TRUE BLUE
YOUTH AND CANINE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Building TRUE BLUE Leaders through Canine Behavioral Training and Strategic Personal Development.
The TRUE BLUE Academy offers an engaging hands-on training experience that pairs youth with
canine companions to foster leadership, responsibility, and life skills.
ELIGIBILITY: Girls ages 10-15 who reside in Laurens County
Own dog not required to participate.
PROGRAM FORMAT: 10 week semesters offered throughout the year.
Weekly in person group sessions, online assignments and interactive learning, guest speakers,
volunteer service project, capstone group project, and graduation ceremony.
WEEKLY GROUP SESSIONS INCLUDE: Personal leadership development, comprehensive
canine care and training, and practical hands-on dog training experience.
COST: $100 - Scholarships available for qualifying participants.​​
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STATEGIC PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Students will gain essential life skills, including:​
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LIVING “TRUE BLUE”- EMBRACING VULNERABILITY AND VALUES
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STRENGTHENING SELF DISCIPLINE
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DEVELOPING THE PATH FROM VISION TO COMPLETION
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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS
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BUILDING AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
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CONFLICT RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES
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NAVIGATING CHALLENGES, CRITICISM, AND ANXIETY WITH RESILIENCE
​​​ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS
​ELEGIBILITY:
Girls 10 - 15 Years​​
Resident of Laurens County
10 Session Attendance Required
* Students do not need to have their own dog to attend.
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APPLICATION PROCESS:
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Complete Online Interest Form - You will receive the Application Packet to Complete
Complete & Return Application Packet by Required Date
Attend In-Person Interview with Parent or Guardian
* Students do not need to have their own dog to attend. Dogs will NOT attend all sessions. ALL dogs will need an up to date vaccination record and be behavior tested prior to attending. ​
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CANINE BEHAVIORAL TRAINING
Participants will explore topics such as:​
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· UNDERSTANDING DOG BREEDS AND TEMPERAMENTS
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· CANINE COMMUNICATION AND PSYCHOLOGY
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· PROPER CARE/PLAY/EXERCISE
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· BUILDING A POSITIVE HUMAN—CANINE BOND
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· TRAINING TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS
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· BEST PRACTICES FOR BALANCED TRAINING
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· PREPARATION FOR THE CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
