What It Is
Kids in the Spotlight (KITS) is an evidence-based 5-day performing arts retreat experience that facilitates phenomenal breakthroughs for children, youth, and their families. Founded by Denise Goldbeck using a secret recipe of developmental psychology, Satir approaches, and the performing arts KITS catalyzes awe-inspiring growth for children helping to transform the whole family.
Over the course of five unforgettable days, children and youth of all ages create and perform in a musical production. Along the way, they learn to collaborate, communicate, express themselves confidently, overcome challenges, respect themselves and others, and heal from difficult experiences. Over the course of the program, Denise leads the parents and caregivers in informative sessions where the material in the program is explained so that parents can take learning home. By the end, each child has taken a fun, inspiring and transformative journey while they parents are equipped to maintain the benefits at home.

UPCOMING KITS DATES 2024 SPRING & SUMMER
The Haven on Gabriola Island, BC
SPRING BREAK – Mar 17-22
SUMMER –
KITS 1 July 7-12
KITS 2 July 14-19
KITS 3 July 21-26
KITS 4 July 28-Aug 2
KITS 5 Aug 4-9
KITS 6 Aug 11-16
NEW VENUE: Prince George, BC
March 25-30
Testimonials
How It Works
KITS is hosted at various venues across the world, with 8 programs held annually at the Haven on Gabriola Island, B.C.
Children and youth leaders have sessions punctuated by snack and meal breaks beginning at 9:00 am in the morning ending at 8:00 pm in the evening. Evening sessions for younger children involve free play and are optional.
KITS is a family-based program and parents or guardians stay at the Haven or nearby accommodation. Parents or guardians attend the opening session on the first evening of the program, the performance on the last evening and collect their children at 11:30 am on the last day with the program ending at 12:00 noon.
Over the course of the program there are 3 one-hour sessions where Denise and youth leaders present material used in the program so that parents can bring the learning home.
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 (not the website now says “You” instead of “Youth”) leaders support the children helping the 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
LAUNCH: Taking the Next Step
Launch is a leadership program for youth, aged 13 to twenty-something, who apply their shiny new leadership skills to facilitate the KITS program.
FITS: For the Whole Family
Families in the Spotlight is a program to help whole families build stronger relationships, a better understanding of their family purpose and wonderful memories.
Our Summer Venue – Not Just For Your Kids
An experience for the whole family! Enjoy a beautiful ocean-side resort.

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 Shannon or Maureen at registrar@haven.ca 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.
Looking to Register or Ask a Question about KITS? Contact us!
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.
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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.
Gallery
Join Our Community
If you like being the first to know our KITS newsletter will keep you front of mind! Learn of upcoming events & introductory offers!
Ⓒ Kids in the Spotlight