August 2018 - Day 3 - Haiti Mission Trip

Meayla on the mic!

Up and at it again for Day 3 of our week and the second day of our camp. Today we started our camp out with each child coming up to the microphone, saying their name and telling us what they wanted to be when they grew up. This was a confidence builder for many kids as some where a little shy but others had no trouble taking the mic, especially 2 year old Meayla! She can't speak clearly yet but oh boy, can she sing! As the rest of the kids took the mic, we heard a lot of aspirations to be doctors, football players (football in Haiti means soccer) and pastors. Pretty cool!

"Bob" and Beana

Have I mentioned how AWESOME our team is! Beth and Beana are rocking the crafts. So far we have made aluminum foil figurines, jeweled fish puppets to go along with Beth's bible stories and tie dye flowers from coffee filters. Kids of every age here love to create and it is amazing how detailed and focused they are in their work.

Ben, Sam and Isaac keep the sports and games going on with soccer, baseball and a team challenge of using a bed sheet. Meanwhile, Crystal continues to be a rockstar in the the gravel dance floor area teaching hip hop and a creative improvisational game where the kids made letters with their bodies.

Older boys of the camp making the letter "K"

Oh, and there is this funny little 2 year old guy here we named "Bob" who we later found out is really named Marcus. We didn't know where "Bob" came from for the first couple of days. He just showed up and wouldn't tell us his name so we named him "Bob". After a couple of days a couple kids that knew him kept telling us "no, his name Marcus." So Beth said, "Oh, Bon Jour Marcus!"  He looked at Beth and pointed to himself and said "Bob, Bob, Bob." I think he likes his new name! Bob has brought a lot of humor to this camp. He is a wild crazy kid who spends his time running around chasing the wild chickens that sometimes come through the camp.

Smore time at Lephare

We returned back to Lephare to drop the kids off and had time for a smore party with the neighborhood. This has turned into an annual event as we taught them this last year when we visited. Funny how excited the kids got when we pulled out the smore supplies. They knew exactly what we were doing!

Fritznel, our awesome dance translator, and Crystal!

Overall, another great day building relationships with these kids, this team and this community. It is so evident that these children are so hungry for organized, social and physical activity. They are creative, athletic, fun and full of energy. Ready for tomorrow!

August 2018 - Day 2 - Haiti Mission Trip

Breakfast on the deck at the guest house is always one of our most favorite parts of the trip. Juicy mangoes, fresh pineapple and bananas along with scrambled eggs and assorted peppers cut in detail to the smallest squares. Brunet’s beautiful wife is always the best cook!

Off to camp we go packed with our suitcases on top of the “tap tap” (the Haitian name for taxi).   We have 10 of us riding to camp looking a little like Sanford and Son. Tight quarters, no AC but it doesn’t matter. The liveliness of the streets of Haiti keep us totally entertained on our journey to camp. 

Taking Shapes hosts the camp for the children of Cepras, a Haitian ran organization whose mission is to grow young Haitiain children through education and Christian faith. We combine Cepras kids with the children of Lephare orphanage for the entire camp week. Total kids in the camp are 75! 

Haiti children don’t have the exposure to organized activity, sports and fine arts. We quickly saw once they were introduced to the activities, they were like sponges! We divide the kids into 3 rotations according to age and they rotate to arts/ crafts with and bible stories with Savanah and Beth, sports and games with Ben, Same and Isaac and dance with Crystal and myself. These kids love art and are so artistic! The detail and time they put into their work is so amazing.

Favorite dances are the Chicken Dance, Baby Shark and Tootie Ta! It doesn’t matter the ages of these kids, everyone is participating, laughing, enjoying time together and learning. Such a cool experience! Oh and also keep in mind it is 95 degrees and no AC. 

Meanwhile while we are busy with our kids at camp, Greg is back at Lephare Orphanage helping complete the building project at Lephare. Taking Shape will be housing it’s future summer mission campers in the expansion of the Lephare Orphanage, giving them a total immersion inside the Haitian culture. 

August 2018 - Day 1 - Haiti Mission Trip

This is a big week for Taking Shape as we have launched our first “official” mission camp operation. Up until now our mission camps and trips have consisted of our immediate family. Greg, the construction guy and Sammy, Beana and myself as the camp counselors and Luke and Brooklynne who came in December. This summer we have added 4 very AWESOME individuals to our Taking Shape mission camp team. Crystal, a dance studio business owner from Manassas, VA and a colleague of mine in our MTJGD coaching group. Then there is Beth and 14 year old Isaac who are a mother and son team right near me in Hardin, MO. They found out about us in the church bulletin and it is crazy that both of us are from the same small town area but our paths have not crossed until this trip. Then there is Arkansas Razorback college student, Ben, my incredible nephew who wanted to be a part of the experience and help us with the camp! We are here in Port au Prince, Haiti and serving over 75 children ages 2 and up in our summer mission camp which focuses on dance, games, sports, arts and crafts, bible studies and of course LEADERSHIP!

We all made it safe and sound and I will admit I was somewhat nervous with the protests and level 4

threat level last month in Haiti. No problem though arriving, the threat level is back down to level 3 and we breezed through customs and the airport which can be a little crazy!

Our first stop was to Lephare Orphanage, the orphanage that Taking Shape has partnered

with since 2015 where we are completing an expansion and living quarters for over 23 Haitian children. The team was welcomed with open arms of the children who were excited about our arrival. Crystal, Beth, Isaac and Ben quickly became family to the children of Lephare as we spend the remaining afternoon playing, singing and dancing with the kids. We had a huge meal fixed by the hardest working ladies I know, the Haitian cooks! Our team got to experience the Haitian staple meal of chicken and rice, plantains and “french fries.” Meals are always topped off with a tall glass bottle of 7up or Coke, which I have learned is a delicacy and extra special treat.

After an afternoon of visiting the children at the orphanage we were chauffeured by the best chauffeur in all of Haiti, Brunet! Driving in Haiti is a mastered skill. There is not right or wrong, you just go. Think of it like a game of “Frogger” for those of you from the 80’s! 

A quick stop at the “Stop and Go” which is the local grocery store to stock up on bottled

water and coffee. I would like to know the labor cost for the grocery store, there must be 30 employees in the grocery store with a couple people carefully watching every aisle. Couple of men outside with machine guns too! They guard their food very carefully!

We settled into the guest house which is located in Delmas, Haiti. I little quieter place up the mountain. Tomorrow we head to camp! 

Taking Shape’s mission on the FAR front is to raise leaders who serve others. Yes, we are serving the Haitian children by hosting camps in an active, learning and healthy environment but more importantly the team that is here is truly growing in servant leadership and witnessing a bigger purpose in life. 

For those that have asked how to help please visit our donation page at takingshape.care/donate

The Next Great Generation: Unlocking the hidden potential of Generation Z

We have been saturated in the past five years with tools, seminars, research, podcasts and literature on how to embrace the ever popular Millennial generation. The “Me” generation who lives by the YOLO mentality- you only live once. Many of us who have preceded the Millennial generation would agree that we are better equipped now than we were even three years ago on how to understand and lead the Millennial generation.

Well hold on guys, just when you think you have it all figured out, you may need to erase everything you have known about the Millenials and get prepared for the next generation, the Gen Zers! This is a generation that may have some similarities with their predecessors the Millennials, but are different in many ways. If we head into leading Generation Z with the same framework as the Millennials, we may have trouble ahead! 

As a business owner who employs, teaches and leads Generation Z, I feel it is important that we recognize three major differences, understand the ways that we can successfully connect with this new generation and then be able to maximize and unleash the potential of what I predict is going to be the next greatest generation.  So let’s take a journey into learning a little bit about Gen Z, learning this differences, getting the best tools to work with this generation and in turn unlock huge potential for all of us as business owners, leaders and teachers! 

One of the first things we need to know about Gen Z is when do they start. There is a gray area of when the Gen Zers actually start. Some researchers say Gen Z starts as early as 1996  but most data states that Gen Z are those kids born between 2000-2012. 

Three of the main differences and distinguishing traits of the Generation Z compared to Millennials are their conservative nature, entrepreneurship tendencies and their devotion to a life of purpose. 

Conservative Nature

Like Millennials, Generation Z is a generation of extreme diversity. However, unlike the Millennial generation that was born in the 90’s when America’s economy was expanding, the Dot.com era was born and who were taught that “anything is possible” ,the Generation Zers experienced an economic recession, daily terrorism headlines, racial unrest, increase in gender confusion, unemployment and debt increase. These events have caused this generation to think more cautiously and more realistic. Many Gen Zers were born of parents of the Generation X who lived through the recession where they lost 40% of their net worth. 

We are going to see this next generation be more cautious and conservative in their spending as they have witnessed their siblings and their Gen X parents incur a large amount of financial debt. An interesting trend in this generation is a lower percentage going on to college. In a Huffington Post survey of Gen Zers, they reported that 75% of Gen Z feels there are other means of higher education than going to a four year college program. Currently we are experiencing a 5-10% decline in college enrollment in the past three years and many high school students graduating early and going right into the workforce. Gone are the days that colleges could use the message “Come Discover Yourself, Find yourself” This generation does not buy this. 

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Gen Z knows nothing other than a digital, social and mobile world. They have been immersed into this world from birth and they are very much products of the DIY (Do It Yourself) mentality. With their digital mindset, they are extremely intelligent and know how to get results quickly. In a recent Gallup poll, only 10% of the Millenials want to be entrepreneurs compared to 18% of Gen Zers. 

There is a common phenomenon in Gen Z that is called “Side Hustle.” This is a byproduct of how entrepreneurial minded this generation and how common it is for them to have additional jobs on the side.

Long are the days that starting your own business takes months, maybe years. Think about it, today you can hop on the internet, file for an LLC, create a logo, design a website and order business cards within a day. This “Side Hustle” is not an situation of this generation doing  either/ or but doing the job “and.” that job and they are not going to try to hide it. They have their main job or they are a student AND they have a Side Hustle. I have already seen this in several of my own students and my team of people who work in our business. 

Purpose Driven

The final difference of Gen Z that is important to note is that this is a generation who wants to prioritize purpose in their work. Unlike Millennials who are more driven by growth and a balanced lifestyle, the Gen Zers are looking to align with organizations with a purpose worth committing to. They are leaning toward more of the public and non-profit sectors in comparison to the Millenials who flood the private sector. Taking note of this purpose driven character trait becomes important as we lead and employ this younger generation.

Generation Z likes to make a difference and are looking to fill a void in the world. They are commonly referred to as “New Minds, Old Souls.”  This generation relates really well to the Baby Boomer generation, the largest generation ever that is slowly making its way out of the workforce as they are starting to retire. 

So how do we successfully connect with Gen Zers?

We must be authentic with this generation. They can see right through fluff. They are quick to call people out and though more respectful to their older generational leaders, they do not have an issue calling out any means of inauthenticity. We also need to remember to keep it short. This generation has strong filters and short attention spans. They have five screens going minimum at times. The key is to engage them within six seconds. This is how much time we have for them to make up their minds if they are going to engage with us. 

With this generation being entrepreneurially minded, we need to find ways to give them ownership in the creation process. We will find more success in guiding this generation from the side and letting them create.  We need to become navigators to help chart their direction and give advice. They value things they have discovered and we should push them to be creators, not consumers. Don’t think of informing them, think of interpreting. They don’t need knowledge from us, they need interpretation. This is key! We should pull, not push as we lead this generation. 

The final suggestion on how to connect with this generation is to be able to offer them a cause. These kids want to do something very important and have a higher purpose. All their life they have been told “WHAT” to do. We will be more successful with this generation if we explain the “WHY.” We will get a deeper engagement as they are a generation lead by their hearts . 

It is our duty as a leaders of Gen Z to unleash their potential and be aware of the amazing future our businesses, our communities and our world can have by taking the Gen Z strengths and combining them with strong core character values. I have witnessed in my teaching and leadership curriculum, amazing growth due to the simple exposure and awareness of timeless principles such as kindness, work ethic, giving, gratitude and excellence.  As leaders we are called to expose and surround this generation with these core values in order for them to be truly successful in today’s day and age. 

This is an exciting time and I am very hopeful that this Generation Z will be the next greatest generation of all times. Embrace them, lead them and create a legacy of young leaders who can make this world a better place!

The Ripple Effect - Coming Full Circle

There is nothing more gratifying than seeing the ripple effect that leadership can create, especially when it is with your students. Our Taking Shape STAR leadership program is in full force!

We are in the second year of existence with over 25 studios, clubs and organizations
throughout the United States, Canada, Haiti and even Aruba who are affiliate members
using the Taking Shape STAR leadership curriculum. Our mission continues to create a
young generation of leaders who impact others through strong character values and
community service.

This season, two of our Richmond area STAR leaders, Malori Chrisman and Isabella
Duffet, took their leadership training to the next level. In addition to being STAR Leaders
with our Taking Shape organization, they also are enrolled in a dual credit leadership
class in their high school. One of the course requirements was to create a project that
they were passionate about and would benefit the community.

Isabella and Malori took the initiative to design their own series of Chance to Dance classes that were held at the Richmond Shapes Dance and Acro Studio. Both girls took the ball and ran with the idea! They organized, marketed and taught a movement and exercise class for special needs adults in the Ray County area. They marketed the classes through social media, flyers and visiting group homes in the area, inviting qualified candidates to the free classes. The class format incorporated gross motor skills, balance, musicality and coordination. The class was taught monthly by both girls and averaged over 20 participants in each class.

The dual credit project for their high school completed in January, but now, several months
later, due to the popularity of the class and the value of service which these girls have
experienced, they have chosen to keep the program going until the end of the school year.

Taking Shape bases is curriculum on 5 points of the star; Trust, Serve, Love, Growth and
Excellence. These girls have taken “Serve” above and beyond and are true leaders as
they grow in character and cause a ripple effect of leadership in their own community.

Isabella Duffet comments on her experience with this leadership project, “ Teaching a
Chance to Dance class was so rewarding because dance has brought so much joy to
my life for so long and it was cool to share that joy with other people who don’t get
the opportunity to dance.”

Taking Shape is proud of the excellent example of servant leadership that these
two young ladies have portrayed.

This is our mission of our organization, to grow young leaders who impact others!
Our goal is to continue to raise up young leaders Here, Near and Far in order to
make the world a better place.It is working! We are on a mission! We will
continue to change lives!

Christmas in Haiti - A Family Experience

Taking Shape continues it's mission of growing young leaders as our Taking Shape STAR leadership team traveled to Port au Prince, Haiti over Christmas break to finish the building project at Laphare Orphanage and school.  The overall project includes an expansion of the orphanage which will allow living space for the children and a closed in area where school can be conducted. 

Taking Shape will be launching their performing arts leadership camps in the summer of 2018 at Laphare Orphanage. Mission campers will be housed on site at the orphanage to experience an immersion of the culture as they conduct leadership and performing arts camps for children of the entire Port au Prince community. Taking Shape will continue it's vision to raise young leaders Here, Near and Far. Click Here to learn more about our upcoming camps! 

During a ceremony at the project site, Executive Director Tracey Wozny and project manager, Greg Lock receive an award on behalf of Taking Shape for the work the foundation is doing for the community. 

Taking Shape Breaks Ground in Port au Prince Haiti

It was just a year ago I shadowed a friend and colleague of mine on a mission trip to Haiti. Katie is an extraordinary human being, with a heart to give back on all levels. She is a TED talk presenter, owner of a dance school, executive director of a global non-profit, and in her spare time is building a school in Uganda. I had my own vision of building a performing arts school in a third world country and my goal for that trip was to learn from her in expanding our non-profit organization, Taking Shape.

I didn't quite know what to expect in this country that was still reeling from a devastating earthquake of 2010.  We visited Lephare, a small orphanage where we planned to bring some joy by conducting games and singing and dancing. The dismal facility had a rusty, steel gate that served to protect the precious lives within. When we entered, our hearts were immediately warmed as a flood of smiling, excited children greeted us. We were witness to resilience, love, energy, and respect. I had found the location to bring my vision to fruition.

One of the missions of Taking Shape is to identify and develop young leaders. Our goal is to help them live a life of purpose and servant leadership for their communities, surrounding areas, and the world. Immediately, I could identify young leaders in this orphanage and knew this would be the perfect place to build a performing arts school and young leadership facility. Now, one year later, we are seeing this vision become a reality with our August groundbreaking. I want to express my profound gratitude for each and every one of you who have helped us reach this milestone.

Work includes an expansion of rooms including bedrooms and bathrooms for the 23 residents. We will continue on to build a community school in conjunction with the project so other children in the area can benefit. Things are happening quickly. We will begin performing arts mission camps in the summer of 2018.

I often get asked why we are helping children in another country when there is so much to be done in our own communities. Our goal is to grow young leaders Here, Near and Far. This project will not only help children in Haiti but will provide exceptional leadership opportunities for our own STAR leaders from our local program. They will get the opportunity to serve on a global level by registering to teach at these camps in Haiti next summer.

I was moved by how eager these Haitian children were to learn. They don't take anything for granted. They have deep faith, hope, and an appreciation for education. They take care of each other. I have witnessed how they are already leaders in their own community. With your ongoing help, we will continue to answer the call in partnering with Pastor Jean of Lephare Orphanage as we help them expand their school and facility. Taking Shape will also continue to work on our three platforms; Here, Near and Far, as we continue to make differences in the lives of children through youth leadership.

Help us continue our mission to raise young leaders Here, Near and Far

by donating here today!