This year, the Ventura Family YMCA will join more than 3 million youths in more than 38 countries for the nation's largest celebration of character. Character Counts! Week will be recognized this week and will highlight the six pillars of character throughout the Ventura Family YMCA branch and its child-care sites.

The foundation of Character Counts! was established to promote and teach the six pillars of character. Today, it is the most widely implemented approach to character education, reaching millions of youths through thousands of affiliated schools, agencies and organizations. No matter what your political or religious affiliation, this event is all about the universal values that we share: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

To kick off the week, the branch announced its first Character Counts! award recipient, Jane Winter, who has dedicated more than 15 years of service to the YMCA.

"Jane is such an amazing role model. Her high energy and friendly personality just rubs off on you, and she makes you want to be a better person," said Amber Stevens, aquatics director.

To continue its celebration, the Ventura Family YMCA will host a variety of activities and programs at the main branch.

"This is just one week that represents what we focus on all year long, and that's incorporating the six pillars of character in every program, every relationship and every event that we have here at the Ventura Family YMCA," said Margo Byrne, executive director. "Focusing on character development is how we continue to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in Ventura."

At each Ventura YMCA child-care site, children will celebrate one pillar of character each day. To celebrate, students will write kindness letters recognizing their peers' qualities and strengths, as well as learning how to express compliments to one another. Students will be involved in activities such as creating a book of fairness that will display written examples and artwork, learning how to make responsible choices, creating a collage of civic responsibilities and role playing to teach trustworthiness and respect.

Awards will also be handed out for good citizenship, most improved student, and the Character Counts! essay contest winner. The week will wrap up Oct. 26 with 200 students from all child-care sites participating in a graduation ceremony at the Ventura Family YMCA's main branch. Students will receive diplomas and Character Counts! bracelets to signify their completion of "Character Counts College."

Character development is also the focus of one of the Y's popular teen programs, Youth and Government. The program incorporates the six pillars of character, with a focus on the trait citizenship. The Y's Youth and Government program dates back to the late 1930s and attracts teens from all across California. Teens are able to meet with their local delegation throughout the year to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens. The program culminates with the teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating legislation on the floor of the state Capitol in Sacramento.

To find out more about all YMCA activities, visit www.venturaymca.org or call 642-2131.

— Amy Bailey is senior director of marketing and programs at the Ventura Family YMCA.