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September 29, 2016

A Note on Perspective

A Note on Perspective, By Joe Cavanaugh, Founder & CEO of Youth Frontiers

Recently, I came across the quote: “We need to not see more rightly, but rather more completely.” How does one do have this perspective in our polarized society? We tend to shout about how “right” we are – about political candidates, positions on gun control or bathroom access – and in the process drown out the opinions of those who disagree with us. However, seeing more completely involves listening and remaining open to perspectives differing from our own.READ MORE

September 22, 2016

Unleashing the Power of Positivity in your School

A positive community of educators within a school has a powerful effect on the students who learn there. Individually, teachers contribute to that positive environment by exhibiting and modeling an optimistic outlook and can-do attitude. An understanding of the role that emotions play in learning can lay the foundation for positive and productive interactions with students, colleagues, administrators and parents. As neuroscientist Richard Davidson explains in his book “The Emotional Life of Your Brain,” “Emotion works with cognition in an integrated and seamless way to enable us to navigate the world of relationships, work, and spiritual growth.”
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September 15, 2016

The Unexpected Light

By Erica Cantoni, Manager of Corporate and Major Gift Engagement

On a recent sunny Sunday, I followed my 16-month-old daughter, Junie, as she slowly but rather fearlessly climbed up dozens of wooden steps and platforms to the top of our local playground. As she stood contemplating the view and her next move, an older boy scrambled up, looked her over and declared, “This is only for big kids.” Restraining the roar of my inner Mama Bear, I responded, “Well, that’s not true, actually. She’s strong and brave and she belongs up here too.”READ MORE

September 8, 2016

Mission in Motion

By Sarah Barchus, Youth Frontiers’ Communications Specialist

Well, it’s go time, folks! (And no, I don’t mean that as a rally cry for a screen-facilitated scavenger hunt of the Pokémon persuasion.) The clock’s hands have wiped the summery days’ sleep from its face, and now they usher us into the new school year.

At Youth Frontiers, we’ve kept our hands busy preparing for the new school year. As the weather cools, our work heats up, and we could not be more excited to put our mission in motion with the momentum of the fall.READ MORE

June 2, 2016

Savor the Summer with These Family-Friendly Activities

By Julia Lawler, Youth Frontiers Retreat Director

When I moved to Minneapolis in 2013, I expected the winter would be cold. That much, I was prepared for. What I didn’t yet understand was how COLD cold could be. Negative temperatures were an entirely new experience and I had never heard truly understood the term “wind chill” before.READ MORE

May 26, 2016

The Teachers’ Lounge Podcast – Chris Pears

The Teachers’ Lounge, a Youth Frontiers podcast hosted by Sally Koering, dives into meaningful topics relevant to teachers, parents and those invested in the growth and well–being of young people. Our 15th episode features a conversation with Chris Pears, an educator and pioneer of career-oriented curriculum in our schools with an emphasis on incorporating soft skills in the classroom.
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