Children and Youth- Meeting Universal Growth Needs

A pilot has hundreds of instruments but, in times of crisis,

 is trained to focus on a few critical indicators of a plane's

condition.

A physician has available thousands of tests

 to diagnose disease but begins

with any patient by taking the "vital signs."

 In like manner, the Circle of Courage

marks the critical indicators,

the vital signs for positive youth development.

However complex our curriculum or counseling systems,

we must never lose sight of basics:

All children need opportunities to experience

 Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity.

  We call these "universal growth needs."

--Brendtro, Brokenleg, & VanBockern, 2002