ON TRACK at Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rising seventh and eighth graders are learning to “navigate the rapids” of life through a districtwide youth leadership development camp led by school resource officers (SROs) with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

Rising seventh and eighth graders are learning to “navigate the rapids” of life through a districtwide youth leadership development camp led by school resource officers (SROs) with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.

ON TRACK campers headed to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) last week for a whitewater trip on the Nantahala River. The exciting experience taught them new skills and provided opportunities to build relationships with each other and find mentorship from their SROs. The students experienced NOC’s zip lines and treetop adventure park, hiked, fished, and played games. They also packed meals for MANNA FoodBank and worked on several teambuilding exercises.

“It’s been really cool to meet a bunch of kids from different schools,” said rising eighth grader Xavier Hart. “And it’s good to feel like a leader, someone who sticks up for others and someone who makes a difference.”

“We’re encouraging and empowering that youth leadership,” said Master Dep. Stephanie Morgan. “It’s all about relationships, communication, and service in the community. As an SRO, this is one of the times of the year I look forward to the most. These are experiences that stick with the kids and teach them valuable skills for life.”

The boys finished their camp and had a graduation ceremony on Thursday. The girls’ camp started today.

🎥Thanks to Dep. Daryl Inman with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for providing some of the footage for this video.

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