School may be out for the summer, but a program is in full swing at Cornerstone Youth Center. The organization, located at 95 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown, is once again holding the Empower Youth Leadership Initiative for youths in grades nine through 12.

Empower began on June 12 and will run for six weekly sessions, with graduation scheduled for Thursday, July 17.

As its name implies, the program is designed to empower young people with the skills, resources and support necessary to unlock their leadership potential, said Jim Bush, Cornerstone executive director.

"This program was introduced at Cornerstone in 2017 and then was implemented at Teen Haven Youth Center in Lancaster city in 2018 under the name 'Training Camp,'" he explained. "With a break in 2020 because of COVID, the program continued at Teen Haven until last summer, when we brought it back to Cornerstone."

Activities focus on five key pillars: building a life of character and integrity, developing healthy relationships and establishing boundaries, conflict resolution and overcoming obstacles, financial management and stewardship and community service and civic responsibility.

Students are supported in developing leadership skills such as effective communication and decision making through a series of activities and hands-on opportunities to learn.

To emphasize the pillar of overcoming obstacles, students will participate in the "Clip and Climb" obstacle course at Spooky Nook Sports, where they will be challenged to face and overcome their fears.

"To illustrate the point of having integrity, we will teach the students to shoot archery and focus on hitting the bullseye each shot, regardless of how badly they may have missed on their last attempt," Bush shared. "Students will (also) be challenged to work as a team and develop communication skills through participating in an escape room."

On Thursday, July 3, students will participate in a mock trial at District Magistrate Randall Miller's office, followed by a community service project for the community service and civic responsibility pillar.

"And, prior to graduation on July 17, we will complete our version of 'The Amazing Race,' where students will participate in a competition to figure out clues and complete challenges in order to complete the course," Bush said. "Each activity will give students valuable insights into their own strengths and capabilities, ultimately boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem."

Many of the Empower participants are at-risk youths or young people who have experienced brokenness in their lives, Bush said.

"Brokenness may look like bullying, neglect or abuse, struggling to make friends or with schoolwork," he explained. "It takes on many forms, but the result of brokenness is often a lack of an ability to handle difficult life situations, so our program helps these students develop the skills to overcome the challenges that they face."

Empower also requires a level of accountability from participants.

"In order to successfully complete the program, the students must demonstrate an advanced level of leadership, cooperation, self-discipline, courage to overcome obstacles and a willingness to help others succeed," Bush remarked. "Last year we had 11 students participate in the program, and seven successfully completed the graduation requirements. Students who successfully graduate qualify to become peer mentors to other students." This year, two students have returned to serve as mentors.

The Empower lessons are taught by Cornerstone staff and volunteers, many of whom are local pastors and full-time ministry leaders. This year, the program is completely funded through Cornerstone's programming budget, Bush said, noting that Cornerstone is supported by local churches, businesses and individuals in the community.

To raise funds for Cornerstone programming, including the Empower initiative, Cornerstone will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser at Whisk Cafe, 98 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, on Thursday, July 10. A Supper Club BBQ will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit. The menu will include smoked sausage, pulled pork, crispy chicken thighs, cheddar cornbread, jalapeno jam, red skin potato salad, bourbon baked beans and more. Reservations are required for the meal and must be made by Saturday, July 5, by calling Whisk Cafe at 717-287-6381. Takeout meals may also be arranged ahead of time.

"When you take part in fundraising events like the Supper Club, you are contributing to something much bigger than just a delicious barbecue meal," shared Sammi Simmons, Cornerstone development coordinator. "You're investing in our community. By investing in our youth, you are paving the way for our future and giving hope to students, many of whom come from places of brokenness. You can be part of changing the life of a youth from despair to hope."