445 AW teens encouraged to sign up for teen summit

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  • By 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Teenage family members of 445th Airlift Wing Airmen are encouraged to apply for one of three Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Teen leadership summits taking place this summer.

The summits are open to 14- to 18-year-old dependent teens of current Air Force Reserve members. Applications include essay questions.

Celestia Starner, the recent 445th Airlift Wing Youth of the Year award recipient, attended the Colorado adventure summit last summer. She did rock-climbing, hiking, horse-back riding and attended leadership classes.

"You get to learn a lot there," said the high school sophomore. "You are taught to push yourself. I did rock-climbing, which is something I never thought I'd do, but I did it."

She encourages other teen family members to apply to attend a summit.

"It's a really good experience," Ms. Starner said.

The following is a list of the three summits.

Classic Teen Leadership Summit takes place at the Wahsega 4-H Center in Dahlonega, Georgia, June 19 to 24. Nestled in a valley of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Wahsega 4-H Center plays host to the Classic Teen Leadership Summit. During this week long adventure, teens will participate in high adventure activities such as high ropes, zip line canopy tour, white-water rafting, hiking, fishing, archery, survival classes, and more! Leadership classes taught throughout the week include True Colors and the General Hugh H. Shelton Leadership Challenge. Attendees are introduced to Operation: Military Kids (OMK) and will meet the community partners who make-up OMK teams such as 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, American Legion, Military OneSource and the Military Child Education Coalition. This Summit also includes military traditions and community service projects. Priority will be given to first time attendees.

Capitol Teen Leadership Summit takes place in Washington D.C., from July 24 to 29. Teens will travel to Washington, DC for week long activities focusing on citizenship, character building, and high adventure. Teens will spend a few days exploring the wonders of Washington, D.C. including monuments, memorials, and the Smithsonian museums. Teens will also have the chance to meet with their Congressmen or a member of his/her staff. This summit also includes a visit to Harpers Ferry, WV, for Appalachian Trail hiking and canoeing and kayaking on the Potomac River. In addition, leadership classes will be focused around the General Hugh H. Shelton Leadership Challenge. Please note that Capitol Summit attendees will be responsible for some meals during the week. This summit is for returning applicants only.

The Adventure Teen Leadership Summit takes place at Cheley Colorado Camps in Estes Park, Colorado from August 9 to 14.Bordering Rocky Mountain National Park, Cheley Colorado Camps, a family owned and operated summer camp for over 90 years, will host the Adventure Teen Leadership Summit. During this Summit, teens will participate in daily adventure activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, horse colt training, arts & crafts, woodworking, technical climbing, and archery. Leadership classes taught throughout the week include True Colors and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Each evening, teens will gather for programs including campfires and songs, musical performances, and environmental education classes. This Summit also includes military traditions and community service projects. Priority will be given to first time attendees.

If you have any questions, please contact the following:
Brandi Mullins, brandi.mullins.ctr@us.af.mil, 478-327-2090, DSN 497-2090; Kasey Bozeman, kasey.bozeman@us.af.mil, 478-327-2110, DSN 497-2110; Stacey Young, Stacey.young@us.af.mil, 478-327-0971, DSN 497-0971