A couple of local teens are learning the value of public service and personal development through a program offered by the federal government.

Caleb Vissier and Dallas Ernst are two of the teens who have gotten involved in the Congressional Award program who say the experience is a rewarding one.

Sherry Ernst was appointed to spearhead the program by Vicky Hartzler for the local district and said she wants to see more names from Missouri on the gold award list. In order to make that happen Ernst is asking schools, civic organizations and individual families to encourage youths between the ages of 13 and a half and 24 years-old to sign up.

The Congressional Award recognizes youth who finish certain amounts of hours in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration at several different levels.

According to the program brochure, voluntary public service is providing service to others and the greater community at large. For example, Dallas Ernst spent the last year tutoring band students in music as part of his voluntary public service, while Caleb will be volunteering at a special needs camp towards the end of the summer.

Personal development is the time program participants spend developing their personal interests, social interests or employment skills. As part of his personal development time, Caleb Vissier said he volunteers his time with Backyard Bible Club, a Vacation Bible School type of experience that is held in people's backyards. Saxophone

The physical fitness portion of the program encourages youth to improve their quality of life through fitness activities. To fulfill the fitness requirements, Caleb trained to do a Volkslauf and Dallas has been setting goals to achieve while playing baseball.

In the area of expedition/exploration the program asks youth to undertake an outdoor, wilderness, or venture experience that is either historical, cultural, or environmental. Dallas said he was planning a kayaking trip on Lake Taneycomo for some of his hours in this area.

Sherry Ernst said she would like to point out that the boys are doing things they enjoy and getting rewarded for some things they would be doing anyway. Youth involved in things like 4H, Scouts, Sports, part-time jobs and leadership programs are already fulfilling a large part of the requirements for the Congressional Award.

Originally posted here:
Local teens work toward Congressional Award