The Heard County Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 Youth Leadership Heard program
participants traveled to Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg on October 10th for a full day of
teambuilding activities. Youth Leadership Heard is a five-month leadership program where
they will learn about the needs and issues of our county and state, develop leadership skills,
and learn to work together as a team in order that they may resolve some of these needs.












Youth Leadership Heard outside The Lodge at Banning Mills (L-R)Orlando Burgos, Gracie Rowe,
Sierra White, Hannah Wiggins, Chris Davila, Hannah Bledsoe, Morgan Thompson, Victoria Adams,
and Taylor Wiggins

The Youth Leadership Heard class began the day with a GPS trek challenge. Using a GPS
device, the youth had to hike the wooded trails to find hidden ‘checkpoint stations’. At each
station, they had to complete a teambuilding activity.
The youth were challenged to think ‘outside of the box’ to solve problems, were able to build
communication skills, and learned how a seemingly impossible goal is attainable if they
worked together as a team.

After a wonderful lunch provided by Banning Mills, the Youth Leadership Heard participants
put on their helmets for a fun afternoon of ziplining and high ropes challenge courses. The
youth built self confidence and learned that they can do more than they ever thought possible
by working through their fear of heights. It was a fun and rewarding day, and the Heard County
Chamber of Commerce is very proud of all the participants for being open to new challenges
and working together.

The Youth Leadership Heard class will continue in November by taking a field trip to the
Tenaska Georgia Power Plant in Franklin, and Oglethorpe Power Hydro-Electric Plant in
Rome where the youth will be given guided tours of the plants.
2011-2012 Youth Leadership Heard
Youth Leadership Heard participating in a
teambuilding activity at Banning Mills