By: Lauren Stables, Program Manager of the 6-week Summer Leadership Development Program
It has been an exciting summer for 45 students in Philadelphia who participated in a 6 week intensive summer Leadership Development Program. Last Friday, thirty students from Germantown HS & Martin Luther King HS as well as students from Bok Technical & South Philadelphia HS relied on each other 30 ft off the ground for the last time this summer. Each week was surrounded around a theme in which students engaged in active discussions, problem solving, high adventure and service projects throughout the Philadelphia area. It was a great way for students to discover their potential and learn from each other on topics ranging from conflict resolution tools to building trust with their peers and developing positive ways to communicate with those around them. Once a week students got an opportunity to participate in high adventure activities such as ziplining, kayaking and rock climbing or serve their community through service projects at Philadelphia Urban Creators, Philabundance & Awbury Arboretum. Students who participated in the 6 week program will act as student ambassadors for Martin Luther King High School and South Philadelphia High School promoting leadership, and open communication with their peers and supporting each other through the upcoming school’s transition. Students had a chance to engage their fellow and future classmates in meaningful discussions about what it means to be a positive leader in Philadelphia no matter who their school mascot was last year.
