OKEECHOBEE- The second group of Okeechobee students participating in the Summer Leadership Camp graduated on June 29.
The leadership camp is an eight-day program designed to cultivate leadership skills, foster community awareness, and promote understanding of necessary soft skills for the future of Florida’s workforce. Instructors, speakers, and local businesses tours guided students through a range of activities and workshops, including team-building exercises, public speaking, and problem-solving.
On June 26 the leadership camp made the trip to Okeechobee City Hall. The kids received a tour of City Hall and held a mock City Council meeting.
At the end of the camp students were asked to come up with a project that would benefit Okeechobee and to give a presentation on it. Students were tasked with finding a viable location for their project and develop a budget, as well for a plan on how they would raise the funds and a timeline for when the project would be complete.
Participants received a certificate and a stipend for their work.
“Leadership is a vital skill that can be developed at any age,” said Kaylee King, Business Manager of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation. “Our Leadership Camp is a unique opportunity for students to learn and practice workforce-leadership through the lens of soft skills in a fun and supportive environment.”
“We want to empower the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact on their communities, their workforce, the state of Florida, and the world,” said Alaina Barron, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Okeechobee.
The camp was the result of a partnership with the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, The Education Foundation of Okeechobee, Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee, and Okeechobee County School District and staff.