NYLC Holds First Camp Reunion
Fifty or so spirited camp alumni representing its more than 20-year history gathered for an evening of memories, service, and celebration with NYLC staff at the St. Paul, Minn. offices Feb. 26, braving ice-covered roads and uncertain forecasts. They came from as far away as Chicago, and brought children, camp artifacts, and the dauntless spirits that characterize those who have come together for this shared experience over the years.
NYLC founder Jim Kielsmeier hearkened back to educator John Dewey’s words in welcoming remarks when he said, “Learning is thinking about experience.”
He reminded the audience that what is now called the National Youth Leadership Training grew out of racial conflict in St. Louis, Mo. in the late 1970s, and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s desire for “beloved communities.”
This “intentional community” — as Kielsmeier called it — provided a foundation for young people to work together across different backgrounds.
Youth Initiatives Director Sarah Ullmer commented on the the ripple effect of NYLT, saying: “We believe that young people can change the communities they work in, and that we have a powerful model for that.”
The camp has now grown into a year-round program that gathers teams of young people and their adult allies for a week of powerful experiences in culture, race, class, and team-building. The experience focuses on addressing the achievement gap, and the youth/adult teams develop plans for applying their newfound skills and awareness in their home communities.
The camp model has otherwise stayed largely the same since its inception, carrying the goal that people “leave with a sense of hopefulness and possibility,” said Kielsmeier.
Attesting to that spirit, Eva Gallegos Perez, an NYLT alumni and member of NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council said, “NYLT made me believe I could do something.”
That evening, “doing something” meant assembling 996 literacy kits for Community Action Partners that will be distributed to 11 Head Start programs in Ramsey County.
And for new NYLC CEO Kelita Bak, this sentiment also means ensuring a sustainable funding stream for this experience that is core to NYLC's mission and consistently changes lives. She offered to match donations up to $1,000 made between now and May 1. (These donations may be made online at http://ny.lc/f6EP4Z, or by sending a check to NYLC, 1667 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108. Please note “CEO Match” in the memo line of your check, or use the link provided to make your contribution online as we will track matching gifts this way.)
Photo: NYLC staff and alumni start the night with an energizing activity.
Left to right: Jen Dotson, NYLC staff; Sherie Apungu, 1998 Alumni; Jotham Apungu, 2003 Alumni
