Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), Military Outreach team had the unique opportunity to participate and facilitate sessions during the Army Reserve (AR), Pacific Youth, Leadership, Education & Development (YLEAD) that was held June 10-14th in Honolulu Hawaii. The youth participants represented Alaska, America Samoa, Guam, and Hawaii.  The YLEAD Summit supports the mission of Army Reserve Child, Youth & School Services, "To Support the Readiness and well-being of geographically dispersed Families by reducing the conflict between parental responsibilities and mission requirements".

BGCA staff facilitated sessions that promoted Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles. BGCA facilitated the opening general sessions which was a great help in setting the tone and expectations of the conference.  During these general sessions, the youth learned about diversity and the negative impact bullying has in communities. Throughout the week teens participated in small groups sessions that focused on money management, career training, and modeling character.  

"I have never experienced a group of young people that were so proud to start each morning off, by saying God is good all the time and all the time God is Good".  The children from American Samoa were a wonderful example of the diversity that can be found in military youth. These teens continuously displayed and without apology their love for their culture through religion, dress, language and respect for one another. 

There were plenty of off-site fun activities to include the Military Hale Koa Luau, held at Fort DeRussy Armed Forces Recreation Center. As always, the traditional Hawaiian culture celebrated but also the culture of our military families. Everyone in attendance was connected to a military service member or a veteran.

A service learning project was also conducted at the Fisher House on Tripler Army Medical Center.Tripler Army Medical Center is the largest military medical treatment facility in the Pacific.Tripler Fisher House services families and patients receiving treatment at Tripler Army Medical Center. Families served are mainly from the Pacific area of Korea, Guam, Japan, American Samoa, and Okinawa.

Wounded Warriors, Service Members and their families are eligible to live here during their recovery and treatment.  This benefits both the entire family and does not force inter-island travel.

During the service learning project teens designed and constructed directional signs for the facility. Representing BGCA, I was also able to meet with the Fisher House Director and share with her valuable information on how youth living within the premises could possibly benefit from BGCA's MISSION: Youth Outreach.

The outings gave the participants additional opportunities to hone in on their leadership skills, develop social skills and learn how to give back to the community.

   

I would like to encourage local Clubs to participate in these opportunities and continue to reach out to these programs to offer your support to the military youth, living in your community.