school climate and strengthen student character in schools throughout the nation. We are a non-partisan, nonprofit organization whose vision is to change the way young people treat each other in every hallway, lunch line, and classroom of every school in America by teaching such timeless values as kindness, courage, and respect.

History

In 1987 Joe Cavanaugh, Youth Frontiers' CEO and Founder, was giving a talk at a school in Montana when a girl named Diane approached him. Diane had been struggling in school and was tired of feeling lonely. She said to Joe, "Everyday these kids make fun of me. I hate coming to school. Can you please help?" On Joe's plane ride home to Minnesota, he decided to start Youth Frontiers with the intent of improving the climate of schools for kids like Diane.

Twenty years later, Youth Frontiers has developed a unique approach to improving school climate: interactive and inspiring programs for students and educators that get participants to "see differently." These powerful programs have been designed and refined to have the greatest possible impact. The retreats include a lively mix of large group activities, small group discussions, and engaging talks given by our staff - experienced youth workers, educators, and performers who hold the attention of 150+ students and educators every day.

Three Core Elements© to building a positive school climate

The philosophy of the 3 Core Elements is at the heart of our retreats and critical for schools to adopt when looking at school climate.

  1. Teach Character: With today's emphasis on standards and testing, it's critical to remember the true goal of education - as Socrates said, to make kids both smart and good.
  2. Engage Bystanders: Author Dan Olweus says there are 3 types of kids. 10% are bullies; 10% are victims; and 80% of kids are bystanders - neither helping or hurting, but watching as it all happens in front of them. Imagine the revolution if the vast majority of students used their collective power and moral courage to stand up for what was right.
  3. Honor Educators: For schools to thrive, educators have got to thrive. According to the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, 50% of new teachers leave after 5 years in the profession. A new national initiative should be passed to Leave No Educator Behind - to honor educators for their critical role in the development of young people.

    4. To find out more:

    Call Youth Frontiers locally at 952.922.0222 or toll-free at 1.888.992.0222. Ask about our faculty retreats and one-day school programs for elementary school, middle school and high school students.