Total YLF sessions: 2
Total YLF participants: 85
Total YLF memories: priceless.
We couldn’t get enough of the fun and excitement of YLF Boston, so naturally, we were thrilled to host a second conference! YLF Central was held at Worcester State University from July 26 through July 29. The forum included keynote speakers, interactive workshops, projects, team building and wellness activities, such as sports, dance, and community building. Read on to check out the week’s highlights, get a glimpse into the fun, and hear about the unforgettable experience from the participants themselves.
Day 1
YLF Central started off strong with clear skies, which made a prime environment for Staff Captains and Peer Leaders to learn some team-building exercises outside. Once the delegates arrived, the Staff Captains and Peer Leaders helped their group members connect with each other through the exercises, have fun, and learn about their own leadership strengths. The sunny weather and enthusiastic participants were a successful start to the week! After a busy first day, we all enjoyed a fun movie night in one of Worcester State University’s beautiful theatres.
Day 2
Day 2 included our opening ceremony with keynote speaker Rebecca Cokley, a disability rights activist and public speaker. She is the first U.S. Disability Rights Program Officer for the Ford Foundation, gave a powerful keynote speech that focused on using your voice to self-advocate. Participants then began the first full day of workshops, followed by an evening Paint Night, which bloomed with color as participants painted a vibrant garden scenery, courtesy of Canvas N’ Cup!
Day 3
Onto Day 3! Project-based learning sessions included screen printing designs on canvas tote bags, an improv workshop, and Flamenco lessons. The day was full of dancing as the evening featured the iconic YLF Dance with DJ Eamon! Everyone brought their best moves to the dance floor and grooved to the music.
Day 4
The last day of YLF Central was a bit rainy, but that didn’t get our spirits down. Participants attended a keynote with Collette Divitto, an entrepreneur and owner of Collettey’s Cookies. The speech inspired many to ask questions about the process of starting up a business and ended on a sweet note as Collette gave everyone the chance to try her delicious cookies!
The last round of project-based learning workshops included learning about navigation, an art jam session, and a cooking lesson that taught knife safety, chopping skills, and how to make sushi!
Finally, YLF Central came to an end with a closing ceremony and tearful goodbyes. A participant remarked, “This week was the best week of my life! I made so many friends and am so grateful that I met them. I wish I could be here all summer.”
Thank you to all of our participants in both YLF Central and YLF Boston for a successful summer!
