The Southern Youth Summit (SYS) is sponsored by the state 4-H and the theme this year was “Bee the Change.”  I have been to SYS for two years and it is a wonderful experience where I have learned leadership skills and met other 4-H youth leaders.  I enjoy choosing from a menu of presentations that are offered at the event.  The two that made the most impact on me this year were the Mindfulness and the Futurist presentations.  Both of them have concepts that are important for me not as a leader, but also personally as I lead a healthy life.

The Mindfulness session allowed our group to define Mindfulness.  The presenter gave a funny description of when she ate a whole box of cookies, but didn't even realize it because she was watching television.  The two presenters then gave strategies that we could use to be mindful and we took a hike in the beautiful area surrounding Pathfinder Ranch, the location of SYS.  I found the techniques useful and look forward to attending the Mindfulness Retreat in November.

Chet Sisk, the Futurist, helped me see what the future has in store and how I can make a difference right now.  He inspired me to look at civic education and what I can do to make a changes in my community a step at a time and how they will impact the world globally.  He was a captivating speaker.

SYS is a wonderful experience that gives ideas and strategies to support leadership.  I encourage everyone to attend next January!