Youth group
A youth group is a local group of children or young people that is organized within a higher-level institution (such as a parish , municipality , state, youth associations ) and is usually led by a youth group leader. It is the original form of youth work based on voluntary work . In this form, a youth group is also defined according to German guidelines and laws on the subject of youth work and its promotion.
Size and composition
The size of a directed youth group varies, but usually does not exceed a dozen. It can contain girls and boys up to mostly 16 years of age. They are often members of clubs and associations , municipal or church youth organizations.
Youth group leader
Also called youth leader (see also youth leader article).
Youth group leaders are young people from the age of 16 (in some federal states only from the age of 17) who exercise their office on a voluntary basis. It is mostly offered through church institutions or communal youth centers. The youth group leaders organize holiday camps, excursions and leisure activities for other young people. Many institutions require proof of appropriate training. Experience in the social or educational field is useful.
Youth group leader training
These training courses , which are aimed at volunteer workers in child and youth work from youth associations or from open youth work facilities, serve to improve the qualification of volunteer work with young people. The training itself often takes place free of charge in seminars lasting several days or is financed by the association making the decision.
Content
Using up-to-date and playful methods, the necessary tools for direct work on site are communicated in the training . In addition to educational content, an important component is basic knowledge in the areas of supervision and the protection of minors . Practical testing of the contents of the training for working with youth groups is usually part of the seminar concept. The participants are also sensitized to recognize problems and to react accordingly. See also the article: Clothes chain (game) . The mediation for planning creative group activities is always part of the program.
certificate
Successful participation in the youth group leader training is certified by the issuance of a certificate (in some federal states also youth group leader card; JuLeiCa for short ), which grants benefits such as reduced entry to events. It also serves as a legitimation for authorities and other institutions. Proof of the "large" first aid certificate is often required in order to make the certificate effective.