Leadership La Porte County recently completed its 8th annual Summer Leadership Camp for middle school students. The camp was held at Kesling Park August 3rd through August 6th for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades from throughout La Porte County. The students participated in activities to teach leadership skills and positive character development. The camp was funded, in part, by grants received from Tri Kappa of La Porte and the Alcoa Foundation.
Facilitators for the camp were Alliegra Hand from the Youth Service Bureau and Monica Komasinski, Executive Director of Leadership LaPorte County. They were assisted by volunteers from the Leadership La Porte County’s adult and high school programs. Special guests Mayor Blair Milo, Fire Chief Andy Snyder and Sheriff John Boyd also joined the campers for a special activity on the final day of camp.
“We are so proud the camp participants, as they demonstrated outstanding commitment and creativity,” Komasinski said. “This year’s camp focused on key areas of character development, collaboration and community. The students excelled at understanding those concepts, as well as developing critical leadership and personal skills. Activities highlighted responsibility, communication, team-work, self-confidence and respect for others,” Komasinski added.
During the school year the students will continue their leadership training with meetings and activities that will focus on the community, volunteerism, philanthropy, and civic responsibility. As a result of a partnership with the Youth Service Bureau and the Unity Foundation of La Porte County, a select group of these students will also learn about fund-raising and grant-making for youth projects in La Porte County.
“The power of youth in our community is an important resource to tap. We are grateful for partnerships with the Youth Service Bureau and many other youth-serving organizations in La Porte County to further our mission. Organizations and individuals such as the YMCA, The LaPorte County Public Library, State Street Community Center , Mayor Milo and the City Council and Sheriff John Boyd/La Porte County Sheriff Department have been very supportive of our past programming, providing space for our meetings, and guest speakers. We appreciate their support and are always looking for new partners and resources. It is a powerful program for an age group that needs positive activities and messages,” Komasinski concluded.
For more information about the programs and services for youth, contact Leadership La Porte County at 219-325-8223 or info@leadershiplaportecounty.com.
