Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp for High School and Middle Schoolers to Empower the Next Generation of Leaders in the Workforce

As the world evolves and faces new challenges, it is important to nurture the next generation of workforce leaders who will shape the future. In this spirit, The Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation is excited to announce the fourth year of its flagship program - Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp for high school and middle school students.

The Summer Leadership program is an eight-day program designed to cultivate leadership skills, foster community awareness, and promote understanding of necessary soft skills for the future of Florida’s workforce. Our instructors, special speakers, and local business tours will guide students through a range of activities and workshops, including team-building exercises, public speaking, problem-solving, and workforce equipping.

"Leadership is a vital skill that can be developed at any age," said Kaylee King, President of the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation. "Our Summer Leadership program is a unique opportunity for students to learn and practice workforce leadership through the lens of soft skills in a fun and supportive environment. We want to empower the next generation of leaders to make a positive impact on their communities, their workforce, and the world."

The Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp will take place from June 3th – 13th and June 17th – 27th (2024) at Okeechobee High School. The program is open to high school and middle school students from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and a stipend for their hard work - modeling the concept of a paycheck after hard work. They will also have the opportunity to connect with peers who share their passion for leadership by presenting a final community impact project on graduation day.

Registration for camp will open late April 2024, located within the Okeechobee County School District's summer guide. 

You can follow along by visiting our Facebook Page or you can subscribe for camp updates here.

This year we highly encourage professional dress. You can review the camp contract and details on expectations here for more information. 

Thank you to the following organizations for their partnership with the Corporation and bringing this opportunity to our kids right alongside the OCEDC: The Education Foundation of Okeechobee, Children’s Services Council of Okeechobee, Florida Power and Light, and Okeechobee County School District and staff.

For press inquiries, special speakers or business tours, please contact our team at: 

email: alex@ocedcorp.com  phone: 863-357-2334.

About Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation:

Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation is a state designated 501(c)(6) non-profit Corporation.

"The Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation works collaboratively with public and private partners to promote and nurture existing businesses, create an environment for new business development and recruitment, and increase job opportunities in Okeechobee County." - Mission Statement

Here are a few highlights from the last two years of Okeechobee Junior Leader Skills Camp:  

$24,500 allocated for student stipends

$6,000 donated for student lunches and camp supplies

67 students sucessfully graduted from the program in 2022, and 37 students in 2021

15 private business and civic organization tours 

5 special speakers

2 resume and soft skills workshops