Kids in the Spotlight #5 (KITS)

Kids in the Spotlight (KITS) is an evidence-based, five-day performing arts retreat designed to create meaningful breakthroughs for children, youth, and their families. Developed and led by counselor and Developmental Psychology MA Denise Goldbeck, the experience uses the performing arts as a powerful path for growth, confidence, and connection.

The Program…

Across five memorable days, children and youth of all ages collaborate to create and perform a musical production. Through the process, they build communication skills, learn to respect themselves and others, express themselves with confidence, face challenges, and begin to heal from difficult experiences. By the end of the retreat, each participant has taken part in a joyful, inspiring, and transformative journey.

Parents or guardians attend the opening session on the first evening and the performance on the final evening; the program concludes at noon the following day. Outside of session times, parents or guardians are responsible for caring for their children.

Older children participate in evening sessions, while younger children generally do not. Children stay at The Haven with a parent or guardian.

Children learn:

• Self-awareness
• Increased confidence
• Increased poise
• Greater social understanding
• Increased social interaction skills
• Leadership ability
• Enhanced family relationships
• Improved academic performance
• Increased ability to hold attention
• Sense of belonging
• Understanding of one’s own development
• Ability to participate in small and large groups

The group builds a child-led culture through games and the creation of the show. Roles are assigned according to where each child will benefit most. Youth leaders support the performers as they strengthen self-confidence and social skills, and fun is part of the experience for everyone.

For Parents and Caregivers…

In an optional, complementary session, caregivers explore:

• Child development, both their own and their children’s
• The developmental aspects of the program

How to register…

Registration is completed through the All-Stages Education Foundation website.

Room and meal arrangements are reserved separately.

Meal package for participants 10 years and under for 5 days is $300, including 2 snacks per day.

Meal package for participants 11 years and up and adults for 5 days is $400, including 2 snacks per day for participants.

Children and youth under 15 years of age stay with a parent or guardian, with room charges ranging from $725 to $1900 for a 5-night stay depending on room type and number of people in the room.

Youth 13 years and older may continue their development by becoming a youth intern and attending the LAUNCH Youth Leadership Training alongside a KITS session.

Download the Kids in the Spotlight daily schedule for more details.

Leader

Denise Goldbeck

Denise MA, PhD, DipC, RCC is a developmentalist specializing in social and moral development in children. She has worked with children, teens, and families for 40 years. She is the founder of Kids in the Spotlight, the Youth Leadership Program, and Personal Parenting. Denise’s purpose is to support young people as they discover who they are and build their lives, while helping parents create more harmony at home and raise children ready to thrive in a challenging world.