SALEM — Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety is encouraging teens headed to high school next fall to its beach-themed Summer Leadership Retreat at James Madison University in Harrisonburg July 17–20.
For $15 per person, YOVASO promises “four action-packed days of leadership training, hands-on safety experiences, new friendships, and unforgettable memories — all while learning how to be a smarter, safer driver and passenger.”
This year’s theme is “Tides, Vibes, and Safe Rides.”
Teens who will be rising 9th-12th graders this fall are welcome to attend. School clubs, church and community youth groups can bring up to six students plus one adult advisor for $75 per team.
What’s on the Agenda?
- Motivational speaker Cara Filler
- A crash and hospital trauma bay simulation by VCU Health Project Impact
- WRAP’s (Washington Regional Alcohol Program) Alcohol Awareness for Students interactive presentation
- ThinkFast Multi-Media Trivia Gameshow with TjohnE
- Leadership & advocacy workshops
- Interactive safety experiences with Virginia State Police, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Virginia Department of Transportation, DRIVE SMART VA and more, including the VSP Distracted Driving Simulators.
- Nightly socials, including the glow stick game, talent show, pajama night with a DJ, and a beachy twist on the Amazing Race!
YOVASO says the retreat builds leadership and life skills, teaches how to be a safer driver and passenger, helps particpants get involved in school or community peer-to-peer programs and explore careers in public safety, education or health care and make lifelong friends.
“We’re excited to offer this unique and affordable experience for teens to learn safe driving in a fun and empowering way,” says Mary King, YOVASO Program Manager. “Our VSP troopers, staff, and guest presenters enjoy working with teens and deliver safe driving programs that are fun, yet impactful. We encourage all teens to take advantage of this affordable program by joining us this summer for Tides, Vibes, and Safe Rides.”
Register now at yovaso.org/summer-retreat. Those with questions should email Mary King at mary.king@vsp.virginia.gov. Registration closes June 21, and space is limited. The fee includes all meals, educational sessions, overnight accommodations, materials, and a retreat t-shirt, backpack, lanyard and water bottle.
The retreat is sponsored by YOVASO and VSP with funding provided by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and State Farm Insurance.
