CALDWELL Thinking deeply about how you communicate, text and post might not be the way most teenagers would like to spend a week at summer camp, but 10 high school students attempted just that on the campus of Caldwell University from Saturday, July 15 to Saturday, July 21 as part of the Spirituality and Leadership Institute program.

We probed questions like: What does it look like for us to eat, drink, dress, shop, watch, play and love in ways that help and heal those around us and foster health and happiness in our own lives? said Dr. Kyle Bennett, director of the institute and a Caldwell University assistant professor of philosophy.

Now in its second year, the program is aimed at helping young people look at avenues for promoting public justice and seeking the common good.

Mr. Bennett made us understand that nothing just is. There is always a further meaning, said Rich Franklin, a senior at St. Mary of the Assumption High School in Elizabeth.

Mornings consisted of lectures and class; afternoons and evenings included free time and organized events.

It was a new experience every day, said Viv Zeballos, a senior at Millburn High School.

When not in classes, the students lived in the universitys residence hall.

I felt like I was actually in college, said Franklin, who attended the institute for a second year.

Among the speakers was Meghan Ritchey, an events coordinator and curator in New York City, who gave career advice. She stressed the importance of being mindful of serving others and at the same time providing a quality product. Ritchey said that as a freelancer she must rely on God because there is so much uncertainty. She encouraged the students to choose good mentors and to find ways to work with teams, putting experiences over events and concentrating on relationships more than work. She said they should show God they are willing to take risks. Anything you think you are bad at, you should do.

Ritcheys talk was so motivating and inspiring, said Zeballos, who works at a bakery and now feels empowered to take risks and to share her creative promotion ideas. For Noah Wickenheiser, a rising junior from Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Bennetts talk on interacting with others was most valuable. It made me think about how I act around others and how I value others, he said.

Other speakers included: actor Matt Lowe on thinking and creativity, business executive and Caldwell adjunct professor Barbara Davies on journaling and expression, and Assistant Professor of Theology Dr. Christopher Cimorelli, on working and the environment.

Getting to know students from different schools and locations was a broadening experience. Im basically a city kid who found a country friend, said Franklin.

Activities included rope courses at the Turtle Back Zoo, a Jackals baseball game, an ice cream social, dodgeball, kickball and mini golf.

The program was well organized, said Wickenheiser.

They included everyones ideas, Wickenheiser said.

Wickenheiser also rated the overall experience a 10 out of 10.

Id rate it as a really positive experience, said Zeballos.

An optional overnight weekend will be held Oct. 6 through Oct. 9 at the Spruce Lake Retreat Center in Canadensis, Pa.

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Leadership and spirituality combined in Caldwell - New Jersey Hills