Edwards students return from leadership camp Published July 27, 2010 By Diane Betzler Staff Writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Three Desert High School students returned home after a week of participating in grueling physical and mental exercises designed to prepare them for future leadership roles. They each said one of the most important lessons they learned while attending the Air Force Services Teen Leadership Camp in San Antonio, Texas was about the many advantages of teamwork. "We experienced how much more can be accomplished when sharing a goal and working it together," said Sarah Chahine. "We also learned the importance of being able to trust your teammates," said Raven Summers. "I learned how easy it is to let go of my inhibitions and communicate more freely when I'm with people I trust," said Kasey Kalita. The young high school students from Edwards were among 66 students from high schools located on Air Force bases across the country, who were selected to attend the first ever, teen leadership camp, sponsored by the United States Air Force. The local teens said they attended classes in public speaking, how to make a positive impact on their community, goal setting, effective communication and how to deal with peer pressure and bullying. Miss Chahine, who will be entering her sophomore year this fall, said her participation in the Associated Student Body has laid the ground work for practicing leadership skills, but says the leadership training she received while at camp gave her some very good ideas on how to strengthen those skills and apply them more effectively. "My biggest accomplishment was learning about teamwork and trust," Miss Chahine said. Miss Kalita, the quietest of the three, says her biggest accomplishment was coming out of her shell. "I learned to trust my teammates," she said, marveling over how easy it is to relax and be yourself when around people you trust. "I knew they were trustworthy because you had to be good to get to the camp," Miss Kalita said. Seventeen-year-old Miss Summers, the oldest of the three will be entering her senior year this fall. She said her biggest accomplishment was learning to conquer her fear of heights. "To do that, I had to participate in a high rope exercise. When I got half way up I started freaking out because I was so scared. My teammate talked me through it and convinced me that I could make it to the top without falling," Miss Summers said. She talked about the huge feeling of accomplishment she felt after discovering she could do it, and how her trust in her teammate played a big role in her success of overcoming that fear. "I had to climb up to about 50 feet. Before that day, I never knew I could do that and be ready to do it again," Miss Summers said. The girls said Raven was rewarded with a special coin for conquering her fear of falling during that particular exercise. "I was told I could pass the coin on to someone else if I felt they made such an incredible accomplishment," Miss Summers said, after showing off the coin. "But I didn't want to give it up," she said. The girls agreed the focus on the training was all about setting goals and setting out to accomplish those goals. "It's all about teamwork," said Miss Kalita. "We learned all about the power of working together toward a goal," said her close friend, Sarah Chahine. Raven Summers said the experience gave her an insight into what living in a dorm is like, which is something she's been curious about since she will be doing just that real soon. "Raven, Kasey and Sarah represented themselves, their families, and Edwards admirably at the 2010 Air Force Teen Leadership Camp," said Mr. Paul Labella, teen coordinator at Edwards Teen Center. Mr. Labella traveled to San Antonio, Texas with the local teenagers and helped coordinate some of the events. He said it was a tough week, but said the girls pulled through and learned some great leadership skills that will help them personally as well as have an impact on their community. "This was the first camp of its kind from the Air Force and because it was so successful, it will most likely be back next summer. Congratulations Raven, Kasey and Sarah," said Mr. Labella. Mrs. Judy Kalita, Kasey's mom, said the girls came back with a different attitude. "They are more excited about everything. They haven't stopped talking about the experience yet," she said. Raven's mom, Robin Peek, said she believes her daughter is more confident about herself since returning from camp. "I hope she continues to project that (confidence) throughout the year," Mrs. Peek said. Kasey Kalita said she was impressed about how nice everyone was, "I would like to do it again," she said. "Yes, every month," agreed Sarah Chahine. "I'm just glad our parents let us go," said Raven Summers, adding that it was an experience she'll carry with her for a long while.