The WINGS Creed

All of these things are why I fly high.

Each day at WINGS, the staff and kids state our Creed together, but it’s so much more than a manifesto recited by rote or posted on the wall.

We’re amazed at the dance steps and rhythmic moves the kids keep improvising during daily renditions. The Creed has come alive in a way we never anticipated when youth leaders dreamed it up during a staff retreat.

The Creed has become a shorthand serving as a powerful reminder that kids readily comprehend. It encapsulates the key principles of social and emotional learning in catchy language. It reinforces our teaching in structured group activities and informal, teachable moments.

It helps staff and kids align everyday actions with the 30 learning objectives that are the basis of the comprehensive social and emotional education we provide at WINGS, woven throughout fresh and fun activities.

The WINGS Creed

I soar with WINGS. Let me tell you why.
I learn lots of skills that help me reach the sky.

I love and accept who I am on the inside
and know my emotions are nothing to hide

Life’s full of surprises that make me feel different ways.
If I can control myself, I will have much better days.

I understand the choices I make should be what’s best for me to do,
and what happens is on me and not any of you.

I understand others are unique. I want to learn more about everyone I meet.
I want to step into their shoes and see what they are going through.

I am a friend. I support and trust. Working together is a must.

Kind and caring I will be. I listen to you. You listen to me.

I soar with WINGS. I just told you why.
All of these things are why I fly high.

Tips for Teaching the WINGS Creed

• Pick the ones that work for you!
• Pick one stanza to memorize each week
• Create movements that go with the words
• As you help kids (and adults!) memorize The Creed, be sure to explain what the words mean. Give age appropriate examples.
• Have kids draw pictures for each stanza; pictures sometimes help with memorization.
• Each week, add the new stanza to the “already learned” stanzas.
• Have a contest to see who can recite the most stanzas.
• Put the stanza of the week on the fridge.
• Give feedback all week long for the stanza the family is working on. Example: Tucker – I really liked it when you asked your brother how his soccer game went. You were using the part of The Creed that says, “I want to learn more about everyone I meet” – even your brother!
• Sing The Creed in the car.

Send us what works for you so we can pass it along!