By By Adrienne McKenzie
The Youth Leadership Atmore Class of 2008 visited Camp Beckwith Oct. 23-24 where they participated in many teamwork and trust activities while building life-long friendships.
According to steering committee member Nick Smith, the 19 YLA participants had a great time at the retreat.
"I drove the 16-passenger van and I just listened coming back," Smith said. "They had a good time. It was a good fellowship."
Each Youth Leadership Atmore class visits Camp Beckwith once a year in order for the participants to get to know one another.
"This is the time that the group is together for the very first time," Smith said. "It's their first time being together as a group and doing things as a group. They are getting to know kids from the other schools and form friendships."
Part of Camp Beckwith is working as a group. There are several teamwork activities at the retreat, which involve trusting other people and having a leader step forward.
"It's good because it forces them to put their heads together and come up with ideas together," Smith said.
The fun didn't end on Oct. 24 however. Youth Leadership Atmore has several events throughout the year.
Today is History Day for YLA. Today's events for the YLA Class of '08 include a hayride around the town with Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Emilie Mims as the tour guide. Local historian Bonnie Latino will also talk to the students about the history of Atmore including the early schools and churches. The 19 YLA members will also get a view into the history of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
Activities to come for the YLA Class of 2008 include a Law Enforcement and Justice Day which will include a prison tour, an Education Day where they will visit the University of South Alabama for the day, a Business and Industry Day, Government Day and a graduation held in May.
The roll for the Youth Leadership Atmore Class of 2008 includes students from Escambia Academy, Escambia County High School and home schooled students. The participants for this year are Chase Amerson, Alaina Arnold, Alan Ash, Kimberly Brooke Bell, James Brooks, Katie Coon, Sara Beth Davis, Chelsea German, Ni'cholas Johnson, Christopher Blake Kirk, Ryan Lambert, Seth Lassitter, Joy Marshall, Emily Moore, Andrea Nall, R. Gordon Nichols Jr., Morgan Robinson, Cody Vickrey and James Webster.
Smith said the Class of '08 is a good group of individuals.
"We have an excellent group this year," he said.