OKEECHOBEE — 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, financial literacy, 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 3–13 and June 17–27 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.

A super flea market was proposed as a way to improve the Okeechobee community.

The registration link for Okeechobee Junior Leaders will open late April 2024, and will be located within the Okeechobee County School District's summer guide. You can follow along by visiting our Facebook Page or parents and students 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.