I have been involved in MANY activities in my 4 years of volunteering in 4-H but none compared to JYC. My daughter was one of the youth leaders from our state. The youth leader's ages ranged from 15-18. They planned and lead all of the workshops and activities for the younger kids. The younger kids were 11 and 12 years old.
Kelsie (my daughter) was so excited to be a youth leader. She went to JYC when she was 11 and 12 and had so much fun. She instantly bonded with her youth leaders and she still emails them in college. She was looking forward to being a mentor to this group of kids.
When the youth first arrived they were shy, for some this was probably their first trip away from their families. When they left, none of them wanted to go home. They had so much fun. IT was amazing for me to watch these teenagers lead the younger kids. The adult leaders were there in case we were needed but we let the teens lead, guide and have fun with these kids. I was so proud of all of them. THey are a GREAT group of kids, giving their time to lead the younger children. They were not paid. In fact, the treats and favors for the kids were made and paid for by them, because they wanted the kids to have fun and feel apart of the group.
This group of teens gave these kids memories that will stay with them a lifetime and I was so proud to have been a part of it. I love being a leader and being able to see my daughter shine and excel using the talents that she has.
