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More than 40 young men gathered Oct. 30 at the Ramstein Youth Center to take part in the Work Accountability Responsibility Respect Integrity Opportunity Represent Program offered through the center.
According to Ramstein Teen Program coordinator Montaque Bussey, young men can face numerous adversities and obstacles as they transition into adulthood and they will need tools to fight, and overcome those challenges.
This is where the WARRIOR Program comes in.
The WARRIOR Program, open to males ages 13 to 18, is a targeted effort designed to engage young men in the KMC in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior.
“In life, you’re going to have to face highs and lows and overcome battles,” Bussey said. “We want our young men to be able to channel negative energy from challenges, and use it to create a positive outcome.”
The program, which is offered Friday nights at the youth center, consists of four-hour sessions and uses basketball as a tool to bring young men together.
“Sports can teach you teamwork,” Bussey said. “Sports can also unite a community.”
Each night of the program, participants play multiple games of five-on-five team basketball before moving on to one of the 14 structured lesson plans taught by mentors from various organizations within the KMC. Lessons consist of group discussions and one-on-one Q&A time with mentors. Topics include self-esteem, fatherhood and family, relationships with girls and responses to authority.
“Our program is important because it teaches us leadership skills and how to work through problems,” said Cameron Davis, a WARRIOR Program participant. “It’s more than just playing basketball.”
At the conclusion of the session, youth center coordinators were presented with a contribution to help establish a similar program specifically geared toward young women.
As the WARRIOR Program continues to grow, there are plans to develop it into a summer basketball league.
Participants left the session with the knowledge and techniques to cope with challenges that they may face.
For more information about the WARRIOR Program, contact the Ramstein Youth Center at 480-3099 or 06371-47-3099.
