A new program by Village of Play, a new family and children recreation hub in Cochrane, plans to educate leaders of tomorrow through their new leadership development program.
Owner and founder of Village of Play Jamila Godfrey, also known as Coach JJ, explained that the group itself is a multipurpose, family-oriented community centre based in St. Andrew’s United Church.
“The whole mission behind Village of Play is to really foster a sense of community and growth,” Godfrey explained.
Godfrey said that this is achieved through building programs and games geared towards kids between the ages of six and 11, which is geared around developing their executive functioning skills.
“These are the skills that they need that are the biggest predictor of your success in thriving as an adult,” she said. “Everything from emotional regulation to self-control, working memory, and that kind of thing.”
Through the leadership development program, Godfrey explained that kids will have the opportunity to connect with local leaders in Cochrane and learn about what it takes to become a leader of tomorrow.
“So, every week we look at topics on the skills that go into making a good leader,” Godfrey said.
For each session a special guest will make an appearance to share their experiences. These guests range from RCMP officers, pediatric nurses, to even local elected officials including Councillor Tara McFadden and even Mayor Jeff Genung.
“It’s very engaging, very support, and a fun environment,” she said. “We play games that really drive the message home, so it’s not just sitting there and talking the whole time. The whole point is to make this fun for them and that they take away some tools that they can keep in their toolbox for when they get
The leadership program itself is geared towards children ages nine to 11 and is free. Space is limited, and parents are invited to learn more about the program by visiting www.villageofplay.com.
In terms of bringing the program to the community, Godfrey said it has been a very humbling experience and she is grateful to be able to host it for her new home town.
“We only moved here in May and ever since we’ve been here, I can honestly say that the people of Cochrane have been some of the most down-to-earth and hardworking people I’ve ever met,” she said.
