By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

 

MONTEVALLO—The Youth Leadership Development Program has 10 spots left in the Walsh Academy of Leadership summer camp happening the week of July 24-28 in Montevallo.

The WAL hosts 40 high school students from across the state to participate in a week full of activities focused on team building and leadership, said Libby Holmes, program director of the YLDP.

The students experience college life and stay on the University of Montevallo campus, Holmes said. The cost of attendance for the week is $175.

The top ten juniors from across the state receive full scholarship to attend the WAL, Holmes said.

Several partial scholarships are offered for students on reduced and free lunch as well.

“We never turn a student away who can’t pay,” Holmes said.

The American Village has partnered with the YLDP and the WAL to give the students a look into the leadership of the founding fathers, Holmes said.

At American Village, the attendees will participate in a mock Virginia Convention and be able to debate and vote as the colonies, Holmes said.

The camp will also have multiple speakers talking about leadership, such as the university president, John W. Stewart III.

An “Amazing Race” will conclude the week and test the students physically and intellectually, Holmes said.

“The WAL shows the students how personalities mesh and how to become a good leader,” Holmes said. “They get to know each other intimately as a team and how to work together.”

The students that complete the WAL are guaranteed a spot in the YLDP for the next academic year, Holmes said.

The YLDP is a yearlong academic program funded through the Boy Scouts of America, and recognizes excellence in leadership for high school seniors.

Only six students from each high school can join the YLDP, and must have a recommendation from their principal or counselor, Holmes said.

“The WAL offers an automatic seat in the YLDP and doesn’t use one of the school’s six spots, allowing for more representation,” Holmes said.

In interested in attending, registration can be done at Alyldp.com.