SanTan Sun; 07-18-15: Youth

Piano prodigies perform at Junior Original Concert

BY TAMARA JUAREZ

Twelve-year-old Ty Promreuk and 8-year-old Matthew Schoenthall are more than avid readers, sport fans and dedicated students. They are accomplished composers, piano prodigies and nationally recognized musicians.

On June 28, Chandler pianists Ty and Matthew eagerly demonstrated the extent of their musical abilities and delivered two powerful performances at the 2015 U.S. National Junior Original Concert.

The four-day event, held at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, showcased the original compositions of 13 young artists from across the country and provided honorees with the opportunity to hone their music skills through a series of workshops and collaborative projects.

Ty and Matthew attend the East Valley Yamaha Music School in Chandler and were selected from more than 6,100 enrolled Yamaha Music School students in the United States.

During the past decade, the East Valley Yamaha Music School has successfully contributed at least one musician each year for the Junior Original Concert, including Kylie Smith, who represented the United States at the 2014 International Junior Original Concert in Tokyo.

“It feels amazing and crazy that I was picked,” said Matthew, a third grader at Chandler Traditional Academy. “I didn’t think I would get picked...I thought there was only going to be 20 people.”

Both pianists are enrolled in special advanced classes that motivate students to compose one original song and prepare a repertoire to submit to Yamaha headquarters for consideration.

Ty’s original composition, “Shadowfire,” took six months to write and was inspired by the lonely feeling of a dark room lit by a single candle as it fades and brightens.

“I really, really, really, love my piece,” said Ty, a jazz and Latin music enthusiast. “This is probably the best piece I have done so far, and I always feel super charged after a rehearsal.”

At the 2015 Junior Original Concert, Ty was accompanied by renowned violinist Joanna Lee and cellist Joon Sung Jun.

Matthew’s original composition, “Patience’s Adventures in a Dream,” was inspired by his dog, Patience.

In addition to performing their own composition and participating in an ensemble, Junior Original Concert performers attended Yamaha Music Camp, a four-day series of workshops that served to encourage further improvement and nurture a greater appreciation for music.

Ty Promreuk, 12, has been playing the piano since she was 4,, loves to draw and paint, and has five large bookshelves dedicated to Rick Riordan, J.K. Rowling and other popular fantasy writers. Promreuk is a student at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and hopes to be selected as a U.S. representative for the International Junior Original Concert in Tokyo, Japan, within the next three years. Submitted photo

“It was amazing,” Ty said regarding her camp experience. “We did ensemble, some vocal, there was a percussion class and a composition class. I really enjoyed getting to make good music with so many incredible people from all over the country.”

Getting to watch Matthew and Ty perform at Yamaha’s prestigious concert was a very moving experience for the two families. They felt extremely proud and excited to see their children receive recognition for all their hard work.

“The biggest thing was not the performance itself,” explained Ty’s mother, Supamas Sirichotiyakul. “It’s what she had to go through and the kind of work and things that she learned—to be proud of it.”

According to the students’ mothers, seeing their little musicians have fun while learning from people who share the same passion made every long day of practice worthwhile.

Heidi Grimes, director of the East Valley Yamaha Music School, and Tomoko Yonemaru, a life-long pianist

from Kyoshu, Japan, began working with both students at the age of 4 and were equally thrilled to see Ty and Matthew reach new heights in their musical careers.

As certified Yamaha piano instructors, Grimes and Yonemaru assured that the two musicians knew more than how to build and play a musical phrase, but also how to incorporate music and creativity into everyday life.

“They have to decide how they want

to use music in their life. How they want to experience it,” said Yonemaru, a former Junior Original Concert participant.

With the guidance and support of their instructors and family, Ty and Matthew hope to be selected as U.S. representatives for the International Junior Original Concert in Japan.

Tamara Juarez is an intern for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tamara@santansun.com.

Arizona Extreme strikes out competition

BY TIM J. RANDALL

The Chandler-based Arizona Extreme 13 and younger baseball team scored a major victory by winning the annual 2015 Battle of Omaha youth tournament in late June.

Held during the College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, the “Battle” invited 19 teams from around the country to compete and crown a champion.

“This was an incredible experience for the boys to go and play out-ofstate,” said Karen Slater, a parent of player Carson Slater. “They formed some great lifelong relationships.”

The idea of competing in the tournament was the brainchild of coaches Casey Wood and Brad Moore, who had competed in similar tournaments as kids.

“This was a dream of ours and we wanted these kids to have the same experience that we had playing,”

Moore said. “This team was put together with the ultimate goal to create long-standing memories for the boys and parents.”

Joined by Coach Efrain Manzo, the roster was a combination of players from the East Valley Devils and Arizona Extreme Black teams, with boys coming from Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek.

The squad practiced only a few times before departing to Omaha, but “gelled instantly,” said pitcher Carson Slater. “Our teams had played against each other, so we knew the players.” Moore also knew the team had great potential.

“After a few practices with the boys, I could tell that we had a special team and that our pitching and hitting would ensure that we would compete well in the tourney.”

A delayed flight put the team at

a competitive disadvantage as the tournament started.

“That first game was rough for the boys, they were tired and had to play a good team,” said Slater.

After nine innings of game one, Extreme found themselves one-run losers to an Indiana team. Fortunately, in the three remaining games of pool play the team dominated the competition to advance to the championship round.

“The experience was really exciting and cool,” said Carson. “To play against the other great teams from other states was thrilling.”

On the last day of the tournament, quarterfinal and semifinal wins brought the Extreme to the brink of a championship.

“I remember sitting in the stands and saying are we really going to win this whole thing?” Slater said. That they did with a rousing victory over runner-up Memphis Nationals.

“Really all of the boys played exceptionally well,” Moore said. “A few highlights though were Jacob Berry’s walk-off triple to beat the team from Minnesota; Carson Slater’s excellent pitching effort versus Wisconsin; Trey Faulkner drawing eight walks during the tourney and Tyler Moore’s grand slam in the semifinal game versus Wisconsin.”

Over three days the Extreme played seven games with a record of 6-1. While it was exciting to win the championship, the players, coaches and parents were thrilled to attend two College World Series games (LSU versus TCU and Vanderbilt versus TCU).

“As much fun as it was for the boys to hoist the winning trophy after the championship game, I truly believe their long-standing memories will be focused on the opportunity to have attended the College World Series with each other and their parents,” Moore said.

“I will always cherish the memory of attending the College World Series with my son, Tyler, and my father. Winning the 13 and under Battle of Omaha was just ‘icing on the cake,’” Moore said.

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Chandler to host BMX Bike Event

It has great lines, a spine, hips, rollers, bowls, a clamshell, and fourway tranny jump box. What is it? It’s Chandler’s nationally acclaimed BMX Bike Park, host to the second annual Chandler BMX Bike Event.

The BMX Bike Event is for bike riders and enthusiasts ages 12 to 18 and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Espee Park, 450 E. Knox Rd. It will feature demonstrations and clinics, as well as entertainment, bike vendors and raffles for prizes.

Admission to the event is $3 for Chandler residents and $5 for nonresidents. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Chandler Community Center or online by visiting www.chandleraz. gov/registration. Available tickets also will be sold at the event. For more information, send an email to shawn. peoples@chandleraz.gov, or call (480) 782-2746.

Named by Ride BMX Magazine in 2008 as one of the top five concrete BMX parks in the country, the 25,000square-foot facility is a pedal pusher’s paradise boasting dozens of concrete ramps, jumps, hips, quarter pipes and boxes where riders can catch plenty of air.

Keep up-to-date on the latest Chandler Recreation news and information when “like” the Chandler Recreation Facebook page, subscribe to Chandler Recreation on YouTube and follow @ChandlerRec on Twitter and Instagram.

Wilson springs to gymnastic stardom

BY TIM J. RANDALL

More than 1,700 of the nation’s finest acrobatic, rhythmic and trampoline and tumbling gymnasts showcased their skills at the 2015 USA Gymnastics Championship recently in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The competition was fierce, yet Chandler’s Bryce Wilson was undaunted in his quest to compete in not just one sport, but two, as a member of a two-member team finishing second nationally in acrobatic gymnastics.

The 21-year-old Wilson traveled to the national championship as a member of the Aspire Acrobatic Gymnastics Team and the Aspire Trampoline and Tumbling Team. Aspire sent six acrobatic gymnasts and 11 trampoline and tumbling gymnasts to Greensboro.

Aspire established the first acrobatic team and program in Arizona, according to Kyla Knights, director of acrobatic gymnastics at Aspire.

“Acrobatic gymnastics is still a relatively unknown sport, but it is really picking up in the U.S. and internationally,” Knights said.

Gymnastics has always been a part of Wilson’s life. His sister was a competitive gymnast. This year’s national championship marked his 12th year as a competitor in trampoline and tumbling at the event.

Wilson’s competitive career in acrobatic gymnastics began two years ago when he talked with Knights about

helping her.

“I was spending so much time at Aspire training for trampoline and tumbling, and I asked her if I could assist with acrobatic gymnastics,” Wilson said. “That led to me eventually training and competing in the sport.”

Wilson said he had to put in multiple hours of training five to six days a week at Aspire in each sport to compete at nationals.

Wilson fell a bit short of his desired goals in trampoline and tumbling, but he and his partner, Hazel Cates, shined in acrobatics with a second-place finish.

“I have such an awesome partner,” Wilson said. “We were so excited to compete.”

Acrobatic gymnastics is defined by the USA Gymnastics as a partner sport in which pairs perform the moves of balance holds, hand balancing, pyramids, toss and catches. Routines also include tumbling and are set to music with choreography and synchronization with partners.

Competitors are judged in execution, artistry and difficulty on a 10-point scale and can earn 30 points total in scoring.

“Acrobatic is like watching Cirque du Soleil meets gymnastics,” said Knights. Of their second-place finish, Wilson said, “We were so thrilled to perform that well.”

Competing at the national level in one sport takes determination and

passion, but to do so in a second sport speaks to the commitment and talent of Wilson, according to Knights.

“People do not truly understand what it takes to do what Bryce has accomplished,” said Knights, who was named by U.S. Gymnastics as Western States Rookie Coach of the Year. “He is a great team leader and an extremely hard worker. He is very coachable.”

Lee Wilkerson, Wilson’s trampoline and tumbling coach at Aspire, echoed the sentiment.

“Honestly, it’s his hard work that pushes him to the top,” Wilkerson said. “I have coached him for three years and he is an incredible athlete.”

With nationals concluded, Wilson will take a break from competition until January when tournaments start again.

“I am going to work to get back to nationals in both events,” Wilson said. “I still have a few more years left in me in trampoline and tumbling, and acrobatic is a little less tough on the body.”

Already at Senior Elite level in trampoline and tumbling, which qualifies Wilson to compete internationally for Team USA, his next stated goal is to achieve that status in acrobatic gymnastics. “I would like to reach that level in the next few years,” he said.

An upcoming Olympic Games just may include acrobatic and trampoline

and tumbling gymnastics; and if they are, Wilson hopes to be competing in them with his eyes on medals in both events.

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Young entrepreneur awarded for business achievements

BY TAMARA JUAREZ

Lucas Tisland, the 18-year-old founder of the small but popular desserts company Sweet Caine, said has recipe for success—hard work, ambition and dedication.

The 2015 Chandler High School graduate was presented with a Young Entrepreneur Foundation scholarship recently for his exemplary feats in business and entrepreneurship.

The Young Entrepreneur Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by the National Federation of Independent Business, encourages America’s youth to consider careers in business by providing numerous educational resources and financial support.

Lucas was one of 600 national applications who competed for a $1,000 scholarship and one of only four Arizona high school seniors honored by the foundation.

When asked about his accomplishment, Lucas admits that he was not aware of the vast number of competitors.

“All I knew was that it was nationwide,” he said. “So I was very excited when I found out I was going to be interviewed and considered for the scholarship.”

In spite of the extensive application process and intimidating number of candidates, Lucas did not feel nervous.

“I was very determined and

confident in my business,” he said. Over the past year, Sweet Caine served over 200 local customers and catered for multiple events around Chandler.

With a wide variety of delicious desserts and sugary treats, customers are sure to find something they enjoy on Sweet Caine’s menu. Items available for purchase include pumpkin spice cheesecake, red velvet cupcakes, caramel fudge brownies and Macadamia nut cookies.

“I want people to feel moved or changed through the desserts I bake,” said Lucas, who attributes his passion for cooking and entrepreneurship to his mother and grandmother.

Thanks to the unwavering guidance and support of his grandmother, Lucas happily immersed himself baking at the age of 7. Cooking helped them strengthen their relationship and it keeps them united.

“During Christmas we use to bake together and the idea for Sweet Caine sort of just took off from there,” Lucas said. “My grandma is very proud that I was able to find something good for myself, both as a businessman and as a person.”

Similarly, watching his mother manage her own arts and crafts store allowed him to learn how to operate a business, implement creative solutions and view ideas from a different perspective.

According to the National

Federation of Independent Business, the Young Entrepreneur Foundation scholarship is meant to motivate young minds to explore their entrepreneurial talents and unique skills.

“Lucas and other young entrepreneurs are important because they support the free enterprise system,” said Molly Young, director of the Young Entrepreneur Foundation. “They are innovative, hard-working and undeterred by hardship. These are the qualities society needs in its next generation.”

Since 2013, the Young Entrepreneur Foundation has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships totaling $2.6 million. Lucas intends to use his scholarship to attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College during the 2016 fall semester, where he will begin working toward a degree in business and architecture.

Tamara Juarez is an intern with the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tamara@santansun.com.

New Vistas student honored by History Channel

Neha Shakir, recent sixth-grade graduate of New Vistas Center for Education, scored big at the History Channel’s National History Day International Competition held in College Park, Maryland, ranking “First in the World” for her website entitled “The Seeing Eye: Leadership and Legacy of Morris Frank.”

The 11-year-old, who was distinguished from among 3,000 sixth through eighth grade students in the Junior Division from the United States and around the globe, received a large cash prize for her research and attention to historical detail.

Her winning website depicted Frank, the son of a blind mother, who also became blind as a young man and sought a partner in dog trainer, Dorothy Eustis, to found “The Seeing Eye,” the organization enabling sightimpaired individuals to gain new independence through the use of specially trained dogs.

“Thousands of blind like me abhor being dependent on others,” Frank said. “Help me and I will help them. Train me and I will bring back my dog and show people here how a blind man can be absolutely on his own. He later set up an instruction center to give those around the world who wanted a life of independence.”

National History Day is much more than just one day but a culmination of an intensive yearlong education program dedicated to teaching history and how historical events have impacted the world. The first was a local program started in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1974 as an effort to halt the devaluation of history in the American classroom. Only 129 students participated that year. By 1980, the competition became national and now there are 500,000 students who

compete annually. NHD has become a transformative experience for participating students all over the country.

The theme set for this year was Leadership and Legacy in History. According to NHD guidelines, students are encouraged to think like a history sleuth—taking on the role of an accomplished historian to thoroughly investigate a topic by determining the topic’s significance, chronology of events, turning points, differing viewpoints and overall impact on cultural, political, economic and social outcomes. Each student researcher is also encouraged to present their own position on the topic, in addition to choosing a format, such as a website, paper, performance, documentary film or an exhibit. The entire process takes a year of preparation culminating in the international competition in the Washington, D.C., area.

Neha, who will be a student at Arizona College Prep Junior High School in the fall, said of her accomplishment, “It was a wonderful learning experience and I am grateful for the guidance of my principal, my school and my teachers and unfaltering encouragement and support from my parents. As Albert Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ This process has been an invaluable experience for me.”

New Vistas Center for Education— named a Top 10 School by Johns Hopkins University CTY, founded in 1979—is a private preschool through sixth grade August-May and preschool through high school June-August. It is located at 670 N. Arizona Ave., Suite 35, Chandler. New Vistas is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Chandler Unified School District news

July 20: First day of school for students

CTA Independence

Start of school: CTA Independence is looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school at 8:35 a.m. Monday, July 20.

Sock hop: A back-to-school Sock Hop will be held on Thursday, July 23. Families are invited to wear funky socks and come meet new classmates. Kindergarten and first grade will meet from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; second and third grade from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and fourth through sixth grade from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Parent nights: Watch for reminders regarding curriculum night. Parents should plan to attend this informative evening without students.

Calendar:

Aug. 4: Curriculum night for kindergarten, second, fourth and sixth grade Aug. 5: Curriculum night for first, third and fifth grade Aug. 12: Fall school pictures.

STUDENT CHRONICLES

Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Send items for Student Chronicles to christina@ santansun.com.

Rikki Gurule was named to the senior dean’s scholars at Defiance College in Ohio.

Haley Nicole Bowser graduated from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Brittany Lichty earned honor roll distinction for the spring 2015 semester at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

Katrina Ottesen was named to the Lincoln Memorial University’s spring 2015 dean’s list. The university is located in Harrogate, Tennessee.

Jenna M. Scheeland, a sophomore studying exercise and sport medicine, made the honor roll at Oregon State University,

Talking Stick, museum sponsor literacy-rich programs

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is in the middle of its annual Literacy/ School House Prep month where visitors get to enjoy not only museum playtime but also programs and activities rich in literacy and getting kids ready for school.

July is sponsored by Talking Stick Resort. This is the fourth consecutive year that Talking Stick Resort and the museum have partnered to bring this month-long focus on literacy and school readiness to museum visitors.

Programs include:

• Stop...Drop...and Read! A museumwide experience where story time is held in each of the museum’s exhibit areas at 1:30 p.m. each day.

• Brain Time: A program emphasizing simple but critical messages about early brain development. Included are stories, songs, rhymes, and one-on-one parent/child playtime with brain-based learning toys and books. Three Brain Time programs are offered: Brain Time for Babies, Brain Time for Toddlers and Brain Time for Preschoolers.

• Exploring Environments that Nurture Language and Literacy: One of Southwest Human Development’s literacy experts will teach parents how

Literacy/School House Prep month continues at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Submitted photo

to create a language-rich environment at home and how to integrate reading and talking into bedtime and bath time as well as outside of the home in locations such as the grocery store and mall.

• Math Before You Can Add or Even Count!: Parents experience the joy of math with their children through handson projects and learn more tools that they can implement at home.

• Magic Writing Bags: Children will be introduced to color mixing as they develop fine motor skills and strengthen their prewriting skills by creating their very own magic writing bag.

• Radical Rainbows: Children learn about colors and color mixing while exploring cause and effect.

• Shapetacular: An exploration of shapes

All About Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is now offering the latest in BIOLASE LASER therapy for infants with lip and tongue ties who are experiencing difficulty nursing. If you or your baby are experiencing these symptoms call us for a consultation.

through hands-on games and activities, including creating your own geometric shape collage with shape stickers.

• Button Measuring Stick: Using buttons, parents and children will create a unique measuring tool to measure objects around the home.

These programs are free with paid museum admission of $11. Members and children younger than age 1 are free. Reservations are required for some of these programs as space is limited.

Dates and times for all of the museum’s programs and activities can be accessed through the museum’s Web calendar at childrensmuseumofphoenix. org events or by downloading the museum’s calendar at http://bit.ly/1Hsmjnp.

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Baby

•Poor weight gain

•Non-effective latch

•Prolonged feeding times

•Gassy, colic, and reflux

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Mother

•Severe pain with latch

•Plugged ducts

•Mastitis

•Cracked and bleeding nipples

Apple Dumpling Café

3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879, www. appledumplingcafe.com

Mondays are family value night, where kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. On family fun night, kids receive free ice cream with a meal. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, where kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008, www.chompies.com

Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

Copper Still Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476, www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill. com

Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0645, www.dillysdeli.com

Get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased at $6 or more on weekends.

Earnest

4991 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 1, Chandler (480) 883-3773, www.earnestrestaurant.com

Through the end of August kids eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée.

El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina 2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770, www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.

Fat Willy’s 4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356, www.fatwillysaz.com/chandler

From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, dine-in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Kids can select from the Little Leaguers menu only and must be 12 and younger.

Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta

590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433, www.floridinos.net

Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Receive one free kids’ meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine-in only.

The Hungry Monk Andersen Fiesta Shopping Center, 1760 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 963-8000, www.hungrymonkaz.com

Kids eat free on Mondays with every purchase of an adult entrée.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898, www.aznypdpizza.com

Kids eat free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine-in only.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197

Every day, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and younger eats free with each paying adult, while additional kids eat for 50 percent off, when

they order from the Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503, www.planetsub.com

Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.

Social Box

1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 899-6735, www.socialboxeateries.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965, www.sidelinesaz.com

Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-7673

Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section. Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc. Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for verification.

Readers, if you know of a location that has a kidseat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for confirmation and details. Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun. com.

Jay Tibshraeny and the Chandler City Council

Youth Wilderness experience

The Chandler Police Department’s school resource officers hosted two summer wilderness trips in June. The campouts were held at Greens Peak in Apache County. Combined, 23 junior high-aged children from various schools attended. The goal of the experience was to educate participants on the importance of fostering an appreciation for nature and their community. They were challenged throughout the day by the SROs through physical and mental activities. Some of these activities are designed to promote good communication skills that can be utilized in everyday life. These activities teach constructive interaction with others, and enhance self-esteem and confidence through the use of character building group exercises. This program is a great working experience for both the school resource officer and the student, which impacts their relationships in a positive manner. Photos by Chandler

One of the more popular activities among the

Participants were warned: leave the campsite cleaner than you found it. The consequence, 10 push-ups for each piece of garbage found at cleanup.

In all, the participants will hike 8 to 10 miles during the three-night campout.

A lunch stop on the way home offered an extraordinary view!