By Andrew Zhao, Youth Frontiers Retreat Director
As a high school senior, most of my evenings were spent fully living up my youth with friends. One Saturday, I was sitting at Baker’s Square in my hometown of Palatine, Illinois enjoying some pie with a couple of buddies when my friend Jonathan called.READ MORE
By Joe Cavanaugh, Founder and CEO
Before my daughter Tess was born, I was always running from here to there, trying to accomplish as much as possible in what felt like as little time as possible. Sitting quietly, reflecting or meditating do not come naturally to me. Even when I would try to pause, far too often, the everyday pressures and daily grind would begin to creep in, swiftly ending my attempts to slow down and breathe.READ MORE
At Youth Frontiers, we love TED Talks. They inspire us with their engaging approach to all topics, including education and character development. Here are some of our favorites:READ MORE
By Cheri Keepers, Youth Frontiers School Relations Representative
“When your child walks into a room, does your face light up?” – Toni Morrison
I have always loved this Toni Morrison quote. It reminds me of my favorite teachers and camp counselors who helped me be my best self by wholeheartedly liking me for exactly who I am. The simple way they remembered my name and connected with me through conversation and humor reminded me that I mattered.READ MORE
This week’s blog post is shared with permission from Dr. Laura Markham and Aha! Parenting. Enjoy!
Most of us find that when we can stay connected to our internal fountain of well-being, it overflows onto our children and we’re more patient, loving, joyful parents. To love our children unconditionally, we need to keep our own pitchers full so we can keep pouring as needed. Quite simply, we can only give what we have inside. And even if parenting is the most meaningful part of your life, it still requires a whole lot of giving.READ MORE
By Joe Cavanaugh, Founder & CEO
Jane and I have been married for 15 years and have raised a child together for ten. While there are countless values we share, equally important are the ways we have handled areas where we differ. Navigating these disagreements has been an ongoing process and a constant parenting rub. READ MORE
By Hannah Tjoflat, Youth Frontiers Retreat Director
This past summer, I had the opportunity to travel across the world and live in Norway for a couple months. While there, I experienced its unbelievable landscape and natural resources: fjords, feet and feet of snow, waterfalls, rolling hills scattered with fluffy sheep, clear blue water and whales… real, live whales!READ MORE
This week’s blog post is shared with permission from Elena Aguilar. Enjoy!
It took me a long, long time to accept the notion that as a teacher, I was also a leader; that as a department chair, I was also a leader; and that as a coach, I was also a leader. This was because I was operating within traditional definitions of leadershipREAD MORE
Welcome to our 13th episode of The Teachers’ Lounge! Our guest is Karen Atkinson who is a community catalyst encouraging all adults in St. Louis Park, Minnesota to play a role in the healthy development of young people. For more than two decades, she has worked to transform the community based on Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets research. Karen and Sally chat about the positive impact educators and all adults can make in the lives of young people.READ MORE
By Joe Cavanaugh, Founder & CEO
Recently, I was a chaperone on one of my daughter Tess’s fifth-grade field trips. We were at a ropes course in the woods on a platform about 50 feet up in the trees. I proudly watched as my daughter swung from tree to tree with a huge grin on her face. She was so brave and was enjoying every moment.READ MORE