YOUTH PROGRAM MISSION, VALUES, GOALS

The mission of ACSF’s youth programming is to support healthy youth development through regular physical and cultural activities led by positive role models in a supportive learning environment.

ACSF programs are designed to promote the following individual and community values:

RESPECT:
Maintain respect for ourselves, each other, our ever-evolving capoeira community, the studio we share, and the art that we practice together.

FREEDOM:
Create a safe space to express ourselves as the unique individuals we are.

EQUALITY:
Acknowledge everyone’s contribution as valuable. Never underestimate anyone – especially yourself.

INTEGRITY:
Be fair, impartial, and true to our word.  Admit when we are wrong and strive to make it right.

LEADERSHIP:
Serve as positive role models, both inside the studio while training and outside of the studio as community representatives of ABADÁ. Offer help when we can give it and ask for help when we need it.  Hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions.

COMMUNITY:
Share experiences – both hard and easy, joyous and frustrating.  Foster a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and wonder.  Meet new people and have fun!

EDUCATION:
Seek to understand and honor our rich traditions. 

STRENGTH:
Build strong minds, bodies, and souls. Push our limits and approach challenges as opportunities for growth, remembering that failure is essential for success.

PROGRAM PRINCIPALS
ACSF's high-quality programs use “building blocks” of healthy youth development, which address the full spectrum of young people's needs in order to support their emotional, social, and physical development. Research shows that children need these “building blocks” to grow into healthy, successful adults.

Healthy Youth Development Building Blocks are:

Positive Relationships: Students develop positive relationships with supportive adults and peers.

Skill Building: Students build confidence and develop cultural awareness while learning new skills.

Regular Physical Activity: Students improve mental, physical and cognitive health through regular physical activity. ACSF introduces healthy lifestyle habits through fun, vigorous physical activity.

Safety: Students are provided emotional and physical safety, allowing them to develop a sense of belonging and freedom.