Some people
are natural-born leaders, while others need a little encouragement to step into
those roles. For certain, it is critical for teens today to develop real
leadership skills that will help them excel in today’s increasingly complex
environment. The 2013 LEAD program offers just such an opportunity for rising
10th, 11th and 12th graders in Calvert, Charles
and St. Mary’s Counties and the deadline is fast approaching.
Entering its
fourth year, this teen leadership workshop, sponsored by Leadership Southern
Maryland and a bevy of local supporters, gives young adults a chance to meet
and collaborate with peers from throughout their regional community, learn and
apply social and critical thinking skills, and, of course, also have a fun and
memorable summer experience.
The three
night/ four day residential program is housed at beautiful St. Mary’s College
of Maryland in Historic St. Mary’s City, giving students a chance to experience
life on a college campus. LEAD is facilitated by Maryland Leadership Workshops
with an experienced staff of young professionals with various leadership
backgrounds in education, youth services, business, law, and student
organizations. These mentors lead the delegates through hands-on workshops,
engaging activities and thought-provoking group projects.
With the
focus on leadership, experience, advocacy and discipline, LEAD offers teens the
tools to not only realize their own potential and strengthen positive life
skills, but to challenge them in the way they think about and take ownership of
their communities.
Blind
registration allows for a group of young people from diverse cultures and
socio-economic backgrounds to come together as individuals, but graduate LEAD
as part of a collaborative community. For many, the LEAD experience is a
transforming one and marks the beginning of the participation, passion and
innovation the teens will bring back to their own counties.
Last year’s
graduates shared the impact LEAD had on them on the group’s blog and Facebook
page.
Leonardtown
High School senior Nelson Gorrick will attend the Naval Academy and said, “The
LEAD program made me better at setting and attaining goals, improving my
communication skills and fine-tuning my group-work skills.”
Charles
County’s Caroline Haddaway is a field
hockey, co-captain, member of the robotics team, active member of best buddies
and was instrumental in establishing an anti-bullying Stand for the Silent club
in her school. She shared, “The skills I learned during my last two summers in
the LEAD program have really
helped me focus and take matters into my own hands. I am more confident in
setting goals for myself and my accomplishments have served to better myself
and also my community.”
Jared Kimmey,
a Great Mills High School junior, said, “LEAD has not only helped improve my
overall leadership skills but it has also helped me open up to people faster.”
He, like many
other delegates formed longstanding friendships across county lines and
continue to reap the benefits from their LEAD experience, as do their
respective communities.
Engaging
directly in a unique community service project, participants take part in LEAD
on the Waterfront, a collaborative project with the St. Mary’s River Watershed
Association educating and taking action on oyster restoration in the Chesapeake
Bay.
Teens will
find this to be a summer experience like no other, with plenty of time for
relaxation and reflection to accompany the rigor of this transformative
program.
The
application and registration deadline is May 1, 2013. Visit www.leadsomd.org
for more information and to apply. Applications are accepted via online or
standard mail.
Cost of $375
includes room, board, tuition and fees. A limited number of scholarships are
available. Have
additional questions? Call 240-725-5469 or email leadsomd@verizon.net.
