Building on Your Strengths (B.O.Y.S.)

The B.O.Y.S. program is a strength-based, social skills program developed for boys in grades seven and eight. The goal of the program is to increase grade seven and eight boys' understanding of their positive male roles, relationships and identities in society and to strengthen their social skills. 

Literature reviews indicate that grades seven and eight are times of transition for both boys and girls. 

Besides the biological changes that occur during puberty, there are psychological, social and academic changes which need to be negotiated by both boys and girls.

The B.O.Y.S. program was developed in collaboration with staff from the Waterloo Region District School Board. The curriculum addresses an existing gap in resources and programs focused exclusively on boys.

The curriculum for the B.O.Y.S. program is based on a health promotion framework which strengthens social skills. Research has shown the asset or skill with the greatest gap between boys and girls is interpersonal competence. Therefore, part of the program is based on strengthening this area.

Overall outcomes of the B.O.Y.S. program include:

• Increased positive male and self-identity.
• Increased interpersonal competence including friendship skills and emotional literacy.
• Increased respect for and comfort with diversity.
• Strengthened peaceful conflict resolution skills and
• Improved planning and decision-making skills

The B.O.Y.S. Manual is suitable for teachers and community youth leaders who work with grade seven and eight boys and who are interested in facilitating a group for boys.

The curriculum and core messages of the B.O.Y.S. program consist of ten sessions:

Session #1: Who is this Boy?
Getting to know one another.
Getting to know what the group is about.

Session#2: Boys and Belonging
Expectations of the group.
Responsibility and respect.

Session #3: Don't Judge a Boy by His Cover (Part #1)
What does stereotype mean?
Negative stereotypes and positive strengths.

Session #4: Don't Judge a Boy by His Cover (Part 2)
Stereotypes
Things are not always what they seem.

Session#5: Below the Surface of a Boy
Emotions and feelings.

Session #6: A Boy's Hike of Life
Peaks and valleys in life
What helps you get through?

Session #7: Boys and Stress
What is stress?
Sources of support.

Session #8: Boys and Role Models
Role model discussion.
Guest Speaker

Session #9: Boys and Buddies
Communication
Resolving conflict.

Session#10: Many Ways to Be a Boy
Celebration and reflection. 

If you have questions or need more information about the B.O.Y.S Program, or would like to purchase a compact disc of the program manual, please call the Community and Elementary School Supports Unit at 519-883-2003