It’s what you do with what you have that makes all the difference when individuals and organizations run short on money these days.
But that doesn’t mean that charitable organizations and causes have to suffer. That’s the message that young people learned last weekend during a retreat for Youth Pods philanthropic organizations for young people.
The Dekko Foundation provides financial support and vision for Youth Pods across its grant-making areas.
“Every two years we like to bring members of Youth Pods together,” said Tom Leedy, Dekko Foundation president. “The synergy from getting philanthropic young people together is amazing. The topic of the retreat — fewer resources — is a reality for many philanthropists today. We thought it was a good and timely thing for young people to learn more about.”
Members of the local Youth Pod, called TRAIL, attended the retreat held in North Webster, Ind., at YMCA Camp Crosley.
“Dekko had a great theme for the retreat,” said Ardmore High School student Landon Boggs. “They really did a good job of bringing in speakers who taught us the value of the dollar and how one person can make a big difference.”
“I learned many ways to evaluate grants and our pod as a whole at the retreat,” said Athens High School student Logan Moore. “I enjoyed meeting people from other places and seeing how our pod compares to theirs.”
TRAIL is guided and directed by Limestone County Community Foundation, Limestone County Schools and Athens City Schools.
“Just to see all of these young people from several states join together to learn how to become better philanthropists and make a difference in their own communities is an awesome experience,” said Gayle Black, counselor and navigator, who attended the retreat.
“I enjoyed meeting other adult navigators and learning about the activities of their pods,” said Susan Wales. “We were proud of our students. Other navigators praised their good manners and behavior.”
This year’s retreat was planned and hosted by Youth Pod members, alumni and adults who have a special personal interest in philanthropy. These leaders, who participate on a committee called “phish,” chose speakers, planned the retreat schedule and hosted the two-day event. Leah Thompson, former student from East Limestone and former TRAIL member, was a member of the committee.
Attending the Youth Pod Retreat from Athens and Limestone County were: Autumn Bates, Landon Boggs, Keith Bridges, Monica Burruss, Alliyah Fletcher, Chris Kenney, Shae LeSueur, Logan Moore, and Alec VanWagnen.
Black and Wales acted as adult supporters for the young people from Limestone County and Athens City Schools.
TRAIL works to improve the lives of the youth of Limestone by giving their time, talents and treasure. The organization accepts grant applications to address their mission and looks for community projects that allow them to further their mission. For more information about TRAIL, contact Gayle Black or Susan Wales at (256) 233-6463 or 233-6613.
