At the Y, we believe youth have something special – a sense of cooperation – and youth should have a chance to learn acceptable ways to resolve conflict. Climbing Above Conflict is a cooperative partnership between the Y and St. Louis Public Schools. The program teaches fourth-grade students peaceful conflict resolution skills. Youth learn to work together as a team, support one another, and value their differences by challenging them to solve problems as a group. 

  • Make new friends
  • Peaceful Conflict Resolution
  • Learn to Solve Problems as a Team
  • Improved Classroom Behavior
  • Builds Self-Confidence

Our Climbing Above Conflict Program helps young students improve classroom behavior, increase attendance and classroom participation, and improve academic performance.

Ames

Dunbar

Gateway Science Academy: South

Hancock

Hodgen

Jefferson

Lexington

Mullanphy

Monroe

Registration forms are sent home with students at participating schools.

We offer approximately 4 classroom lessons at each school facilitated by the instructor. Lessons include self-confidence, the 5C’s of team building (confidence, consensus, commitment, collaboration, and communication), decision making & problem-solving, and internal vs. external conflict.  This includes an experiential learning field trip facilitated by YMCA Teamwork staff at the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex YMCA in November & December

Additional classroom visits focused on conflict resolution. This phase culminates in an experiential field trip at YMCA of the Ozarks Trout Lodge/Camp Lakewood. This is a two-day, overnight trip with activities facilitated by YMCA of the Ozarks staff in February- March

The program concludes with a week-long summer experience for students that have demonstrated the greatest growth in the 5C’s.

How does a school get involved?

Schools who would like to participate in the program must complete a Letter of Interest form and submit to Laura Lytle at laura.lytle@gwrymca.org. Letter of Interest forms are accepted between July and September. Completing the form does not guarantee participation in the program.  Qualifying school will be notified in September.

Is there a cost associated with this program?

There is no cost associated with this program.  However, partner schools must meet specific criteria to qualify.

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