Fostering Problem-Solving and Communication Skills in Teens: A Valley Guardians Event
By: Hailey Wesloski
Learning problem-solving and effective communication skills at a young age is crucial for teenagers overall development. These skills enable them to navigate challenges they encounter in daily life, whether at home, in school, or in social settings. By engaging in problem-solving activities, they develop critical thinking and resilience, learning to approach obstacles with creativity and persistence. This not only boosts their confidence but also prepares them to tackle more complex issues as they grow older, fostering a growth mindset that encourages lifelong learning.
Effective communication is equally vital, as it allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly and respectfully. By practicing communication skills early on, children learn how to listen actively, empathize with others, and collaborate effectively in group settings. These interpersonal skills are essential for building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and contributing to a supportive community. Together, problem-solving and communication skills empower young individuals to interact harmoniously and constructively, equipping them with the tools they need for success in both their personal and professional lives.
On October 26th we held a murder mystery. Overall 30 coaching students attended, of which 21 were Valley Guardians scholars. The murder mystery provided students a night out with fun activities and learning how to work together with friends and new peers to figure out who the killer amongst them was. Before the killer struck, students were able to enjoy Spinato’s Pizzeria and socialize to get to know each other better. 
Then the killer struck and students chose their teams to go on an adventure together to find clues on who the killer was. Clues came from completing five challenges that favored teams that practiced communication and problem solving skills. Challenges included halloween coloring, fortune telling problem solving, cup eyeball pong, blind touch test, ghost maze. Teams were timed on how fast they could solve the murder mystery. Once the murder was solved, students found out who won the scariest/most creative/coolest costumes. Before parents started showing up students got to take a little more time to eat, talk, and play some games. Most students decided to play hide and seek.
In the end students learned that in order to succeed they need to be able to problem solve and communicate with the people around them! The Valley Guardians Leadership Program is giving these underprivileged students the opportunity of a lifetime and impacting their lives in so many different ways! The scholar students appreciate the Valley Guardians donors for all of their efforts in making a difference in the community as well as in their individual lives!
The Valley Guardians Leadership Program
The Valley Guardian program is a multiyear coaching program for underserved students in the community. It was created by successful business people in the valley. They got together and formed a non-profit to find ways to fund developmental programs for kids in underserved communities. This program was aimed toward the underserved kids in the valley who have good hearts and have a desire to be successful and be mentored. The kids who are a part of this program have access to all different kinds of services like professional coaches, coaching calls, getaways, leadership education and training workshops, access to professionals in the valley, college and career readiness and more. The Valley Guardian program started with a single school of 6 students, and overtime has grown to 13 schools, 7 districts, and 49 active students. Overall there have been 120 students who have benefited from this program.
The Valley Guardians program offers over thirty online and in person workshops per year. We do many different types of workshops per year including things like arcades, parks, hikes, parties, and online leadership training. Many of the kids who come are not very social and are looking for a place to feel comfortable and be able to meet new people while being themselves. When they come to programs they have a great time. The way we set them up makes kids feel comfortable, whether we ask them what they are interested in doing or set them up to meet new people through social activities at the beginning of each event. The students find they feel connected and accepted through the program.