MASTERING KNIGHTHOOD & CROWNED WITH VIRTUE CLUBS
Heroic Youth Clubs are Christ centered programs for youth. In Mastering Knighthood Clubs, boys ages eight to twelve have an exciting opportunity to learn what it means to be a valiant knight in God’s Army, as they live by the Seven Standards of Terra Libre (which means land of freedom) and engage in servant leadership. These clubs use inspiring books and hands on activities and teach boys a much needed lesson about the nobility of manhood in a world that threatens to destroy the importance of this divinely appointed role. A study of real heroes and real events through readings, activities, book discussions, and field trips, teaches boys how they too, can be heroic. When youth realize they can be valiant warriors in everyday situations they, find nobility in kindness and fulfillment in service.
Mastering Knighthood Clubs offer boys ages eight through twelve an exciting opportunity to learn about great heroes through readings, activities, book discussions, hero visits, and opportunities for leadership.
During each of the nine units, the knights 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 heroes we have studied in past years: James Madison, Ernest Shackleton and Paul the Apostle.) Each family chooses the books that best suit the needs of their knights based on reading and comprehension levels.
Every knight is invited to prepare a presentation on a topic of his choice. These presentations relate to subjects they have learned in their studies or talents they have developed. As the boys 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 knights are also educated on audience etiquette.
During meetings, club members will participate in activities related to the hero, 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 boys.
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.