Leadership La Porte County recently completed its 9th annual Summer Leadership Camp for middle school students. The camp was held at Kesling Park during the first week of August 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. Students were nominated by their school to participate in the program. The camp was funded, in part, by grants received from Nipsco and Tri Kappa of La Porte.
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 Jim Jessup, Fire Chief Andy Snyder, and Sheriff John Boyd also joined the campers for a special activity on the final day of camp, where teams produced visual displays of iconic La Porte County landmarks using recycled materials.
“We are proud of the camp participants for giving up a week of their summer to focus on leadership skill development. The concepts learned at camp provide a framework for personal growth, confidence, and skill-building.” Komasinski said. “Camp activities are designed to provide experiential learning of key concepts such as team-building, personal responsibility, self-confidence and respect for others. Our hope is that students will use this knowledge to become engaged citizens and leaders within their schools and communities.” 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, servant leadership 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 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 Blair Milo, the La Porte 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.