AF teens learn teamwork, leadership skills at camp

  • Published
  • By Erin Tindell
  • Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO --  More than 80 teens from Air Force installations world-wide learned about college life, teamwork and leadership skills during a week long summer camp here July 10-15.

The Air Force Teen Leadership Camp was held at the University of Texas, San Antonio campus to expose the teens to personal development classes, such as effective communication, financial management and situational leadership. Additionally, the teens participated in rope courses and a build-a-boat challenge at nearby Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to strengthen their skills in trust and teamwork.

The camp is one of three annual summer camps hosted by Air Force Services Agency youth program officials.

"We teach courses that apply to them through their high school and college years and give them leadership tools to last a lifetime," said Lesley Darley, a school liaison officer at Robins AFB, Ga., and a previous youth director who served as one of the camp leaders. "They participate in challenges that teach them to build trust within themselves and others, and courses that force them to reach beyond their comfort zone."

The camp, in its second year, also gives teenagers a glimpse at life on a college campus, she said. They stayed in quad-style dorm rooms, ate at campus dining facilities and transitioned to classes in various buildings.

AFSVA officials also partnered with the UTSA Air Force ROTC detachment, having cadets lead the teens through early morning physical training sessions.

The teens were divided into small groups to attend classes and work on challenges together. According to the teenagers, it allowed them to learn about their similarities as military youth and each other's unique perspectives on issues.

"My favorite part was meeting different people and listening to their perspectives, which taught me a lot about leadership," said Madeline Skrocki, an upcoming junior from Joint Base Pearl-Harbor, Hawaii. "When you're a leader, you have to be careful about how you deal with others."

Throughout the week, the leaders within each group stepped forward during the challenges, said Kevin Hansen, a camp leader from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., where he's the chief of youth programs.

"The teens became a team and learned about each others' strengths and weaknesses and how to use each other to accomplish the team goals," he said.

The camp also allows teens to form friendships that continue outside of camp once they return to their installations, officials said. The teenagers use a private social networking group to network and keep in touch with each other throughout the year.

"I loved having quality time with my team and consulting with each other during the different challenges," said Cody Page, an upcoming senior from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., whose goal is to become a Navy SEAL and admiral. "I love meeting new people. The camp allows me to make friends from all over the country and different parts of the world."

For more information about Air Force Youth Programs and summer camps visit www.afyouthprograms.com or stop by a local installation youth center.