What will happen when 15 youth from Camden take to the streets this summer?  No one knows.  That’s because this summer we are challenging our Hope Through School youth to design and implement their own community action.  Recognizing that each trainee has the potential to be a positive force for change,

our trainees will reflect on a time when they made a difference within their family, group of friends, faith community or school.  Harvesting the energy they have for good works from these stories of success, we will ask the trainees to address the possibilities for peace amidst the violence of their community.  They will have the freedom to do anything that will mobilize their voices for peace and will gain the attention of our North Camden neighborhood.  Forming groups to deal with activities, logistics and public relations they will carry out a unique community action of their own creation that should prove to be an act of civic engagement and service.  Our Formation Director, Patrick Keenan, will support them daily in their planning and learning.  Certainly, this will be a unique challenge for our youth to claim their role as young community leaders. Good luck to their endeavors!