Press Release: Lenawee Youth Leadership

Leadership
A scary thing, right?
Only those who have the sight
Can lead everyone to the light
So what does it take to lead?
It means YOU have to plant the seed
You must be strong
You must be courageous
You must be able
You must be vivacious
Philanthropy
That’s what we’ve learned
It means be kind, show the love
This is how you ascend above
~ Poem by Brandon, Lenawee Youth Leadership Attendee

Nationally, studies show that 60% of all adult volunteers began volunteering by the age of 14. Furthermore, teens who are not volunteering by this age may never volunteer.

A Lenawee survey of 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students documented:

  • 21% perceived that adults in the community valued youth.
  • 24% felt that they were given useful roles in our community.

If we truly believe that our youth are our future, as we often say, we cannot fail to do something about these perceptions. The Lenawee Community Foundation was compelled to act to change these sad statistics.

The Foundation and its program, Lenawee YOUTH Council, are sponsoring Lenawee Youth Leadership to nurture leadership, volunteerism and community spirit among Lenawee youth. Teens interested in positive change need to look no further than the Lenawee Youth Leadership 3-day camp.

This summer day camp will give young people the opportunity to learn more about themselves, our Lenawee County community, youth assets, leadership skills, goal setting, teamwork, communication, and creative problem solving. Lenawee Youth Leadership is for young persons who want to increase their leadership skills and have their voices heard.

Youth participate in hands-on, decision-making activities assisted by trained facilitators, including youth who have previously participated. They learn about making a difference in the lives of others, and have lots of fun along the way.

Lenawee Youth Leadership will be held on July 10, 11, and 12 at Stubnitz Environmental Education Center from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The cost is $50, however scholarships are available. Youth ages 12 – 19 are welcome to attend, however preregistration is required. A light breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

For information on Lenawee Youth Leadership, or to obtain a registration form or inquire about a scholarship, contact Paula Trentman at the Lenawee Community Foundation at 423-1729. You can also find us on Facebook.

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Written by Paula Trentman, Vice President & Program Manager, Lenawee Community Foundation.