The Mid-Atlantic Region's Teen Leadership Conference, hosted by the Capital City, Durham, and Fayetteville Chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., under the guidance of the Regional Executive Board, will take place from June 22 - 25. With this year’s theme "Melanin Magic," this annual four-day event brings together teens ages 13-19 from the region to engage in various leadership development activities, including educational, cultural, recreational, and philanthropic programs designed for and by the Teens of the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Tarcia Flemming, the Regional Director of Jack and Jill of America's Mid-Atlantic Region, expressed her excitement for the conference, stating, "The Teen Conference ignites a powerful transformation within our Jack and Jill Teens, fueling their journey towards becoming influential leaders in their communities. We take pride in offering them opportunities to actively participate in impactful community service projects, cultivate essential skills, and forge meaningful bonds with their peers."
This year's conference will be attended by over 800 teens from across the Mid-Atlantic region including Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. One of the key focuses of the event is community service, as the teens will actively participate in various projects aimed at making a positive difference in their communities.
Among the community service initiatives, the teens will take part in the Build A Bike program, an exciting team-building exercise where they will assemble bikes for local youth. A total of 18 bikes will be constructed, with equal numbers designated for both girls and boys. The Durham and Orange County Boys & Girls Club will be present to receive the completed bikes, ready to bring joy and mobility to deserving children in the community.
Additionally, the Sleep in Heavenly Peace project will engage 9th to 11th grade attendees in building twin beds for families in need. With a goal to build 20 beds, the initiative aims to bring comfort and stability to families by providing them with a safe place to rest.
The conference also includes a book drive, encouraging all attendees to contribute new and gently used books. These books will support children in North Carolina foster care through the Methodist Home for Children.
The Mid-Atlantic Region Teen Conference goes beyond community service and offers enriching workshops, addresses the issues important teens and the election of the year’s upcoming Regional Teen Officers. The conference will also include a college fair featuring over 20 colleges, universities, college prep and military prep organizations who will provide valuable resources and information to graduating seniors and their parents as they embark on their next academic journey.
The pinnacle of the event will be the Rites of Passage ceremony, a special gala dedicated to honoring the 153 graduating seniors. It marks the end of their journey within Jack and Jill of America's teen program, celebrating their accomplishments and recognizing their transition into adulthood.