Living
Students learning leadership through camp
Saturday, 23 June 2012 by Matthew Girard
A student rides the zip line into the pool at the Morgan’s Point Resort Community Center on Monday. On Monday, 34 children, ages 12-16, began the week-long “Camp Challenge,” which teaches children about leadership through different challenges.The Morgan's Point Resort Community Center and Pool were flooded with laughter and excitement as the MPR Police Department-sponsored "Camp Challenge" kicked off its third year on Monday.
The annual camp is a week-long event for children ages 12-16 to learn about leadership through outdoor activities, with this year's camp featuring 34 participants.
During the first day, the children went through an orientation session and then tried their hands at a zip line set in the pool.
"This year, we've added a few more programs," Camp Challenge Director Fred Ybanez said. "The support has been really great as always and it keeps getting bigger and bigger every year."
Along with the addition of the zip line, this year's camp also features new programs such as a demonstration by Sit Means Sit Dog Obedience instructors and kayaking. The camping out portion of the camp at Oakmont park was also extended.
During the camp, participants learn how to avoid drowning, how to use a compass, build rope bridges and use team work to navigate Fort Hood's Leadership Reaction Course.
"One of the things we emphasize is leadership, teamwork and self discipline," Ybanez said. "Their generation needs to understand that they will be making decisions and to help, we want them to start right here."
Camp Challenge also features instructors from active military personnel to members of the MPR Police Department.
"We challenge them to overcome their fears," Ybanez said. "But the kids are having fun and that's what it is about."
The camp will conclude at noon on Friday with a graduation ceremony at the MPR Public Safety Center.
For more information about Camp Challenge, call Fred Ybanez at (254) 702-7296 or visit www.camp-challenge.org.
