Fun times with the Tampa Bay Inferno.
Ask them what they enjoyed the most at the Tampa YMCA Teen Achievers Camp, and the choice is going to be super difficult. How do you choose between visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation and Conservation Center, cooking and serving a three-course meal, visiting USF’s College of Nursing Simulation Lab, and playing tackle football with the Tampa Bay Inferno, to name a few? Exactly.
A national college readiness program, Achievers is designed to help teens set and pursue educational and career goals, raise their academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, explore diverse college/career options and connect them to professionals, who inspire them to reach their potential.
The group featured 20 youth this year, who kept a busy schedule at the summer camp.
“Teen Achievers explored new and different career opportunities. They spent time learning financial literacy, taking part in mock fiscal activities as well as hearing from representatives of Tampa Bay Federal. Between visiting the Tampa International Airport, and enjoying a book club, their schedule was full. In addition, the health and safety component of this year's camp was a direct reflection of concerns our youth have shared over the last year, including substance abuse, and epilepsy safety training,” explained Meagan Smithyman, Executive Director, Community Schools & Family Outreach, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.
On the health note, The Tampa Y staff also helped with the fourth annual hygiene drive for Teen Achievers, along with a donation of feminine products from Aanya Patel of the Global Girls Initiative, which aims to end period poverty. Participants were delighted to receive the hygiene kits.
Thanks to Achievers, teens also benefit from mentorship.
“Mentorship and having a positive adult role model is another benefit of this program. Summer is a notoriously under-supervised time of the year for pre-teens and teens. Achievers provides appropriate supervision and education during this time. It also places special emphasis on the transition from middle to high school, providing tools to be successful as youth mature,” added Megan.
Please donate here if you are interested in supporting the Teen Achievers program.
Published Tuesday, July 16, 2024.