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From service projects to dancing to workshops, this youth summit had it all! See pictures...

Read what participants had to say about the 2003 Utah Youth Summit.

The fifth annual Utah Youth Summit was held October 16-18, 2003 on the campus of Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Six teams of youth from the communities of Beaver, St. George, Logan, Salt Lake City, Provo and Monticello were in attendance for the intensive youth service-training seminar.

Co-sponsored by Utah's Promise and Utah State 4-H, the theme of the Conference was SLURP it up! Participants were taught how to Serve, Lead, Understand, Respect, and Promote as they listened to motivational speeches, participated in workshops and made plans for the future. Each of the teams has committed to host a follow-up summit in their respective region, thus strengthening their leadership skills and spreading service throughout the state.

"The Youth Summit is the only statewide event of it's kind," said Kristi Tanner, Utah's Youth Engaged in Service Ambassador. "It allows young people to come together and truly develop a common vision of community service as they deepen their personal commitment to living selfless lives."

A highlight of the Summit was the opportunity for the youth to go into the community and participate in service projects. Many of the youth volunteers visited senior care centers, where they became friends with the residents and participated in activities such as painting pumpkins and playing wheelchair volleyball. One youth volunteer commented that through the service she gave she gained a greater appreciation for seniors, realizing how much our elderly friends have to share. Other volunteers served the Child and Family Center by cleaning toys, storage shelves, walls, doors, floors, windows, the patio, and the picnic tables and benches. They also helped take care of 5 children who were there for the afternoon. The work they accomplished allowed the staff some time to work together to plan to meet the immediate needs of families and to feel good about the environment they provide to children and families.

Read what participants at the 2003 Utah Youth Summit had to say about their experience:

• "It was great. I hope to come back next year."
• "Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to be here. I am both thankful and grateful to be chosen for such tasks ahead, thank you for having faith in me."
• "I hope we can all have a youth summit reunion!"
• "I really enjoyed that less people were here. The focus in quality over quantity made a difference. It also helped all the groups interact in very meaningful ways."
• "I loved it. I can't tell you how excellent I thought it was. It was way better then I expected."
• "The summit was an excellent experience. It taught us many important messages and skills in bother leadership and teamwork."
• "FANTASTIC! Great job. I especially loved the service projects and volunteer workshop--they touched me."

The most important things I have learned from the Utah Youth Summit:

• "The importance of service as well as teamwork."
• "I cannot change everything, but I do have the ability to help others."
• " How wonderful different people are. How important it is to do service and help others and have confidence."
• "Serve to serve not to get recognition."
• "That I can help to make a difference."
• "Appreciation of the people around me and their talents."
• "I learned of the importance of service and how a little think can have a huge effect on someone else."
• "I can make a difference...but I have to start. There are some awesome kids my age in Utah. It was amazing how quickly people bonded."