Infusing Character & Leadership in the CommunityBoomerang! Character Education Program

Ellen Andrews4-H Youth Development Educator

Teri Zuege-HalvorsenFamily Living Educator

Calumet County UW-Extension

Boomerang! Character EducationProgram Objectives:

Youth learn character traits…

High school develop leadership skills…

…that prepare them to become positive, productive members of their family, school, and community.

Boomerang! integrates…Youth Development Research

Community-Based Partnerships

The Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development.

School Districts

Hilbert, Brillion, Stockbridge & New Holstein

New in 2012: Piloting in Appleton After School Site(s)

4th Grade Classrooms

6th Grade Classrooms

High School Students

Infusing Character

Impact of Character Development Teachers & Parents have this to say about

Boomerang!:

Awesome program with a great focus! Students should leave this program being better individuals and leaders being stronger and more confident. Win-win situation for all involved.

Yes, I believe it’s important to have kids at a young age understand the importance of all these traits/behaviors. It helps set the foundation for them to be successful as they get older.

Infusing Leadership

Impact of Leadership DevelopmentSchool administration have this to say about

Boomerang!:

We have seen students blossom as leaders, students, and persons since their involvement with Boomerang as a teacher….students have commented that they now behave differently in the classroom… To me this is an expression of daily leadership in the classroom, as the Boomerang teachers lead by example. 

It has helped to reiterate to our leaders, what leadership is all about.  The leaders lead with a more positive attitude and really strive to bring collaboration, team work, and other strategies to life in other areas.

Questions & Comments2011-2012

Boomerang! Teacher Teachers

Top-Left Picture: Brillion, Hilbert & StockbridgeBottom-Right Picture: New Holstein