Along with sports and other activities, many area youngsters will enjoy a week of camp this summer. With this blog, I would like to recognize the men, women and teens who help make summer camp possible for numerous children across southwest Missouri.

Last week, I had the opportunity to take photos at the Barry County Youth Camp held at Camp Smokey in Roaring River State Park. I was thoroughly impressed with the warm welcome I received from the camp directors, counselors and campers.

I was especially impressed by the young men and women who gave up a week of their summer vacation to volunteer as camp counselor's. These young men and women took their responsibility of keeping the campers safe, disciplined and entertained very seriously.

Some of these young men and women are from our very own county, which speaks volumes for what our area teens are learning and working to achieve. Other counselors traveled from as far away as Springfield to volunteer during the week of camp.

I could tell by the way that the campers responded to their counselors that they both respected and admired these older role models. In turn, the counselors showed that they cared deeply for the children who had been placed in their charge for the week.

I would encourage more of our youth to share their talents and compassion during similar events. Not only will serving as a camp counselor look great on a future college application, but teens will develop memories that they will keep with them throughout their lives.