Members of the Campo Y Leaders Club celebrate their time together following an overnight “lock in” event last year during which club members learned about the programs, the vision for the group, played games and selected teen leaders for the event.
There is no doubt that area Y facilities pride themselves on opening their doors to offer a variety of programs designed to build a healthy body and mind.
While many identify the Y with fitness, increasing attention is on its goal to provide well-rounded educational activities to all members of the community.
One of the programs getting the attention of parents is the Y’s Leaders Club, a program for teens that demonstrate outstanding leadership skills.
Led by Campo Y volunteer Chuck Ammons, Leaders Club is designed for teens 12-18 to provide them with skills that the Y believes are the most important components of leadership.
“Our Leaders’ Club helps to develop the full potential of our teenagers and to prepare them to make a difference in the world around them,” Ammons said. “Each week, we have an interactive ‘themed’ meeting to address various facets of leadership and influence.”
Programs include Soul Week, Community Week and Spirit Week, which focuses on character development, through promoting values like integrity, honesty and respect.
Ammons also mentioned “Body Week,” which directs the attention to health and fitness, while encouraging the young leaders to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Leaders Club participants also have the opportunity to earn a spot at the Blue Ridge Leaders’ School in Blue Ridge, North Carolina next summer.
The club meets every Tuesday night at the Campo Y from 7-8 p.m. Club members must maintain a 2.5 GPA and complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer community service per year. While a Y membership is not required there is a $30 annual fee.
Ammons, who also serves as chair for the Youth Development Committee for the Y, co-leads the club and its programs with the aid of Rily Scaife, a long-time Y volunteer and now employee.
“I love that the Y provides an environment for teenagers in our community to find self-confidence and actually invest in them to make a difference today,” Ammons said. “Where else can parents drop their child off for an hour a week and see them trained to find confidence in public speaking or character development.”
For more information, please visit www.tampaymca.org or call Mindy Anderson at 684-1371.
