If you've already read our guide on what to expect from the I Can Lead Programme, you might be wondering what actually happens over the two days.
What do young people learn?
How do they develop their leadership skills?
And how do they go from arriving as participants to confidently leading activities themselves?
The answer is simple: they learn by doing.
Our two-day I Can Lead Programme has been carefully designed to help young people aged 14–15 build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain practical experience in a supportive environment. Every activity builds on the last, allowing participants to gradually develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills they'll need to lead others.
Before reading about what happens over the two days, discover what parents and young people can expect from our I Can Lead Programme, including how we help participants build confidence, develop leadership skills and feel supported from the moment they arrive.
👉 Read: What to expect from our I Can Lead Programme
The first day is all about building confidence and understanding what makes an effective leader.
After a warm welcome, introductions and icebreaker activities, participants quickly begin working together in a relaxed and supportive environment. Before long, unfamiliar faces become teammates and conversations begin to flow.
From there, they start exploring what great leadership looks like and the skills they'll need to support and inspire others.
Throughout the day, participants learn about:
Rather than sitting through long presentations, every topic is brought to life through practical challenges, group discussions and interactive activities.
One of the biggest differences between the I Can Lead Programme and a traditional classroom course is that participants are constantly putting their learning into practice.
Throughout the day they take part in activities that challenge them to communicate clearly, solve problems and work together.
Communication games encourage learners to think about how they explain ideas, listen to others and adapt their approach depending on the situation. They also discover how motivation, organisation and positive encouragement help everyone enjoy taking part.
Later in the day, participants work in small groups to plan and deliver their own warm-up activities before reflecting on what went well and how they could improve.
Every activity has a purpose.
Each challenge builds confidence while preparing learners for the practical leadership opportunities that follow on Day Two.
Many young people arrive believing that leaders have to be the loudest or most confident person in the room.
One of the biggest lessons they learn is that leadership comes in many different forms.
Great leaders don't simply give instructions.
They also:
Throughout the programme, participants begin recognising the strengths they already have while developing new skills they'll continue using throughout the two days and beyond.
Towards the end of the first day, learners have the opportunity to observe experienced Aspire coaches delivering activities on camp.
Watching skilled coaches in action helps bring everything they've learned together. Participants begin noticing how coaches communicate, organise activities, motivate children and adapt sessions to keep everyone engaged.
It's a valuable opportunity to see leadership in action before stepping into the role themselves.
The second day builds on everything participants learned during Day One.
After reviewing their progress, learners continue developing their leadership skills by exploring topics including:
These sessions help participants understand that good leaders create environments where everyone feels welcome, respected and included.
As confidence grows, learners begin taking on more responsibility.
Working in small groups, they plan their own activities before preparing to lead them.
With support from Aspire tutors, participants think about how they'll organise equipment, explain instructions clearly, adapt activities where needed and keep everyone engaged.
It's the moment when everything they've learned starts coming together.
For many participants, this is the highlight of the programme.
Working in teams, learners deliver their planned activities to younger children attending Active Camps.
Supported throughout by Aspire tutors and camp educators, they experience what it's really like to lead a group, communicate clearly, encourage participation and adapt activities to meet the needs of those taking part.
It's a safe and supportive environment where young people experience genuine leadership responsibility for the first time.
For many learners, this is also the moment they realise just how much they've grown.
They arrive wondering whether they can lead.
They leave knowing they can.
Leadership isn't about getting everything right the first time.
It's about learning from experience.
At the end of the programme, participants come together to reflect on everything they've achieved.
With guidance from their tutors, they think about:
Constructive tutor feedback helps every learner recognise their progress while celebrating everything they've achieved over the two days.
Although the programme lasts just two days, the skills young people develop can last much longer.
Participants leave with greater confidence in:
The programme also encourages learners to think about how they can continue using these skills through school, volunteering, community activities and future leadership opportunities.
For many young people, the I Can Lead Programme is just the beginning of their leadership journey.
Whether your child already enjoys taking the lead or simply wants to build confidence, the I Can Lead Programme gives them the opportunity to develop practical leadership skills, work alongside like-minded young people and discover what they're capable of.
Across two engaging days, they'll gain new experiences, grow in confidence and leave with skills they'll continue using long after the programme has finished.
Ready to inspire your child's leadership journey? Find out more and book their place on our I Can Lead Programme today.
No. While there are short tutor-led discussions, most learning takes place through practical activities, teamwork and leadership challenges. Participants are encouraged to put new skills into practice throughout both days.
Yes. As their confidence grows, participants work in groups to plan and lead activities with support from experienced tutors. Towards the end of the programme, they deliver activities to younger children attending Active Camps.
No. The programme is designed for young people who are developing their leadership skills for the first time, as well as those who already have some experience. Activities build gradually over the two days, allowing everyone to develop at their own pace.
Participants build confidence in communication, teamwork, organisation, planning, leadership and problem-solving while learning how to motivate and support others.
Yes. Reflection and tutor feedback are built into the programme, helping participants recognise their progress, celebrate their achievements and identify ways to continue developing as leaders.
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Ryan Harris is a charismatic leader in the children’s sports coaching and activity sector.