Oxford News

OVERPECK — Butler County high school students have been invited to spend two days at a youth summit this month brainstorming ways to help area youth succeed.

Students who attend event Nov. 9-10 at Camp Campbell Gard will design creative programs and initiatives that lead to healthier youth and communities, said Butler County United Way officials who will host the summit.

Last year, more than 100 students participated, officials said.

Stacia Bellard, 17, a senior at Monroe High School, is one of five students planning the event.

"It's an opportunity to meet new people and do something positive in the community,'' she said.

Some of the ideas discussed at last year's event led to Character Day in Hamilton, the Summer Service Learning Project in New Miami and a new Teen Center that is set to open near East High School in Liberty Twp. in January, aid Maureen Noe, president of the Butler County United Way.

"This is an opportunity for kids to come together, get to know each other and develop developmental assets," she said.

Developmental assets are positive experiences and personal qualities that help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible.

Noe described the summit as a movement that is led and planned by students.

The Uprising 2008 event includes movies, a campfire and games such as Big Ball Tackle and a race similar to the "Amazing Race" reality television show.

Students also will discuss subjects such as positive values, support, commitment to learning and empowerment.

Registration forms for the Uprising 2008 summit are due by Tuesday, Nov. 4. For more information, call (513) 863-0800.