TeenLife 2024 Guide to Summer Programs

By AMEYALI CASAÑAS
Global Leadership Academy
I chose to participate in the Global Leadership
Academy because for me it was the best summer
camp of those I had reviewed. Then, when I attended
for the second time, this was because I loved
my first time there. I wanted to experience it again
so I could be able to learn more about myself in a
moment where I felt lost, which helped me a lot.
I decided because of the schedule and activities
that took place in it, as well as the fact that they
give you the opportunity to actually help your own
community with a project. It was a great opportunity
for me to do something to make a difference
because I've always felt that spirit of service in me!
I got to do that while connecting with teenagers
around the globe, and I was also getting to know a
beautiful country and living amazing experiences
with incredible people.
A typical day starts with getting ready for breakfast
and getting to know your roommates. After that
we have our morning coffee (not coffee, actually
a game!) and then the amazing activities start. It
depends on the day because they are all different,
but for example the first morning we had lots of
activities to get to know each other. Then it’s lunch,
then we have another block of activities where
you have a lot of fun, either on or off the campus!
Believe me, you never get bored! Every activity is
made to make you learn and while doing that have
fun. After that we have dinner, by the way the food
is always really tasty. Then we have the last block
of activities, followed by free time, where you can
either play, talk to your parents, hang out with your
friends, dance, read, and so on. Finally we have
lights out at 10 pm, to have a good sleep to get
ready for the next day!! Overall, each day is different
and awesome, you get to know people from a lot of
countries and backgrounds.
The most memorable moment of the program was
when my home group and I did our service challenge,
which was a fundraiser about protecting the environment
and letting people know about this problem that
concerns us all. At the beginning we didn't know what
direction our service challenge was taking, but at the
end, with the help of the staff as well as our ideas as
a group and the good atmosphere that we created
to work together, we made the service challenge an
amazing experience. We learned, had fun, challenged
ourselves, and obtained really good results, and lifetime
friendships, and experiences. I also loved the creation
of everyone's Dream Projects, seeing my home group
members working on their passions and ending up with
amazing projects. I also loved getting to know different
cultures!
If you are considering the Global Leadership Academy,
I can tell you: Go for it! You won't regret it, believe me.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience! GLA helped me in
the process of gaining confidence in myself, knowing my
potential, as well as my purpose in life. I truly learned
the power of teamwork. Plus, I also learned strategies to
use these abilities that I have to develop a project where
I can help my community and how to apply the strategies.
GLA allows you to find your passions as well as get
inspired by others. It helps you build your future in an
amazing and positive way! You learn how powerful you
are and the impact you have on those around you.
50 | 2024 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO SUMMER PROGRAMS
50 | 2024 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO SUMMER PROGRAMS