Sparks, youth and you

My life in high school revolved around the circus. Not the traveling, professional, three-ring type of circus that may come to mind. But rather Circus Juventas, a nonprofit youth performing arts program in St. Paul.

I would walk down to a large permanent “Big Top” structure every day after school. I trained with hundreds of other youth in circus arts like juggling, acrobatics, and trapeze. Between practices, I would lay on the thick floor mats doing my homework. Circus Juventas was my second home.

In the summers, my involvement with Circus Juventas only increased. I was a counselor for circus camps, performed at community events, and trained like mad for our big August production, the capstone of each circus year. My whole family helped build sets. My coaches were my biggest mentors. My best friends were fellow circus performers. It was my social, physical, and creative outlet. I loved it. Circus was my spark!

What’s a spark?

“Spark” is a concept developed by the late Peter Benson, a pioneer in the field of youth development. He said that spark is “that animating engine, that thing about a young person that gives them joy and energy. It’s the reason that some will actually seek to get up in the morning and get moving. It is something that gives their life hope, direction, and purpose.”

A young person’s spark can take many forms. For some it is a skill; that special ability that they have, like fishing or speaking another language. For others it is a personal commitment like environmental stewardship or being a great big sister. Yet for others, it is a personal quality like leadership or empathy. Whatever a young person’s spark may be, it is nearly always positive, both for the individual and their community.

But spark isn’t enough

Dr. Benson’s team has found that a youth’s spark alone is not enough to bring joy, fulfillment and purpose. A young person needs their spark to be supported by caring adult mentors, and they need opportunities to practice, express, and be recognized for their spark.

Research shows that when spark, adult mentors and opportunity come together, the positive effects ripple throughout a young person’s life. They find more success in school. Their compassion for others increases. Their propensity towards violence decreases. They find purpose in their lives. In short, they thrive.

Where youth spark can flourish

As a 4-H program coordinator, I am often asked “What exactly is 4-H?” I have found that my circus story is a great answer. Circus Juventas helped me thrive. I expressed my spark. I was supported by mentors like family and coaches. I was provided opportunities to practice, perfect and be recognized. 4-H does the same for youth throughout Carlton County.

Whether it is raising goats, building and programming robots, or engaging in community service, 4-H’s goal is the same: help youth thrive by connecting them to mentors and opportunities to express their spark.

What’s your spark?

What is that animating energy inside of you? Is it hiking? Is it painting? Is it public service? Are you a computer aficionado? Are you a bookworm? All throughout Carlton County there are youth looking to be guided, challenged and celebrated for those same sparks. Whether it’s 4-H, mentoring, Scouts, the public library, schools or other youth-focused organizations, we are all looking for people like you. We want to connect youth with adults who share their spark. Call us. We need you. Carlton County needs you. Our youth need you.

Writer Dylan Kelly is the new University of Minnesota extension 4-H coordinator.

Call the Extension office with 4-H questions at 218-384-3511 or email [email protected].