Every spark needs a champion
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EmailHow caring adults help youth discover their sparks.
Being a spark champion for youth is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of young people. Spark champions play a critical role in helping youth discover what excites them, believe in themselves and ultimately thrive. A quote from E. E. Cummings confirms the idea of spark champions is not new, “We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit”.
Parents are often the first spark champions in a young person’s life. Parents are positioned to see what inspires their child and what really brings them joy. As a parent, you do not need to be an expert in your child’s spark. Even when parents do not fully understand their child’s interests, their belief and encouragement have a powerful impact. Research by Peter Benson reinforces this idea—teenagers consistently report wanting their parents to be their spark champions. When parents show interest in what matters to their child, communication improves and relationships are strengthened.
While parents are important champions, youth need to have a team of spark champions to ensure they are thriving. This is where many other caring adults come in. Teachers, volunteers, mentors and youth professionals can all serve as spark champions. Helping youth intentionally build a team of spark champions is important in making their spark journey a success. The message youth receive from spark champions is that there is something within you that matters and contributes to the world.
There is not a magic number of sparks champions for each youth to have. The general idea is the more, the better. Research tells us that sparks shine much brighter when multiple spark champions support youth. Youth will also flourish in a greater capacity when they have the opportunity to find spark champions in multiple places. For example, spark champions may be found at home, in school, in other youth organizations such as 4-H, or even within a neighborhood.
It is also important to remember that sparks can change over time. However, a youth wanting to quit a spark could also be an indication that a youth is having challenges, especially if they are dropping out of multiple things. If a youth is experiencing challenges, be persistent, be a positive force and help them work through that challenge. Rather than just letting youth quit, ask “What instead?” Helping youth reflect, adjust and find new paths supports resilience and ongoing growth. Don’t forget to help them build that champion team for their next spark, as well.
Spark champions have a unique opportunity to shape not only individual lives but also stronger communities. By inspiring and empowering youth, they promote positive development, provide mentorship and advocate for youth voice. These experiences help young people build confidence, purpose and essential life skills. Michigan State University Extension encourages you to reflect on where and how you can serve as a spark champion. Your support may be the catalyst that helps a young person discover what lights them up—and gives them the confidence to thrive.
For more information about joining 4-H, visit the MSU Extension 4-H website. For additional helpful volunteer training content, check out the MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar series webpage.
MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.
