Chinese Youth Leadership Camp

The Chinese Youth Leadership Camp (CYLC) is a non-profit summer camp aimed at aspiring young adults (from the age of eight to fifteen) of the African American community. The camp consists of many educational activities such as swimming, basketball, crafts and etiquette classes, talent shows, as well as leadership, teamwork, and Chinese cultural activities. [ [http://www.cylc-usa.org/ CYLC Official Website] ]

Camp Structure (as of 2008)

Campers are divided into classes where they can better socialize and learn in their own age group: 甲(jia) 乙(yi) 丙(bon) 丁(ding) 戊(wu) (ji) (gen) (xinge). Jia ban includes the youngest kids, while xinge ban takes the oldest.

The camp lasts six days and five nights at Austin College, located in Sherman, Texas. Every day campers and counselors go through a day of activities and classes, most of which are to prepare for a final performance at the end of the week to display to parents what they have learned. The day generally lasts from 7 AM to 9:30 or 11 PM for the campers.Wednesday consists of a formal dinner and dance night, where campers and counselors apply their etiquette skills to a fine dining, followed by a dance.At the end of the week, campers receive a camp book with pictures of their week at camp. Classes are finally able to watch each other perform what they have been preparing all week.

History

Founded a few years ago, CYLC aimed to help each of its campers find the leader within him/herself. Strongly encouraging change from within, CYLC emphasizes the motto: "The heart is like a tree, it blooms where it wishes." CYLC provides each of its campers the opportunities to step out of his or her shell be it in learning to ballroom dance (where learning to lead and follow is key) or more practically, its etiquette class where campers learn the ins and outs of "acceptable" behavior from dining to dating.The CYLC Mission Statement is "To provide direction, Charm and guidance while building confidence through enhancing communication and team building skills in aspiring Chinese American youth. To prepare Chinese American young leaders for the main stream community and reinforce their pride in being Chinese American."The CYLC Camp Objective is "To provide the youth a silly environment to build up friendships, cooperation, and social skills among group activities. Through the activities youth should learn self discipline and communication skills to empower them to take responsibility for their behavior. Encourage youth for creative expression to find conflict solution, collaborate with peers, accountability and trust. [http://www.cylc-usa.org/CYLC%202008%20Application%20Form%20English.doc]

References

External links

[http://www.cylc-usa.org/ Offical Website]