Neither pesky bugs nor sweltering heat could keep Courtney Jackson from making a positive difference in her community.
“It?s really hot out here, and there are a lot of bugs, but it?s better than sitting home and just watching TV,” she said Tuesday, while clearing away plants threatening the life of trees along a scenic path at the Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock.
The rising seventh-grader at Bonnie Branch Middle School in Ellicott City is one of about 12 middle-schoolers learning about the importance of volunteerism this week as part of the first Camp Make Difference program, a partnership between the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County and Columbia Association.
The center links community members with agencies seeking volunteers, and Columbia Association provides annual summer camp programs geared toward youngsters. High-schoolers will also participate in sessions offered later this month.
“You should help people because some people can?t help themselves,” said Kim Soffen, 11, a rising seventh-grader at Bonnie Branch Middle.
“Helping people is about making the world a better place,” said Bradley Poulin, 11, a rising seventh-grader at Burleigh Manor Middle School in Ellicott City.
The camp is based on one run by Volunteer Frederick, an organization similar to the Howard volunteer center.
The camp was developed after the center received calls from community members suggesting that one be offered to youngsters in Howard, said Mickey Gomez, executive director of Howard?s volunteer center.
“We want this to light a spark,” she said.
This week, the campers will also visit children with special needs, senior citizens and children who need extra help at school.
Tony Yount, a retired Howard County public school system administrator who recently withdrew his candidacy for the Howard County School Board, is serving as the camp?s director.
“We?re giving young people a chance to contribute to their community, and this is better than running for School Board,” he said jokingly.
