Youth conference reminds teens why they help others

Pass It Along’s eighth annual youth conference held at Sussex County Technical School on Oct. 1 brought together high school students from across Sussex County who joined together for a day of bonding, character development activities and community service work. This year’s theme was “Wake Up and Serve” and décor such as roosters, rising suns and cereal box pyramids were scattered throughout McNeice auditorium creating a morning feel to the day. Pass It Along volunteers sported navy blue and white shirts quoting the theme. The morning started off with a light breakfast and the splitting up into “families” or groups who the teens would be with all day. After a DVD was shown to encourage students to become involved in the program, inspirational speaker Ty Sells talked to the teens. He spoke about the power of acceptance, which challenges students to examine the way they treat others who are different. He also supported the teens in making positive changes in themselves, their schools and their communities. The students then split into their families. Some went outside for team building activities while others were inside doing service projects. They wrote letters to soldiers, made baby blankets, wrapping paper, jewelry, painted flower pots and created Christmas ornaments. There was also a workshop where teens discussed why they served their communities and how that made them feel. The day ended cheerfully with a photo show of the day’s experiences to the tune of Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer.” Pass It Along’s volunteers danced as they waved goodbye to their new and old friends. The next youth council meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6:45 p.m. at Sparta Methodist Church.

There are so many benefits of volunteering, one being putting a smile on someone’s face. Not only are you enriching their life, but you are enriching your life as well. I know in my heart that this small deed may be changing their lives for the better, and that is such an amazing feeling.” Jeff Syberg, Pass It Along volunteer.