PNP TO CONDUCT DREAM CAMP FOR TOLEDO YOUTHS

Punta Gorda, Toledo, 11 August 2008 - The Toledo District is the district that is the richest when it comes to natural resources. It is the only district that has an abundance of ridges, rainforests, and reefs. Yet statistics show that the Toledo District has the highest rates of unemployment, illiteracy, and poverty.

This summer, PNP is conducting DREAM Camp – Developing through Recreation, Education, Adventure, and Mentoring. The idea behind the camp is for youths throughout the district to begin to develop their dreams. Youth unemployment is among the highest in the country here. Most of the youths have to leave Toledo to pursue careers elsewhere in the country. Instead of losing this district’s youths and further contributing to the unemployment rate, PNP hopes to provide the foundation for Toledo youths to pursue and achieve their dreams here. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Everything starts with a dream and developing these dreams into reality is what the camp will focus on.

During the week-long camp, youths from the Toledo District will be involved in team-building exercises and thought-provoking discussions, including topics such as the Guatemalan claim, business management, and the simple steps that are needed to achieve success in one’s endeavors. PNP members will meet with youths and lead intelligent discussions that will help to build self-esteem, pride, patriotism, and professionalism.
The Camp will also have speakers mostly from the Toledo District who are successful leaders in the community to provide guidance and direction for the youths. In sharing their experiences of achieving their dreams, they will serve as positive role models for the attending youths.

At the conclusion of the Camp activities, a Work Scholarship and Mentorship Program will be launched at a Back-to-School Rally to be held at Punta Gorda Central Park on Saturday, August 16th. This scholarship program will pair a mentor with a student to provide continued guidance throughout the academic year to help the student achieve success and to fulfill his/her dream.

The camp is made possible thanks to the generous support that the PNP received from the people of Punta Gorda, along with its stateside supporters from the Chicago, Waukegan, Milwaukee areas. Said one staunch PNP supporter, “The Toledo youths deserve an opportunity to succeed and education is the key to their success. They simply need the tools to start on their path and that’s why I support the camp.”   Without our supporters' assistance, the camp would not have been possible.  Thanks for your continued support for our vision!