Teens trumpet leadership camp
By LEROY STANDISH/Staff Writer

VICTORVILLE — It's not the same being a kid these days.

The world zips by at a pace spurred on by fiber optics, space travel, Internet, mobile phones, video games, and a myriad of other technological advances that most parents could never have imagined when they were young. There is no magic formula to stand tall in such a hectic world. The same morals, values and time-tested virtues that helped all those over 20 make it through their teenage years are the same things that will propel the next generation into the future.

Sometimes, though, that tried and true message gets lost in the white-capped wash of modern urbanism. In an effort to help build a firm foundation for today's emerging youth, Rotary District 5300 sent 22 High Desert 13 year olds to the annual Teen Leadership Camp in Idylwild on Veteran's Day weekend. At a cost of $250 for each teenager — paid by Rotary — the three-day event strived to bolster teen pride, stressed goal setting and keeping a positive outlook on life.

And just what does make a good leader? "Not listening to your mental heckler," said George Crosby, a student at Hook Junior High.

Apple Valley middle school student Brandon Ryan finished Crosby's thought: "You just have to not care what other people think of you."

The message imparted at camp was not just about being a stronger person, but becoming a better person through helping others, Kaitlin Unferdor, a Lewis Center for Academic Excellence student.

Aaron J.H. Walker
Staff Photographer
Kaitlin Unferdor, center, laughs with fellow Teen Leadership Camper Kimberly Hanley, left, as the group arrived back in Victorville.

Students participated in workshops, seminars and rallies, but the highlight of the trip was motivational speaker Scott Greenburg.

"He was amazing," Hook Junior High School student, Olivia Ribera, said. "After hearing everything that he said I feel so much more positive about everything."

The High Desert Coordinator of the Rotary, Darryl Evey, has seen the results of the Teen Leadership Camp firsthand. "They learned how to lead themselves, how to deal with peer pressure and not to be afraid of their image," he said. "The kids that have been to the camp in the past they have come back later and they say this has been a life changing experience for them."

To learn more about Rotary and the annual Teen Leadership Camp, which is for eighth graders only, call Evey at 985-0726.

LeRoy Standish may be reached at 951-6277 or lstandish@vvdailypress.com.

Teens trumpet leadership camp By LEROY STANDISH/Staff Writer

Teens trumpet leadership camp
By LEROY STANDISH/Staff Writer