Fayette Outdoor YMCA staff members are busy gearing up for summer camp which begins June 1. Throughout the school year, teen members of the YMCA Leaders Club are busy with volunteer projects in the community.

These students and leaders, many of whom grew up with Y day camp, demonstrate the YMCA mission by volunteering to make a difference in Fayette County. Upcoming events include a mid-February baby-to-teen clothes drive for Clothes Less Traveled in Peachtree City, a nonprofit thrift shop that supports area charities, and the April 30 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

The teen group has been involved with Relay for Life for the past four years. Each year the team raises around $2,000 for the fight against cancer. For two years they’ve had a “Smash-a-Car” fundraiser booth the night of the relay. The group also volunteers to set up, facilitate, and clean up at the event. Club advisors Chris Mothorpe and Zach Stutts co-chair this year’s Relay for Life.

Recent volunteer projects in the community include mulching at the Sams School, distributing phone books for the Peachtree City Rotary Club on a cold winter’s day and preparing the 29-acre, Fayette Outdoor YMCA, located on Huiet Road, for summer camp.

The Y Leaders Club’s purpose is to build leadership skills and character values in high school teens through community service, while upholding the YMCA’s Christian values. The group meets twice a month at the Fayette Outdoor YMCA and plans volunteer projects throughout the year.

High school students who want to make a difference and develop their leadership skills are welcome to join. To request an application or for more information, contact YMCA Leaders Club Advisor Chris Mothorpe, 770-843-9548. For information about YMCA day camp, with registration beginning in late February, visit www.atlymcacamps.com.