The NAS Whidbey Island Youth Center has adopted the Character Counts model as a behavioral standard for all the facility’s youth, staff and programs.

Character Counts was developed in 1992 when a group of youth service professionals convened to create a common language of core ethical values that transcend religious, political and socioeconomic differences. The universal values they identified, called the six pillars of character, are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

“The nice thing about the program is that it is not a curriculum; it is an outline of events and activities from which we are able to reinforce basic values and enhance communication,” explained Dave Thomason, Family Advocacy Educator for the Fleet and Family Support Center.

Character Counts is incorporated into everything the center does, all day, every day. Color-coded shirts, entryway posters and classroom displays all depict various aspects of Character Counts.

“Modeling these values with both the school-aged children and teens validates the program. Everything we do — 4H, Boys and Girls Club, First Tee — are skills for life programs. Character Counts is the umbrella for it,” said Melissa Haley, Teen Program manager.

To supplement the education, Pam Delaney, Work and Family Life Consultant at the FFSC, visits once a month to talk deployment. With her, youth and teens share feelings about their emotions surrounding deployment and what it’s like living as a military kid.

All of this one-on-one interaction and group discussion ties back into Character Counts. Each month, the staff and children at the center focus on a different character trait. January’s was fairness. February’s is responsibility. Everyone works hard throughout the month to focus on improving that particular characteristic about themselves.

“We’re noticing a big difference in the classrooms. Kids are really thinking, taking time to care about other peoples’ feelings. They help us out more and they help each other out more,” said Pamela Sada, Child and Youth Program assistant.

Character Counts and its Youth Center successes have moved beyond the building. FFSC staff is incorporating the program into their parenting classes, educating adults about Character Counts’ six pillars of values.

“That’s how we want the program to work,” Thomason explained. “It’s designed to leave here and be taken out to the community — in kids’ interactions with their local grocer, police officer and beyond. We’re not only taking care of the NAS family, but the Whidbey Island family.”