“Ricochet” is a middle school leadership initiative created and sponsored by a Northwest Iowa Youth Development Team from Iowa State University Extension.
The program got its name, Ricochet: An Extreme Leadership Adventure for several reasons. Ricochet (to us) means moving lively and energetically with some level of unpredictability. Like “Ricochet”, middle school youth are finding their place in the world around them and are trying on many different roles. Often leadership opportunities come unpredictably as well. With preparation, youth can identify them be ready to accept the opportunities that come their way.
“An Extreme Leadership Adventure” comes from the method in which we’ve chosen to present the program. It is very much an adventure-based experiential learning approach. Youth will be learning by doing many of the leadership skills targeted in the program. In addition to the actual program time, youth will be involved in a community leadership component to identify and address a community need.
Ultimately, we want youth to see themselves as leaders in their own communities by developing their leadership skills and helping them to identify opportunities within their communities.
We encourage you to use the materials on this website to support the implementation of Ricochet in your community! Materials are avalable for purchase from the Extension online store.
Register now to attend "Ricochet: An Extreme Leadership Adventure" Facilitator Training on May 21st. Registration deadline is May 5 and limited to the first 40 people.