WARRENSBURG, N.Y.: “At Camp Inspire, we learn about leadership values, such as empathy, problem-solving, perseverance, as well as self-care and care for others. Now if any friends or people are going through a hard time, I show empathy towards them and make sure to be there for them,” proclaimed Orson Thomas, an 8th grader from Warrensburg, “In the past, I used to be shy and quiet, but now I’m not afraid to speak out, and reach out to others.”

During the Camp Inspire end of year celebration ceremony, 74 campers in the Camp Inspire program celebrated their ongoing leadership development. Warrensburg Central School District has partnered with Camp Inspire since its inception in 2022 as a part of their Strategic Plan to prepare students with skills needed to participate in their community and to enter the workforce.

“Camp Inspire brought me new friendships that I didn’t think I would make with kids from other schools, like Johnsburg and North Warren. Not only did I make new friends, but also learned how I am a leader and how to use those leadership skills,” shared Luz Daniela Hernandez Lopez, Warrensburg 9th Grader, during their graduation speech.

The program offers participants a one-week leadership development camp at Camp Echo Lake, along with meetings throughout the school year. Students attend workshops, seminars, and classes to unlock their leadership potential, while also enjoying activities like field trips, athletics, arts, and swimming. Participants are encouraged to apply these skills at camp, in school, at home, and within their communities to positively impact their peers and the world.

For Warrensburg 8th grader Audrey Bills, “Camp inspire is almost like a second home. My first year at Camp Inspire I was nervous, and I didn’t feel like getting out of my car. But I did and I’m glad I did.”

“At a time when there are mounting challenges for adolescents and so much of our culture is caught up in divisiveness and anger, Camp Inspire has truly been a positive shining light in that darkness. Camp Inspire brings out the best in its Camper Leaders and the positive impact they then have on their own future and the world around them has been undeniable,” shared Camp Echo Lake Director and Warrensburg CSD Board of Education member Laurie Rinke Langworthy.

Created at Camp Echo Lake in partnership with Warrensburg CSD, Camp Inspire began in 2022 as one of ten pilot programs nationwide offering this unique opportunity. The camp is open to students in grades 7-11 from Warrensburg CSD, North Warren CSD, and Johnsburg CSD. Camp Inspire fosters collaboration and connection among students and schools from these three neighboring districts.