Summer B.L.A.S.T. draws 19 participants

Nineteen children participated in the recently held Summer B.L.A.S.T. leadership training program that was unusual in that it was organized not by any government agency but a 13-year-old boy who wanted to work on an Eagle Scout project that would make a difference with the youth.

Daniel Villegas said the youth leadership camp aims to prepare the youth in the CNMI to be future leaders through hands-on projects that build vital leadership skills.

“Our purpose is to build better leaders, and help them become better citizens,” said Daniel.

Janel Villegas, the proud mother of Daniel, related that Daniel had an Eagle Project he needed to do but he didn’t want to do the typical project, such as cleanups. “He said that [cleanup] is good, ‘I enjoy that but I really want to work with the youth and make a difference.’” Thus, the Summer B.L.A.S.T. program came to be.

Held July 23-24, the two-day B.L.A.S.T. program—which stands for Being Leaders And Showing Teamwork—taught children from 12-16 years of age in leadership trainings provided by Positively Outrageous Results. It was held at the facilities of the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Chalan LaoLao.

The camp divided the children into three groups, where they were given the opportunity to compete, collaborate, and challenge each other in the activities planned. The trainings gave the children an understanding of values, planning, goal setting, teamwork, balancing life, and decision-making.

About 12 adult chaperons assisted the children with the activities that included balloon castle, hand pile, kangaroo catch, and marshmallow jousting, among others.

Frank Roberto, a guest speaker from Guam, was on hand Friday morning to address the issue of values and peer pressure.

Roberto stressed the importance of prayers, saying “it’s important to have God in your life.”

Keynote speaker on Saturday was 2004 Miss CNMI World Tracy Del Rosario, who encouraged the children to be confident and firm in the decisions they make in life.

“I can walk with my heads up because I have confidence and so could you,” she said.

Certificates were then given to the children last night in recognition of their finishing the program.

Sponsors for the camp included the Bank of Saipan, Herman’s Bakery, Marianas Printing, Aquarius Beach Tower, Gold’s Gym, and the Church of Latter-Day Saints.

Scouting has been a great experience for Daniel to learn leadership skills, and now this young leader is applying his know-how to make a difference in the lives of other people.

“I wanted to do something that will have an affect on people’s lives and help them to become better citizens in the community,” he said. (Cassie Dlg Fejeran)