This start-up guide for instructors and helpers provides written information and a video tutorial that overviews session structure and accompanying documents. It provides tips for teaching these plug-and-play lessons (sessions) with ease while creating meaningful, positive culture-building experiences. 

Builds confidence, respectful communication, connection, positive culture, and teamwork while explaining mental health and life skills and how these can make the difference between difficult and empowered lives. The fun game allows students to practice following directions and having positive, affirming interactions with other kids they may not know in a group setting and/or with their instructor(s). Outlines session flow and life skill benefits of feeling prepared, optimistic, worthy, empowered to be equal, and resilient under pressures faced growing up today (the PowerUp acronym). 

Explores what good, healthy self-esteem looks and feels like, where it comes from, how it is very different from harmful entitlement, and how youth can start or continue building it. Explains how things such as empathy for others, self-compassion, recognizing strengths, valuing diversity, social engagement, optimism, and standing up for oneself and others feed self-esteem. 

Reveals common stressful exposures that can reduce self-esteem, which are termed self-esteem breakers. Reframes things that may seem to support positive self-views but are unlikely sources of lasting self-esteem (e.g., body image, appearance, popularity), and things that may make us feel good temporarily but then lead to harm. Encourages ways to feel more in control, be optimistic and resilient, seek help, and not allow people or events to degrade self-worth. Ends with a brief review of self-esteem builders and sources of strength from session 1.