Last month, 86 teens in joined us at Camp Sealth for our 2015 Teen Leadership Retreat. All of our teens brought their enthusiasm for leadership to the event as camp songs filled the air!

Teens participated in a variety of workshops that ranged in topics, including leadership styles, emotional intelligence, the basics of working with children, conflict resolution, team building, and resume, cover letters, and job application skills. Teens also participated in camp favorites, such as archery, arts and crafts, yoga, theater and music workshops, and the event culminated with an all camp talent show, and we had some very talented teen leaders among us!

Each evening, our teens gathered for a short reflection and closing activity centered around a topic closely tied to our Camp Fire mission. On Saturday evening, teens heard from Summer Camp Director Carrie Kishline about our commitment to inclusion at Camp Sealth and in Camp Fire. Teens discussed their personal experiences in small groups, and learned how Camp Fire strives to include youth of all abilities and backgrounds throughout our various programs. On Sunday evening, teens heard from Teen Program Manager Rebecca Bobko about Camp Fire’s commitment to connecting youth to the environment. Teens then discussed how connecting to the environment has impacted their own lives, and how Camp Sealth and Camp Fire play a vital role in providing youth with access to the natural world in our camping programs as well as in our Outdoor Education program.

Teens headed home Monday morning after a packed weekend, and 45 teens joined us for a service project through the United Way’s MLK Day of Service in Seattle.

Thank you to our teen attendees for your enthusiasm, and thank you to the more than 20 adult volunteers who staffed our event!