B Kathy Ferniany

Sun Staff Writer

SPANISH FORT — The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership program, now in its fourth year, began with a six hour open retreat Sunday at Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church

Thirty-seven students, from the area of Week’s Bay to Blakeley, who are enrolled in high schools or private schools, or are being home-schooled were admitted to the seven month program.

The Youth Leadership Program began in 2003. It is a four-point leadership development program which focuses on the following areas: community awareness, leadership skill development, small group community service projects and volunteer opportunities.

Goals include respect, real-life problem solving, community issues, stewardship of community resources and the environment and integrity.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce encourages students to make a difference. Carolyn Walthall is the Youth Leadership Program Administrator for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.

“We believe there is a leader in everybody,” Walthall said.

And, she said there are different facets to leadership, such as community involvement, and not all leaders have the highest grades. The program intends to have a lot of diversity in students, by school, age, gender and race. This diversity is more representative of what the adult population is like, she said. People have different values and perspectives so it is important to teach students how to interact in community settings, Walthall said.

Students are taught by facilitators, including Joanie Stephen, who instructs students on how to analyze their own learning styles, personalities and mode of operation in handling conflicts. Ramona Hill teaches students how to get to know each other, how to interact with others and how to develop strong communication skills.

Seminar days, usually once a month, focuses on different topics to increase community awareness in the students. Hank Burch, manager of 5 Rivers — Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, will be the facilitator when students participate in the Alabama red belly turtle rescue at the facility.

Students will also tour a “green” home and will discuss waste water management. Students will participate in a low ropes course at Camp Beckwith. And, to help the students visualize what is necessary for a sustainable community, they are given a drawing of a three-legged stool. Each leg representing a different issue, to include economic development, social equality and the environment. If one leg is longer or shorter, it will throw the other two issues off balance.

Application to the program is open to any high school student, as students are not nominated by teachers or schools to attend. A reference letter from an adult, but not a family member, regarding the student’s ability to work with others must accompany the application.

The application period is in April for the following September. Students must also attend a 10 minute interview with the selection committee.

The applications are blind judged. In April, the closing retreat and graduation includes presentation of certificates and presentation of the small group community projects.

Applications can be picked up in April from both Fairhope or Daphne Chamber of Commerce offices, area libraries or school guidance offices. For more information, contact Walthall at 621-0440.