H.E.R.O.S. Education Programs
H.E.R.O.S. Behaviour Program
Participants are introduced to the H.E.R.O.S. Behavior Program through bi-monthly afternoon sessions at participating schools. Its goal is to encourage positive behaviour and develop essential life skills.
H.E.R.O.S. participants identify their goals, required actions and achievements to record in a H.E.R.O.S Behaviour Journal. They then share these journal entries with their peers and teachers in round-table discussions.
The Vancouver School Board officially recognized the H.E.R.O.S. “PosivicationProcess.” This unique process rewards positive behaviour with verbal and written positive reinforcement.
H.E.R.O.S. Mentor in Training (MIT) Program
The H.E.R.O.S. Mentorship Program invites children 14 years or older (some of whom have already completed the H.E.R.O.S. program as participants) to be volunteer mentors.
Mentors help with the winter season’s weekly sessions, both on and off the ice, and work towards a diploma consisting of a seven-step certification.
Certification involves successful completion of:
- St. John Ambulance First Aid Course
- School Board Leadership Program
- Drug Awareness Course
- Power Skating Course
- Coaching, Level One Certification
- Referee School
- Speak Out Program
H.E.R.O.S. mentors who volunteer their time are an inspiring component of the H.E.R.O.S. program. Mentors teach H.E.R.O.S. participants the “golden rule” (that their peers will treat them with respect if they also demonstrate respect towards their peers) by example.
In general, mentors promote goodwill on the ice at all times. They are there to help in whatever manner required to make the entire H.E.R.O.S. experience as fun and engaging as possible for the participants.
H.E.R.O.S. Police/Junior Hockey Drug Education Awareness Program
The Vancouver Police Department and H.E.R.O.S. began partnering in 2006 to create the Police/Junior Hockey Drug Education Awareness Program.In this program, junior hockey league players undergo an intensive, two-day drug awareness program. Armed with this information and first-hand experience on the streets, these players then visit local high schools as H.E.R.O.S. Ambassadors to help raise awareness about the dangers of taking and selling illegal drugs.
H.E.R.O.S. Tutoring Program
H.E.R.O.S. contracts certified tutoring agencies in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton to provide H.E.R.O.S. participants, mentors and leaders with specialized course tutors for free, on the basis of need, to help with their school studies. During the process of tutoring, essential time management and study skills are also taught.
H.E.R.O.S. LINO Art Program
LINO is a creative painting process that uses words or the letters in a person's name to build a grid that results in a unique work of art.
The LINO Art Program, introduced at the H.E.R.O.S. Summer Program by Vancouver-based visual artist and graphic designer Uta Nagel, uses this creative communication tool to help build self-esteem and confidence in at-risk youth.
H.E.R.O.S. Scholarship Program
At its discretion, the H.E.R.O.S. Board of Directors grants scholarships to H.E.R.O.S. participants, mentors and leaders based on need and merit.
Successful applicants receive up to $2,000 per year for any post-secondary education until graduation. The scholarship money is to be used for tuition and books. It is paid directly to the educational institution of choice.
H.E.R.O.S. Hockey Assistance Program
The H.E.R.O.S. Hockey Assistance Program is designed to assist financially H.E.R.O.S. participants, mentors or leaders who wish to play in minor hockey leagues. It provides equipment and money for registration fees.
H.E.R.O.S. Mentor Job Placement Program
H.E.R.O.S. Mentor Job Placement Program locates job placement opportunities in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton for H.E.R.O.S. volunteer mentors to help them fulfill their career aspirations.
H.E.R.O.S. Family Food Hamper Program
The H.E.R.O.S. Family Food Hamper Program is offered in Vancouver, Toronto Calgary and Edmonton to assist low-income families of H.E.R.O.S. participants, mentors and leaders with food hampers at Christmas and in times of need throughout the year.
