From Across the Country, Young People Arrive at NYLT

By Siddharth Damania
NYLC Youth Advisory Council

From across the country, 48 high school students converged on Sandstone, Minn., for what many of them called one of the best weeks of their lives. The event was The National Youth Leadership Training, held July 16-23, 2006, at the Audubon Center of the North Woods.

Youths came from across the United States — including New York City, California, South Dakota, and locations in the Pacific Northwest — representing numerous racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Each person came with his or her own talents and perspectives and left an indelible mark on the rest of the group — sharing their cultures, building leadership skills, and drawing up plans to serve their communities.

Immersed in a group so diverse, dynamic, and accepting, these high school students were transformed into a community that crossed the racial, economic, and social boundaries that divide society. "Putting such unique people together in a group was amazing," said one participant. "I will never forget it." Another student recalled, "What made NYLT such a great experience was the fact that the community we had built was accepting of every single person."

Through a series of simulations, workshops, team adventures, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cultural nights, the students learned more about themselves and the world around them. They challenged themselves physically with a mini-marathon and traveled to local communities to engage in Pursuit of Excellence service projects. To conclude their experience, they designed their own service projects to implement in their home communities.

Siddharth Damania is a member of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council and was a staff member at the 2006 National Youth Leadership Training.