Spirit Quest

Spirit Quest leadership training program empowers urban youth to remain safe and positive by gaining strength in the self-protection system of To Shin Do, developed by world-renowned martial artist Stephen K. Hayes.

Spirit Quest stared with twelve "leadership kids" in 2003 and has now served hundreds of Dayton area youth and families*.

Today, the program operates at Journey Church in Lebanon, OH. Another new campus is under development in the North Dayton community with the help of Community Activist Teresa Brandt and Black Belt Jill Engle. Updated program materials include character and community-building components proven to enrich students' developmental assets as well as exploration of class and culture mobility and citizenship, to create truly global leaders.

Spirit Quest promotes:

• LEADERSHIP... And how society counts on young students to take us into the future.

• PERSERVERANCE... Stressing how to keep going and growing.

• CONFIDENCE... Showing positive ways to take on whatever life dishes out.

• COMPASSION... Ways to extend care and concern to all.

• RESPECT... Reinforcing treating others the way you want to be treated.

• CONFLICT RESOLUTION...To know how to make peace and keep the peace in your corner of the world.

Original founders Gail Whipple and Hakim Isler are developing a virtual program to reach even more youth.

For more information, visit the Spirit Quest web site.

*Past classes have been held at First United Methodist Church, YMCA/Trotwood, Dayton Academy and New City School.