Tomorrow’s promise lives in today’s youth.  In responding to their needs today, we shape a better future for all. Every Catholic Daughters of the Americas court can fulfill the goals of the Youth Program by committing itself to sponsor, participate in, and/or support at least one youth activity.  This can be accomplished by working collaboratively with existing community and parish youth groups such as the youth ministry, social action groups, local schools, scouting, or by sponsoring a Junior CDA Court.  The selection and scope of the activity should be determined by the needs and/or interests of the youth in the community. 

Teaching service to others at a young age can help reinforce healthy behaviors. Volunteering helps you feel good about yourself because you help others. It teaches teamwork. It provides personal growth and boosts self-esteem. It also shows our youth that they too can make a difference.

Mission

It is the mission of the Youth Program to nurture personal and spiritual growth; to promote service to others and to foster an awareness and appreciation of diversity through a variety of suggested activities and experiences.

Personal and Spiritual Growth

1. Promote programs/activities which enhance personal and spiritual growth and develop leadership skills.

2. Provide opportunities to participate in religious and educational ministries.

1.      Retreats and Days of Recollection
2.      Special liturgies and prayer services
3.      World Youth Day observance
4.      “True Love Waits” Campaign sponsored by NCCB
5.      Study groups to discuss and act upon
   1. Scripture
   2. The Pope’s Message to youth
   3. Diocesan and National Catholic Youth initiatives
   4. Quality of Life issues such as: peer pressure, AIDS, chemical dependency, violence, teenage suicide, teenage pregnancy, discrimination, suicide, inclusion, and diversity to name a few.
6.      Gospel dramas and Crowning of Mary Ceremonies
7.      Prayer partners for First Communion/Confirmation
8.      Living rosaries and Children's Rosaries  like the one below   
9.   Recognition Programs
   1. Religious Medal Programs:                             
      1. Family of God
      2. I Live My Faith
      3. Marian Medal
      4. Spirit Alive Award
10. Scholastic Awards
11. Community Service Awards
12. Education Contests and Scholarships
13. Conflict resolution, mediation, and peer leadership activities            
14. Encourage patriotism and good citizenship through civic events
15. Celebrate Catholic holidays and have fun -- like the children in the photo below!

1. Promote opportunities for our youth to become informed.

2. Encourage active participation in service projects that meet the needs of others.
   1.       Stock a food bank
   2.       Assist in community drives and tag days
   3.       Feed the hungry at soup kitchens
   4.       Conduct book/toy drives for underprivileged children
   5.       Support Ronald McDonald House children’s charities
   6.       Visit nursing homes, shut-ins, Veteran’s hospitals, draw pictures for them
   7.       Baby sit for parish activities
   8.       Help out at an animal shelter.
   9.       Sponsor “Make a Difference Day” held in October
   10. Conduct clothing drives for the needy
   11. Assist the Senior Court with Habitat for Humanity and other  National Projects
   12. Assist in community recycling and beautification projects
   13. Host a Hungry Heroes play date (Kids can bring food to donate to the local food pantry and learn why it’s important to help others.)
   14. Clean up litter in your community (Pick up litter in your  neighborhood –anywhere you can make a difference. It’s a  simple act that can have a powerful impact.)
   15. Send a thank you for a service member. Write cards, letters or  even send pictures to those serving in the military. 
   16. Collect donations in lieu of birthday gifts for a favorite charity
   17.  

1. Participate in programs/activities which celebrate cultural diversity

2. Affirm uniqueness of each person as an individual and assist youth in becoming proud of their heritage. For example;

•       Celebrate ethnic holidays and traditions
•       Attend interfaith services
•       Promote cultural exchange programs
•       Support Special Olympics
•       Assist at summer camps for the physically challenged and  developmentally delayed
•       Tutor the academically needy
•       Sponsor intergenerational activities
•       Celebrate “Christmas Around the World”
•       Become pen pals to children around the world
•       Celebrate National Women’s History Month in March
•       Assist in sponsoring a Seeing Eye Dog

Support Our Parish Youth!

Now that you know some ideas for children and youth to engage in, look for opportunities that interest your specific CDA court. Do some research to see what projects you can do within your local community. Consider how much time the court can devote to community service. Will it be an ongoing project or a one-time event? Involve the children and adolescents? The goal is to support our children and youth in seeing the benefit of service to others -- therefore enriching their own lives.