Nonprofit attracts students from Folsom to Tahoe for summer program

While many students were taking a break from school over the summer break, nearly 50 Hands4Hope - Youth Making ADifference participants invested part of their summer in becoming stronger leaders and making a difference in their communities. Participants came from all over, from Folsom to South Lake Tahoe, and included many youth who had not met or worked together before. During three-day Middle and High School Leadership Camps, participants practiced the skills they will use to lead Hands4Hope Clubs and After-School Committees throughout the new school year. Project Coordinators said through interactive workshops, mock meetings, team challenges and plenty of fun, they strengthened their communication, goal-setting, teamwork and facilitation skills. Experienced youth leaders appointed to the Hands4Hope Youth Board Executive Committee helped manage the camps alongside Education Program staff, giving camp participants the opportunity to learn directly from their peers."I had the pleasure of helping lead both the Middle and High School camps for my second summer," shared Adi Laufer, Hands4Hope Youth Board Public Relations Coordinator, and a junior at Folsom High School. "Although I am the one 'teaching' others, I am learning so much along the way. I get to see quieter leaders step outside their comfort zones, find their voices and truly shine. Helping my peers feel connected and prepared to turn their ideas into a difference in their communities is truly magical."Students who would like to participate in Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference on-campus clubs led by these trained youth under the guidance of Hands4Hope Staff Mentors, can apply now by visiting Hands4Hope's website. Middle school club sites include: Camerado Springs, Edwin Markham, Herbert Green, Marina Village, Pleasant Grove, Rolling Hills, and South Tahoe Middle Schools. High school club sites include: El Dorado, Oak Ridge, Ponderosa, South Tahoe High, and Union Mine.Hands4Hope After-School Committees operate on a seasonal and project basis, and the next committees to open for applications will be in September: Winter Boutique Committee and Empty Bowls Committee. These committees are open to 6th-12th grade youth from anyschool/homeschool.