June 27, 2016 -- Twenty-seven energetic teens registered to attend a five-day summer program designed to teach them skills to help shape their day-to-day activities as well as their future choices and career goals.
Colonel James C. Carroll, III, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, welcomed participants to the event, which kicked-off here, June 13.
The acronym for Teen C.A.R.R.O.L.L. University, “Caring, Aspiring, Revolutionary, Radiant, Outstanding, Lively, Learning,” set the stage for a series of interactive work sessions the youth, who engaged in the activities, experienced throughout the week.
Latreesa Perryman, school liaison officer, MCLB Albany, gave an overview of the activity and the criteria for participating students.
“Every year, we have always had some type of expo or workshop for our teens,” Perryman said. “This year we had a couple of ideas where we wanted them to still be engaged over the summer, still have enrichment, recreation activities and we wanted to also incorporate (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), which is highly recommended in the schools across the state of Georgia.
“We’re actually having daily workshops that vary from life after high school, learning how to manage money, to building positive relationships and eating healthy,” she added.
“Colonel Carroll came by to (welcome) the teens,” Perryman explained. “Mr. (Kent) Morrison spoke to them on patriotism and Lieutenant Colonel (Nathaniel) Robinson talked to the group about making good decisions. So, we’ve had extremely good command representation this week.”
Natalie Tomblin, base education officer, MCLB Albany, discussed the purpose and the conception of the camp.
“The purpose of the camp is, of course, for our military families,” Tomblin said. “We’re always trying to do things for our military. (The camp) is opened to (dependents of) veterans, active-duty, retirees and our (Department of Defense) civilians, ages 12 years and older.
“We use to have a (Youth) Teen Center here on base,” she pointed out. “When that (closed), Colonel Carroll reached out to Ms. Perryman about doing a S.T.E.M. camp. So, we talked and figured out a way we could incorporate some things we were already utilizing on base.
“We have 27 kids, who signed up,” Tomblin added. “What we would like for them to get out of it is just learning about themselves; to figure out a roadmap for their life—a plan for their life; what they are going to do after high school. Hopefully, by (the end of the camp), we will have met our goal in helping them to achieve theirs.”
One Albany High School, Albany, Georgia, student attending Teen C.A.R.R.O.L.L. University, commented on her experience.
“I wanted to go to a camp, so I signed up,” Kaisaya Collins said. “I learned how to manage money; working toward (achieving) my needs and wants (as well as) how to act in the workplace. I also learned how to manage my family and how my relationships with my family and with my friends should go also.
“Activity wise, (I enjoyed) going to the pool and meeting new people, including the presenters and hearing what they have to say,” the 10th grader added. “I’m also looking forward to going to Wild Adventures (Theme Park, Valdosta, Georgia) on Friday.”
Facilitators spoke with youth on various topics, including building healthy relationships, financial management, command/patriotism, entrepreneurship, work place ethics, as well as physical fitness training and eating healthy as critical components to developing healthy lifestyles.
The week-long event ended with youth traveling to Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta, Georgia, June 17.
For more photos of Teen C.A.R.R.O.L.L. University activities, visit MCLB Albany’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marine-Corps-Logistics-Base-Albany/512695405469372.