JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Future leaders gathered in San Antonio June 22-26 for the Air Force Youth of the Year Camp to develop their leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as connect with fellow young leaders.
As part of the Boys & Girls Club of America Youth of the Year program, the week-long camp hosted YoY installation winners from 51 Air Force bases from around the world, offering participants a unique opportunity to focus on leadership.
“I’m here to gain a lot of good friendships, to gain some communication skills,” said RianSimone Harris, the 18-year-old Youth of the Year winner for Vogelweh Air Base, Germany, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Military in Europe and the BGCA Military Overseas Region Youth of the Year. “Career-wise, it will help me to apply to jobs and go into (any situation) and be more confident.”
Seventeen-year-old Andrew Brown, upcoming senior at Veteran’s High School, Warner Robins, Georgia, wanted to go to the camp to better his skills in order to improve his school and future career.
“I hope to be a better leader and take it back to my (youth program) club,” said Brown, the winner for Robins Air Force Base, Air Force in Georgia, Military in Georgia and the BGCA U.S. Southeast region. “I want to be that leader who can come in and change the situation for the better.”
The annual camp is part of a series of competitions and events under a AF-BGCA partnership to recognize and develop youth leaders. Run by Air Force Services Activity Youth Programs, the camp is packed with team building exercises, discussion and opportunities to make friends, and connects kids from all walks of life who share having strong goals for a better future.
“To be selected as the installation youth of the year, youth leaders are judged by essays they must write, academic grades and their commitment to service and healthy lifestyles,” said Stacey Young, a member of the policy division of the Headquarters Air Force Child and Youth Programs office in Washington D.C. “We really want to celebrate them and their accomplishments, and give them an opportunity to develop their leadership skills.”
While camp is designed to grow the participants, it also creates a voice to Air Force leadership to help them shape the service’s mission to take care of Air Force families.
“They can tell our leadership what we can do to make their lives better,” said Young.
Many volunteers and staff consider it a privilege to serve these young men and women.
“It’s an honor to be around these young people,” said Karen Hudson, teen coordinator for Joint Base Charleston Youth Programs. “They come ready to challenge the world. They’re going to be our future leaders.”
Those future leaders benefit from more than just opportunities like the camp. In 2014, the BGCA awarded more than $100,000 to YoY winners. Many of the 2015 winners will go on to serve as representatives of not only their bases, but of the BGCA and Air Force in their respective regions. Above all, they consider themselves honored to be chosen as Youth of the Year.
“I’m learning how to be a leader,” said Brown. “You can help people, to better them, and make a better difference in society.”