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Hernando Today

Selling Candy For Camp

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TONY HOLT

Published: January 13, 2008

SPRING HILL They braved the drizzling rain and shivered in the cooler temperatures for most of the afternoon, but the group of kids at the local YMCA likely achieved their goal of $500.

Every dollar was going to be matched by the family fitness center so in essence, the children raised $1,000 and are well on their way toward paying for more than a dozen trips to Blue Ridge, N.C.

Those traveling north next summer are members of the YMCA's Leaders Club. They are required to participate in the fundraising and work the required 100 hours of volunteer community service to become eligible.

Toni Bennett, the adult supervisor who is assisting the children in their fundraising efforts, said the nine-day leadership school in Blue Ridge provides much-needed distractions for teenagers — the good kind of distractions.

"It teaches them leadership qualities and it keeps them out of trouble," she said. "It really keeps them focused."

Bennett wore a sweat top Saturday, but her legs were bare. She appeared to be shaking due to the cold weather and rain, but she claimed to be trembling with excitement. She looked at the pot of money and knew she and the kids were close to their goal.

They stood outside the Wal-Mart on Commercial Way from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Among those selling candy bars was 15-year-old Springstead High School sophomore Danielle DeCoste.

She attended the camp last year and described how it centered on teamwork, leadership and physical fitness.

Participants at the co-ed school must be able to perform the minimum amount of sit-ups and pushups and must run a mile under the mandatory time.

"I met a lot of different people there," DeCoste said, describing what she liked best about her experience. "I learned a lot of important traits from them."

She has maintained many of the friendships that began at the camp last summer. Cellphones and the Internet have made that easier.

"I cried when I had to go back," she said. "All the girls get together and have this big crying fest at the end."

Because so many are expected to go this year and because so much money is being raised for the trip, there is a chance Bennett will be able to tag along as a "co-advisor."

"I plan to have enough people going this year so that I can go," she said.

Members of the Junior Leaders Club, including Bennett's 9-year-old daughter, also were on hand Saturday raising money. The camp will take place in mid-June. Teens (ranging in ages 13 to 17) from across the Southeast will attend.

DeCoste is hoping more of her friends can accompany her this year. She recalled being struck by the sight of the Blue Ridge Mountains when she arrived last summer.

"I really loved that," she said. "As soon as we got up north, people were so excited and started to take photos."

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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