kids iN
THE SPOTLIGHT
Kids in the Spotlight (KITS) is an evidence-based 5-day performing arts retreat that facilitates fun and educational outcomes for children, youth, and their families.
Founded by Denise Goldbeck, KITS combines developmental psychology, Satir methods, and the performing arts to spark awe-inspiring growth in children and positively impact the entire family.
Upcoming Dates
The Haven on Gabriola Island, BC
Spring 2026
KITS Spring Break – March 22-27, 2026
Summer 2026
WHAT TO expect
Over the course of five unforgettable days, children and youth of all ages collaborate to create and perform in a musical production. Through this journey, they will:
- Learn to communicate and express themselves confidently
- Work collaboratively to overcome challenges that come with putting on a show
- Experience membership in a mixed aged group
- Explore difficult experiences and try on unfamiliar emotions through characters played through. Practice perspective taking by playing characters that have a wide range of experiences and challenges
Meanwhile, parents and caregivers participate in guided sessions led by Denise, where they explore the program’s principles to carry the learning home. By the end of the program, each child embarks on an inspiring, transformative journey, and parents are equipped with tools to sustain these benefits in everyday life.
Activities that
build confidence COMMUNICATION
AND COLLABORATION
The group creates a child-led, child-centered culture through playing games and creating the show. Children are cast in roles, tailored to them, according to which roles will benefit them the most. A complex story board is created to support cognitive and reading skills. Emotional regulation skills are woven into the mix. Youth leaders support the children helping them to develop self-confidence and social skills. Fun is had by all!
kits kids GAIN
- Self-awareness
- Increased confidence
- Increased poise
- Greater social understanding
- Increased social interaction skills
- Leadership ability
- Enhanced family relationships
- Improved academic performance
- Increased ability to hold attention
- Sense of belonging
- Understanding of one’s own development
- Ability to participate in small and large groups
- Ability to participate in mixed-age groups
- Learn to scaffold and be scaffolded by others
Looking to APPLY?
EXPLORE OUR Other programs
THE HAven
Denise Goldbeck has been leading Kids in the Spotlight at the Haven since 1987. The Haven Institute is an accredited educational training center that offers courses in personal and professional development, focusing on communication, relationships, and self-understanding.
Families attending KITS book rooms and meals with the Haven. To book your room and meals contact the registrar at [email protected] or call 1-800-222-9211 ext 1.
The program takes place in the famous Phoenix Auditorium, a spacious yet child-sized facility – perfect for the energetic and theatrical nature of the program.
Visit The Haven’s Website
want to bring KITS TO
YOUR COMMUNITY?
When counselor and Developmental Psychology MA Denise Goldbeck created KITS, she wanted to use the performing arts as a vehicle for awe-inspiring child and youth development. And 35 years and 5,000 program graduates later, the evidence-based KITS experience is transforming lives across the planet.
But is it missing from your community?
Join the KITS movement by inviting this programme to your city or town. The KITS “formula”— powerful development, learning, and leadership experiences through the performing arts for mixed age groups of children and youth—works well in many formats. Whether you want the classic KITS 5-day retreat experience or an after-school program, the benefits will still look the same—and they will be awesome!
Help kids and youth in your community to develop confidence, social skills, well-being, and harmonious relationships with family and friends.
how IT
COULD WORK
KITS is about creating community—and that can happen anywhere. The KITS programme is flexible and works well in a number of different formats. Here are only a few approaches we could try:
The classic 5-day approach
If your community has the right kind of facility, we could run the program the way we usually do: as a 5-day retreat for parents and kids. (See above for an overview of how that works.)
A day camp
Is there a church or a community center in your community that could host a day camp? We could get the group together for a weekend, a day, or whatever works.
An after-school program
The KITS experience makes for an amazing after-school program, where kids can have fun, create deeper friendships, and learn about themselves after class is dismissed.
PROUDLY Supported by
