Leadership retreat provides voices for youth in community
Community Youth in Action held it’s 14th annual “TRAPPED Leadership Retreat” this week. 60 kids, ages 14-19, were given a platform to have a voice in their family, school, and community.
“How to be the best them they could possibly be,” said Becky Leatham, the youth program director for C’YA.
TRAPPED stands for “Teens Rising Above Peer Pressure Every Day.”
“We encourage them to come without their friends,” Leatham said. “They can make new friends with people that they might have had nothing in common with. It teaches them the really great skill of not judging people based on what they see, but loving people for who they are.”
This weeks conference had the youth participating in creative, educational and social activities.
“The fun things we’re doing are just showing kids that they can just go out and have fun,” said Erika Wohlschlegel, a volunteer chaperone who has been a part of TRAPPED for all 14 years. “They don’t have to use drugs or alcohol to have a good time and also showing them the importance of giving back to your community and service.”
Saturday, teens went around Idaho Falls to take part in “The Incredible Pursuit.” Groups got different points for doing things in the community. Tasks included things like rolling down a hill at Freeman Park, walking a dog and hugging a tree.
“Seeing all the good things that need to be done,” said 17-year-old, Dean Halverson. “We picked up cigarette butts and we gave random strangers hugs that looked like they needed them. That’s what always fills me with joy is doing that for them.”
The kids appreciate being able to do things for their community because it helps them grow.
“I got offered an opportunity to make new encouraging, positive friends and that’s what really turned me on to the idea because I needed better surroundings for myself,” said 16-year-old, Pearce Jorgensen.
Those who took part in TRAPPED were able to see what fun things they can do around town.
“If you open your eyes up, open your ears up, get real creative, you can make the best time out of the littlest things,” Jorgensen said. “Such as a random hill at a park. Let’s just go roll down it.”
Organizers of TRAPPED and C’YA hope that the event this week will inspire and impact the teens for years to come.
“They will be great leaders in our community,” Leatham said. “They will be showing up and doing service all year in the community, making a difference and showing people who they really are.”
Kids will be at Compass Academy in Idaho Falls at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday to share their experience and what they learned at this weeks retreat. C’YA invites the whole community to come out and show support.
