Leadership La Porte County recently completed its Summer
Leadership Camp for middle school students at Kesling Park in La Porte. Students
from throughout La Porte County entering 6th, 7th, and 8th
grades participated in activities to teach leadership skills and positive
character development. The camp was made
possible by a generous grant from the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte.
The camp was facilitated by Monica Komasinski, Executive
Director of Leadership LaPorte County, along with community volunteers, Scott
Lanoue, Amanda Chavez, Carly Levandoski, Steph Komasinski and Jim Jessup. “We
are proud of the camp participants for giving up part 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. A select group of these students will be
invited to participate in Youth to Youth (Y2Y).
Y2Y is a program to learn about the grant-making process for youth
projects in La Porte County. This program is made possible by generous financial
support from the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.
“The power of youth in our community is an important
resource to tap. We are grateful for
community partnerships with the Unity Foundation and the Healthcare Foundation
of La Porte to further our mission. Over
the past 15 years, the program has reached hundreds of middle school students. It is a powerful program for an age group
that needs positive activities and messages,” Komasinski concluded.
