Fort Myers YMCA “Leaders” Invited to North Carolina

Teenagers involved with the Fort Myers YMCA’s Leaders Club have received an invitation to attend a national YMCA summer school program in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

There are five teens from Fort Myers who will join 600 other students from June 16 – June 23 at the Blue Ridge Leaders School. The program is focused on teen leadership development, physical education and community involvement.  Each day the teens complete five core classes relating to YMCA programs & philosophy, character development, physical education, and volunteerism.  At the end of the week, they complete competency exams to pass the school.  Each night, all of the teens will participate in all-school activities that encourage positive peer interaction and physical fitness. 

“I’m so proud of our kids and excited for them to get this opportunity,” said Lisa Weaver, the YMCA’s senior program director who oversees Leaders Club. “It’s a rigorous program – not camp – and they’ll learn so much.”    

In order to be selected to attend, the Fort Myers Leaders Club participants had to complete a minimum of 120 volunteer hours with the Y this program year and be able to perform specific physical requirements like push-ups, sit-ups and a shuttle run. 

Expenses for the trip are mostly covered, but the group is still seeking sponsorship donations up to $1,200 to pay for travel costs. To make a donation to the trip, contact Lisa Weaver at 239-275-9622 or lisaw@fortmyersymca.org.

Enrollment for Leaders Club is open from July through September and January through March. Leaders Club is open to teens who want to make an impact in their schools, in their community and within themselves. They have adult advisers and mentors who join in at weekly meetings held at the Fort Myers YMCA.

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About the South County Family Y

The South County Family Y is a leading nonprofit that is strengthening Southwest Florida communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our Y is an intergenerational hub where men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – find the support to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our communities' health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in Venice, Englewood, Fort Myers and Bonita Springs for more than 30 years, our Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.