More than 400 students from small towns and big cities across Michigan and several other states, made their way to the 2012 Youth Philanthropy and Service Camp in East Lansing. In celebration of 20 years of youth philanthropy the theme of this year’s conference was “Revolutionizing Philanthropy: Past, Present, Future.”

Five members of the local youth advisory committee — Michigan Gateway Community Foundation YAC — attended the camp held at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation YAC is guided and directed by Jayne Lamb, YAC adviser, who was inspired by what a group of young people can accomplish when provided a forum to share their ideas and talents.

This year marked the second time the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project (MCFYP) and their affiliated Youth Advisory Committees (YACs) combined their annual Youth Grantmakers Summer Leadership Conference with the Michigan LEAGUE powered by Learning to Give and Learn and Serve. On the first day of camp, the members of both organizations came together to work on service projects for Kid’s Food Basket, Kid’s Against Hunger and also prepared birthday kits to be distributed to youth in Grand Rapids and Detroit.
The 2012 Youth Philanthropy and Service Camp was facilitated by a planning committee of young people.

A joint effort between the MCFYP board and the service-learning committee, these youth leaders chose speakers, planned the camp schedule, facilitated sessions and hosted the three-day event.

Attending the 2012 Youth Philanthropy and Service Camp from Michigan Gateway Community Foundation YAC were Andi Frost of Buchanan High School, Celia Ash of Cassopolis High School, Noah Woods of Cassopolis High School, Paige Lamb of Niles High School, Ellie Hurd of Buchanan High School and Jayne Lamb, YAC adviser.

For more information about YAC, contact Jayne Lamb at the foundation, 695-3521.