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Growing Forward. Together. 💛

Because people need spaces and places where they belong.

We create spaces where children, youth, and families build confidence, resilience, connection, and hope.

With your support, we can make these spaces possible — and bring them to more communities.

Support the work and help create places where people belong for generations to come.

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WHO WE ARE

ABOUT KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Back in the day, people lived in small communities composed of several families and children developed freely through play in mixed-age groups. We have lost the mixed-age learning environment in our current culture, and children need experiences in mixed age groups to understand their own development, develop perspective-taking abilities and form healthful identities. For nearly 4 decades, we have become experts for creating a safe, facilitated, mixed-age environment where children, teens and the whole family thrive. Kids in the Spotlight (KITS), created and overseen by Developmental Psychology MA Denise Goldbeck alongside her son, PHD candidate, Jacob Goldbeck and a their competent youth leadership team, have hosted Kids in the Spotlight in venues all over the world, with their primary summer programing being hosted at the beautiful Haven Institute on Gabriola Island BC.

Transformative
Programs Through
Mixed-aged play!

Evidence-based one-of-a-kind programming where children and
youth of all ages work and play as a group to mount a fun and rewarding musical production, which results in personal growth, leadership experience, and lifelong friendships.
Our programs
what we offer

OUR THREE PROGRAMS

All Stages Education Foundation – Programs
KITS

Kids in the
Spotlight

In locations across Canada and internationally, children and youth of all ages experience the magic of creating their own healing and educational culture together. For 5 days at a time, KITS groups create musical productions that act as vehicles for awe-inspiring development. Register today for the next 5-day adventure!

Learn More
2026 Dates
Spring Break: March 22–27, 2026
KITS #1 – July 5–10, 2026 Waitlist
KITS #3 – July 19–24, 2026Waitlist
KITS #4 – July 26–31, 2026Waitlist
KITS #5 – Aug 2–7, 2026 Waitlist
LAUNCH

Launch: Youth
Led Leadership

LAUNCH is a youth leadership program where teens and young adults learn to lead through play, mentorship, and real-life experience. Working alongside younger participants in our KITS program, youth discover their leadership style, build confidence, and become part of a vibrant, multi-age community.

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2026 Upcoming Dates
June 28 – July 3, 2026 – Launch 1
July 12–17, 2026 – Launch 2
FITS

Families in
the Spotlight

Families in the Spotlight brings the KITS magic to the whole family. Parents and children create and perform together, building connection, communication, and lasting memories through the power of music and theatre.

Learn More
2026 Upcoming Dates
FITS – Aug 9–14, 2026

Kids Participated

Unique Programs

Years in Operation

Countries Participating

wondering about something?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Age Range?

Age ranges for Kids in the Spotlight – age 4 – 12 or 13. There is room for a few young children – usually siblings of participants – to join in with a caregiver in the room. The young children or Kin Kids move in and out of the program. This helps prepare them for daycare, pre-school or kindergarten. Children aged 4 sometimes join in fully. 

At age 13, most children are ready for Launch: Youth Leadership. Some participants want to take KITS for and extra year and opt to join Launch at age 14. Launch participants are generally aged 13 to 18. As participants become 19 they usually graduate to join the leadership team that learns to run the programs. 

In Families in the Spotlight (FITS) the age range includes everyone! Babies and grandparents come together in a fun program lead by our wonderful team. Bring your whole extended family or join a program with three or four other families to create life-long family memories!

As a parent, what is my involvement and what events or sessions can parents attend?

Unlike other programs where the children are dropped off, in KITS parents or caregivers (often grandparents) have an opportunity to strengthen their bonds with their children.

We invite parents and caregivers to participate in various activities throughout the program, including: 

First Night: Join us for an introduction to other families, get to know are incredible youth leadership team and enjoy some fun games. 

Caregiver Sessions: Engage in meaningful discussions on current parenting topics and learn about the unique aspects of our multi-dimensional program. 

Special Recognition Lunch: Attend this exclusive lunch the day before the show to celebrate your child’s accomplishments. 

Our Show: Don’t miss the exciting performances on the last evening of the program, followed by an after-party! 

 Final Morning Session: Join us for the final hour of reflection and connection.

Are parents expected to be with their children outside of sessions?

Yes! It’s essential for parents and caregivers to be present with their children outside of scheduled sessions. This time allows for meaningful bonding, reinforces discussions from caregiver sessions, and enhances the overall experience.

What are the evening options for children?

Older children will participate in evening sessions, while younger children have the opportunity to engage in facilitated play sessions during the evening and after lunch.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE INTERESTED IN THE PERFORMING ARTS TO COME?

We use the performing arts as a vehicle to teach social interaction skills, how to get along with family members better, how to understand more about your own development as a child and to gain confidence and overcome shyness. Sometimes children can improve their performing arts skills or get interested in the performing arts, but mostly we just have fun in a pantomime style. Our shows are comedies and no special performing skills are required.
leading the way

ABOUT ALL-STAGES EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Since 2021, the All-Stages Education Foundation has been our umbrella powering our programs. As a Canadian charitable organization, we are dedicated to providing unique and science-based youth-led leadership training for young individuals. Using the power of the performing arts as a vehicle, we create transformative learning experiences for our youth participants. Through interactive programs, adolescents and children are prepared to participate and lead in mixed-age groups, gaining valuable skills in leadership, social understanding, and self-awareness.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY