MASTERING KNIGHTHOOD & CROWNED WITH VIRTUE CLUBS
Heroic Youth Clubs are Christ centered programs for youth ages eight to twelve that teach youth how to be warriors in God’s Army. Crowned with Virtue Clubs offer girls an opportunity to embark on the path to becoming a princess and teach girls to value womanhood and let their knowledge of their divine nature as daughters of God influence the way they live. As they study real heroes and events through book discussions, activities, and field trips, girls learn to live by the Eight Standards of Christathel (which means beautiful followers of Christ). Through inspiring books, hands on activities, and opportunities for servant leadership, girls learn how to become like the heroes they study. When youth realize they can be valiant warriors in everyday situations, they find nobility in kindness and fulfillment in service.
During each of the nine units, the handmaidens will read a hero story. These stories are based on historical figures, great literary characters or historical events. The Heroic Youth curriculum provides the list of heroes and recommendations for the books. (Examples of heroines we have studied in past years: Martha Washington, Beatrix Potter, and Mother Teresa.) Each family chooses the books that best suit the needs of their handmaidens based on reading and comprehension levels.
Every handmaiden is invited to prepare a presentation on a topic of her choice. These presentations relate to subjects they have learned in their studies or talents they have developed. As the girls participate in public speaking in the supportive environment of their club, it helps prepare them to be more confident and outspoken defenders of truth. In addition, polite listening, attentiveness and eye contact are stressed so that the young handmaidens are also educated on audience etiquette.
During meetings, club members will participate in activities related to the heroine, standard, or time period they are currently studying. Activities could be games, skits, handcrafts, simulations, service projects, or learning a new skill. The activities recommended in the curriculum are chosen to encourage teamwork, unity, and a spirit of servant leadership in your club. Many of the activities are physical or hands on, providing a learning style suitable for active girls. In addition, crafts encourage creativity and the underlying spiritual component that is the heart of Heroic Youth and fosters the heroism waiting to emerge in each handmaiden.
For each unit, mentors are encouraged to seek out a Hero to come and visit the club. These heroes can be someone dressed up and acting out the role of a historical character, or someone who exemplifies the standard being studied in that unit. When a Hero Visit is not possible, or in other select situations where it is more appropriate, field trips are recommended.