Join Aurora Sister Cities for a Global Youth Leaders summer camp

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

The Aurora Sister Cities International (ASCI) is accepting applications for its summer leadership camps for middle school and high school teenagers interested in learning more about becoming a global leader.

The Global Youth Leaders Program will teach students topics such as travel, global business, languages, citizenship, culture, immigration, and international diplomacy.

“Although it was a little intimidating to go into a new environment, I got to grow as a person and experience new things I never knew I could do,” said Alexa Tampubolon, 16, who is Indonesian and participated in last year’s program. “After attending the program daily, I started to create strong bonds with my peers. I connected with others and made some pretty cool memories.”

Creating friendships with others in Aurora played a pivotal moment for all attendees.

“I got the opportunity to connect with others and I alco can learn about the culture from various countries in this world,” said Joyline Annabel, 14, who also attended last summer’s program and currently attends Cherokee Trail High School. “I learned how to work as a group and build good cooperation as a team.”

In a short time, ASCI youth program director Cristina Antillon observed the growth of these youth.

“These young ladies connect well with others and know how to have fun,” Antillon said. “They enjoyed making dancing videos with their peers, and they even convince one of the city council members to do a TikTok Dance routine, including myself.”

Engaging students in an interactive week-long curriculum designed to give them sills and competencies to act as global leaders, entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and pursue higher education opportunities, they will meet at Aurora Municipal Center with local leaders.

“There’s never a dull moment, whether that’s working in groups, brainstorming ideas or laughing with each other during break times,” shared Tampubolon, who attends Rangeview High School. “The snacks are also so amazing, I always looked forward to eating a new snack or meal from around the world.”

2023 Summer Camp Dates

Camp 1: Global Leadership and Communication

June 12 to 16 OR July 10 to 14 (Age: 13 to 16)

Camp 2: Local Leadership in a Global Community

June 26 to 30 OR July 24 to 28 (Age: 14 to 19)

With generous funding from foundations and government entities, ASCI can provide these programs free but an application is required to indicate eligibility. A possibility to earn scholarships for international travel is available. In fact, Tampubolon participated in a virtual exchange program with Korea Sister Cities in the fall. As a youth from Indonesia, she learned K-pop routines, made lanterns and used chopsticks.

“Aurora Sister Cities really gave me such a memorable summer experience. It was such a good way to start the school year. It taught me how to communicate and understand different perspectives and cultures better,” said Tampubolon. “I learned about my community, local government, the Aurora City Municipal court and met council members, too.”

To apply or learn more about the program, visit AuroraSisterCities.org.