Youth Leadership Program

2005

A lighter moment at Camp Jewell! (Click here for full photo album)

On April 8, 2005, nineteen youth leaders gathered at Nolan Field and boarded a bus for an annual Team Building Retreat at Camp Jewell, a YMCA Outdoor Center in Colebrook, Connecticut.

When they arrived at 5:30 P.M. they were greeted by two Camp Counselors who would be their Counselors for the entire weekend. They proceeded to their cabins, dropped their backpacks and began a weekend that would offer life changing experiences and memories.

They were on camp grounds for only one hour when they were launched into a dynamic hands-on learning experience. The following is a list of a few of the goals they accomplished:

  • Developed a sense of self-confidence; that emphasizes learning in several major areas-the youth were challenged by physically and mentally demanding problem solving-activities in a safe and supportive group atmosphere.
  • Enhanced a sense of trust and cooperation: They participated in the group initiative course by climbing MT WOOD, high ropes activities, group games and discussions the youth learned how to rely on their peers for safety, emotional support and positive feed back.
  • Broadened communication skills: Used group challenges and discussions participants learned how to express their ideas in a comprehensive manner while also realizing the value of active listening and accepting other ideas.
  • Learned leadership skills: Used practical experiences and discussions, participants will be made aware of leadership qualities and the role each person plays in a group. Each student was encouraged to explore leadership skills to their fullest extent.
  • Discovered and practice solving skills: Youth faced challenges that were solved either as a group or individually. The factors contributed to their successes and failures, various problem solving models and group dynamics highlighted during ensuing discussions.
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    The Counselors, O’Malley, Jacob and Matt, made use of an extensive Group Initiative Course in which each small group (8-15 participants) developed their problem solving and communication skills. The Zip Line and Vertical Playground and several climbing areas added a "Peak Experience" to the program as each of the youth relied on their own abilities and determination to accomplish their task. Debriefing sessions and discussions in which ideas were shared and examined increased the learning and helped the group relate the experiences to their lives back at home.

    Valley United way started its Youth Leadership Program in 1990. The Program’s primary purpose is to provide a vehicle by which the Valley’s future community leaders are trained and developed. The training begins in the spring with the weekend retreat at Camp Jewell. The annual retreat is an experience designed to bring the group together as a team for the first time. The training continues throughout the year, using local colleges, Youth Leadership Alumni and Valley Corporations as trainers. The sessions include such topics as conflict management, group problem solving/decision making and communication.

    Since the inception of the Program, over 350 youth have participated and allocated nearly $50,000 in funding.

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