MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

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Students Make Their Mark at First-Ever Leadership Retreat on Pigeon Key

KEY WEST (296 words) – Labor Day weekend changed the lives of a select group of students who attended Monroe Youth Challenge Program’s first-ever leadership retreat on Pigeon Key. The two-night camping style ‘Make Your Mark’ retreat was held for 62 students from middle and high schools across the county to improve the Developmental Assets® needed for success in their lives.

“Our goal was to give these students, from all types of backgrounds and living circumstances an action-packed event to learn skills and build relationships. They need to know regardless of circumstances they have to look inside themselves to make their mark in the world,” said Sunny Booker, Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP) Director and even organizer.

Photo Credit: MYCP
Key West High School students, Senior Cheyne Barroso and Sophomore Michael Davila, work with their peers to cut and tie a fleece blanket. It was one of 12 made at the first-ever MYCP Make Your Mark Retreat held Labor Day weekend on Pigeon Key for 62 students countywide. The blankets are to be given to Higher Love Mission Homeless Shelter in Marathon.

Activities included building a camp fire for S’mores, YOGA on the beach, a flag raising ceremony, breakout sessions, group lessons, CAMP reunion, and recreational time.

Superintendent Randy Acevedo delivered the keynote speech in which he said, “The people who make a true mark in life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.” The final ‘Mark Your Mark’ activity was a service project making hand-tied fleece blankets and Good Samaritan Soup mix for the Higher Love Mission Homeless Shelter in Marathon.

This was an MYCP event funded in part by the United States Department of Education Title X program. Generous donations were also made by Keys Children’s Foundation, Arizona Tea, American Red Cross, Department of Health – SWAT, First State Bank, Monroe County School District, Remedy’s Health Foods in Key Largo, and Education Coalition for Monroe County. MYCP is a grass-root, non-profit organization whose mission is to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information call Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400, ext. 53319 or visit http://www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.