A Camp Experience Like No Other

What happens when you bring together a group of middle school students and combine experiential learning activities with the great outdoors? Friendships blossom, confidence builds, lessons are learned and so much more.

Students entering 6th, 7th and 8th grade were nominated by their schools to participate in the 5th annual Leadership LaPorte County Youth Summer Leadership camp, recently held at Kesling Park over a 4-day period. The camp was designed to bring youth together to engage in team building, leadership skill building, and problem solving activities. Approximately 40 campers participated in this year’s session and learned skills to last a lifetime.

“I was truly inspired by this year’s group of campers. The group discussions held after each activity demonstrated an incredible grasp of the lessons we had hoped to instill,“ stated Monica Komasinski, Director at Leadership LaPorte County.

Additional facilitators were Alliegra Hand, Youth Service Bureau/Leadership LaPorte County Youth Coordinator and Jim Jessup, long time community volunteer, Ruth Ambers, IU Health LaPorte Hospital, as well as selected youth from previous camp sessions also helped out with camp activities.

Youth volunteers gained experience in facilitating activities and developed leadership skills from the experience. “I enjoyed seeing how the camp participants changed from the first day to the final session. It was fun to see them learn and come together as a group,“ stated youth volunteer Austin.

Dylan, another youth volunteer agreed, “I liked to see them learn what we wanted them to. It was cool!” Lauren added, “I was really nervous. I’m kind of shy, and running the activities really helped me to come out of my shell. “

At the end of each session participants were asked to share an idea or lesson learned.

“I learned that sometimes you have to sacrifice your own ideas for the good of the team.”

“I learned that as a leader, sometimes you speak up, but if someone else has a good idea sometimes it’s better to sit back and let them take charge. We need to listen to other’s good ideas, not just push our own.”

“I learned that it takes all kinds of people to work together to make a good solution.”

“I learned to Plan my Work and Work my Plan”

“I learned to think about working with more people and finding ways to work together. We can’t be a leader if we are on our own.”

“I learned how to do a better job when I’m frustrated. We can rely on others if we listen to each other and work together.”

Camp participants continue to build skills throughout the school year with Leadership LaPorte County Youth’s programming. Sessions are held one evening per month throughout the school year with community service projects, guest speakers, and additional leadership activities.

This year’s camp was made possible by grant funding from the Heart of Cook Foundation and Tri Kappa of LaPorte.

For more information about Leadership LaPorte County youth programs, contact Monica Komasinski at 219-325-8223, or email: info@leadershiplaportecounty