How We Began
Often an idea comes out of solving a problem.
Being observant helps to spot the problem, and having a bit of compassion and understanding of the human condition as well.
Does this sound a bit too melodramatic?
Often, the simplest solutions are right in front of us, and sometimes, we have to search for years. And, then fate steps in and all of a sudden just at the right time, the right place, people come together who do not know each other and it becomes clear just how to provide the solution and to make a difference.
Note, nowhere in this process is the word: “easy.”
A Backpack Journalist concept is the result of the recognition that within each of us – is a “voice.” How we choose to share our “voice” is up to each of us. And, as we grow and mature, often we struggle to define our voice and especially how to express it – to be “heard.”
It’s tough to grow up through the teen years for the youth and the parent.
Add in peer pressure and the fast pace of the world around us, and at times, it seems like time just gets frozen for the teen between wanting to be a child again – and a grown up at the same time.
And, of course, the parents wonder if they ever did anything right.
For military youth who have parents who deploy, there is an additional burden added plus stress!
While the youth is proud of the sacrifices that the parent and the family make. Often, the separation time and the reintegration period are quite painful – and often hard to talk about.
Military youth from reserve and guard families have additional challenges in that they do not have the support of other military families often that a military installation provides to them for support. (See Rand Report –give the link).
A Backpack Journalist curriculum design is a combination of processes that help military youth find their voice and learn to express themselves through journalistic writing, song writing and photojournalism using the latest, greatest technology tools around.
Our team consists of journalism teachers from high school and college, yearbook advisers and photographers in the business, military family volunteers and facilitators, song writers and performing artists and creative people who have come together with a love of working with youth and a wish to help youth– “find their voice in their chosen creative way!”
Nationally known instructors who have all taught across the US — instructors experienced in helping our youth find their “voice” and have fun learning – combine distinctive teaching styles with technology.
Linda Dennis, Founder