BASIC INDUCTION COURSE - LEADERSHIP WORKSHEET
TEENAGERS ARE NOT JUST YOUNG ADULTS
Task 1
Read the following:
Hints and tips for working with teenagers:
a. Appreciate the fact that teenagers are the way they are. It’s not wrong, it’s not right, it just is. Try
to see things through their eyes – how do things look to them?
b. Teenagers can become fiercely loyal if they are taken seriously and treated with respect.
c. First impressions mean everything. Be welcoming, provide social opportunities and emphasize
fun.
d. Teenagers are in the process of discovering their own identity and as they get older are often
beginning to seek independence. Be sensitive to their needs. Meet them on their ground.
e. Work within their limitations and allow some failure. Don’t focus on what they’ve done wrong.
Build your relationship by encouraging them on what they are doing right.
f. Recognise their successes, not those just from cadets, but learn where they do well away from
cadets.
g. Recognise that:
(1) Some develop more quickly than others.
(2) For some there is a drive to “prove” themselves; Others are incredibly self-conscious;
some do not like to be scared or out of control; some lack assertiveness and may be afraid
to ask questions.
(3) Youngsters respond best to adults who are: positive, approachable, patient,
understanding and have a sense of humour.
(4) Youngsters like someone to ensure that they are in the right place at the right time.
(5) Girls develop differently to boys. As they grow, they become proportionately less strong
than boys and this, coupled with hormonal changes can make them self-conscious around
boys. You may need to adapt activities to take this into consideration.
(6) Youngsters need a degree of consistency (ACF is always on at the same time and the
same place, with familiar faces and the same clear, consistent instructions)
(6) Youngsters, especially as they get older and more able, like their instructors to take an
interest in their lives outside of cadets, so be interested in their other hobbies, their parents,
families and friends.
(7) Teenagers like to explore, experiment
(8) Youngsters are inexperienced, may have little fear and may take risks that adults
wouldn’t
(9) Youngsters are susceptible to peer pressure
(10) Youngsters are inexperienced in adult ways and responsibilities.
h. Youngsters, particularly boys, like to be worked hard, but do not like to be shouted at.
i. Communicate with cadets using the means they use – email, text, web (though be aware of social
networking and rules regarding the cadet/adult relationship)
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Task 2
Bearing in mind that cadets are boys and girls aged 12 to 18, discuss in your groups, and write
down answers to the following:
1. What do young people like about the ACF?
2. What do young people want to get out of coming to the ACF?
3. What do the more senior cadets like and get out of coming to the ACF?
4. What interests young people? What are the main things that they are thinking about?
5. In what ways are teenagers different to adults?
6. Why do young people drop out of the ACF?
7. How can you gear cadet activities specifically towards young people?
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