Teens Prepare for Leaders’ Club Inductions
at the YMCA
Volunteer club teaches leadership skills, physical fitness
and character development
School isn’t the only thing that started
again in the fall. The YMCAs Leaders’ Club
back in action. Leaders’ is a club for teens
ages 13-18 that teaches leadership through
volunteerism, community service, physical
education, and character development.
Swing Set Dedication
Belmont Central Elementary dedicated a new swing set for second and
third graders thanks to the efforts of fifth-grade student Lilly Floyd. Lilly’s
idea started nearly two years when she noticed that while she and her
classmates were having fun on the fourth and fifth grades playground,
the second and third grades playground did not have a swing set. With
the help of her parents, classmates, and community, Lilly’s vision is now a
reality.
The main function of Leaders’ is to
provide an outlet for members to engage
in their community through service. Leaders are trained to help coach and
officiate the YMCA’s youth sports and assist swim lessons. The club also takes
a central role in organizing and running special events such as Fall Festival
and 5K races. Many Leaders end up taking jobs at the Y as they age.
“Leaders’ Club is a vital component of our Y,” said Des’Tri Martin, Teen
Director, Stowe Family YMCA. “In fact, many of our strongest employees got
their start as Leaders.”
There is more to the club than working at the Y, however. Through classes
and group workouts, participants learn techniques necessary to lead a healthy
lifestyle, such as healthy eating habits and the benefits of regular exercise.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to provide youth with the means to
live happy and healthy lives,” Martin said. “The Club is a fun and supportive
way to do so.”
At meetings, Leaders engage in discussion and devotionals that spur
thought about personal development. The values espoused center around the
four core YMCA values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The goal
is to foster self-esteem and produce young adults who contribute positively to
the community around them.
Of course, there is plenty of time for fun. Not only do clubs take part in
monthly social events, participants also get the opportunity to travel and
engage with other clubs from around the country. In June, the club attended
Blue Ridge Leaders’ School in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Blue Ridge is a
week-long conference that hosts more than 800 Leaders from throughout the
southeast United States.
“I joined Leaders’ three years ago and I’m so glad I did,” said Naidelyn
Cruz, 16. “I’ve met so many awesome people and even when we are busy, we
have a great time.”
International Walk to School Day
Did you hear about International Walk to School Day at
Lingerfeldt Elementary? It was a great event! Students and
parents gathered before school on October 4 to walk from the
nearby Family Dollar parking lot to the campus. They were joined
by Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker, Gastonia mayor
John Bridgeman, and representatives from the Gaston County
Health Department and LanXESS, one of the school’s outstanding
business partners.
To learn more about the Leaders’ Club, please contact Des’Tri Martin at
[email protected] or 704.822.9622.
About the Gaston County Family YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities
through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across
the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless
of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and
teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities
that to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000
communities, the Y has the longest-standing relationships and physical
presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social
change.
gastonymca.org
Parent Teacher Magazine• November/December 2017• 3