Economic Development and Quality of Life for People and Communities
JOLT: Journey of Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow
Issue
Modern society is filled with negative attitudes toward teenagers and
views most teenagers as problematic at best. Programs like JOLT help
turn teens into positive role models and future community leaders.
What has been done?
JOLT (Journey of Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow) is an Arizona
Teen Leadership camp held annually each June near Heber, Arizona. Activities
promote trust-building, leadership, and communication skills. Arizona
Cooperative Extension and the Arizona 4-H Youth Development Foundation
sponsor the camp, which has been held for 15 years. Teenagers aged 14-18,
of various backgrounds, gather from across Arizona to develop open-minded
and positive attitudes, develop a strong sense of teamwork, and learn
to reject selfish actions that only benefit individuals. Conflict resolution
skills and relationship building skills help create the sense of the
"JOLT community" that is uncommon in other camps. Empowered
participants enhance their interpersonal skills and strengthen their
communication abilities, which helps promote long-lasting and true friendships.
For the past two years, 12 teens and staff from New Mexico have attended
JOLT.
Impact
More than 1,300 teens have attended JOLT over the past 15 years. Teens
who were youth staff members have gone on to serve as state 4-H Ambassadors
and state 4-H Teen Council officers and representatives, and about 31
percent of the participants report they have participated in school
government and community leadership opportunities after attending the
camp. Participants at "Once in a Lifetime: JOLT 2002" reported
increasing their leadership skills and abilities by 21 percent; ability
to trust others by 26 percent, and ability to logically solve problems
in a group by 20 percent. More than 50 percent of the 2002 campers had
attended JOLT the previous year(s). Prior JOLT successes were evident
in the participant survey; the starting average reference point was
higher for returning participants for each question.
The 2002 camp was unique, as participants not only learned of leadership
theory, but had the opportunity to demonstrate it in a real-life situation.
The Rodeo-Chediski fire that burned nearly 500,000 acres in Arizona
forced the evacuation of all 115 campers in less than 30 minutes. The
ability to act and think quickly, listen and follow directions, stay
calm and leave behind treasured belongings helped the group understand
what it means to be part of a larger community.
"JOLT 2002 meant making new friends, learning to trust people
you don't even know at first, and just having a great learning experience."
JOLT participant
Because camp was evacuated a day early due to the Rodeo-Chedeski Fire,
it was great that we all pulled together and helped each other out no
matter if you lived 3 miles away or 1,000."
JOLT participant
"JOLT means everything to me. I learn friendship, teamwork and
how to trust people. I love JOLT. It makes me a better person to know
that there are truly people who try to make other people feel like they're
important." 3rd-year JOLT participant
"We are thankful that our 18-year-old son is so focused on this
leadership opportunity and not troubled like others we see and hear
of. We feel blessed that we have JOLT and 4-H in our kids' lives."
Mother of a 2003 youth staff member
"The greatest satisfaction is seeing teens serve on staff and
watch them grow by developing leadership skills through planning and
implementing programs for their peers. Most youth staff begin with limited
understanding and skills and by the time camp is over they are confident
and competent leaders." JOLT advisor.
Funding
Arizona Cooperative Extension, 4-H Youth Development
Contact
Michael Hauser, 4-H Youth Development/ANR
Apache County Cooperative Extension
PO Box 369
St. Johns, AZ 85936-0369
Tel: (928) 337-2267; FAX: (928) 337-3376
Email: mhauser@ag.arizona.edu
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