Leadership La Porte County proudly completed its Summer Leadership Camp for middle school students at Creek Ridge County Park. This enriching program brought together students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades from across La Porte County to develop their leadership skills and build positive character traits. The camp was made possible through generous grants from the Health Foundation of La Porte and the City of Michigan City Mayor’s Empowerment Fund.

Monica Komasinski, Executive Director of Leadership La Porte County, spearheaded the camp with the invaluable support of several dedicated community volunteers. "We are incredibly proud of these students for dedicating part of their summer to enhancing their leadership abilities," Komasinski said. "The lessons learned at camp form a solid foundation for personal growth, confidence, and skill-building. Through activities focused on experiential learning, students grasp key concepts such as team building, personal responsibility, self-confidence, and respect for others. Our ultimate goal is for them to apply this knowledge to become engaged citizens and leaders in their schools and communities."

A standout feature of this year's camp was the exceptional volunteerism demonstrated by Leadership Board members and the 40th class members. The final day of camp was marked by visits from special guests including La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, and Michigan City Police Chief Marty Corley.

The leadership training does not end with summer. Throughout the school year, students will continue their development through meetings and activities centered on community engagement, volunteerism, philanthropy, servant leadership, and civic responsibility. Selected students will participate in Youth to Youth (Y2Y), a program that educates young people about the grant-making process for youth projects in La Porte County. Funded by the Unity Foundation of La Porte County, Y2Y is an essential initiative promoting youth philanthropy.

“The potential of youth in our community is an invaluable resource,” Komasinski emphasized. “We are deeply grateful for the support of the Unity Foundation, the Health Foundation of La Porte, and Mayor Angie’s Youth Empowerment program. Over the past 16 years, our program has positively impacted hundreds of middle school students throughout La Porte County. It offers crucial positive activities and messages to an age group in need of both.”

For more information about the programs and services available for youth, please contact Leadership La Porte County at 219-325-8223 or info@leadershiplaportecounty.com.