The cornerstone of the educational system of our country remains the three R's, but this Summer, the week of July 23 ­ 28, those R's will stand for respect, responsibility, and relationships as the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation hosts the first-ever Masonic Youth Leadership and Life Skills Conference.

This program, being organized by Brother Thomas Stecher, Thompson Lodge No. 340, Paoli, of "Stecher and Associates," will emphasize many of those skills that our young people are in need of: building respect for themselves and others; becoming responsible adults with a focus on career guidance and personal growth; and developing interpersonal skills that permit them to become secure in their relationships with family and friends. The conference will be staffed by professionals recruited by Bro. Stecher, and supplemented by a volunteer staff of adults and older members from the Masonic-related youth groups.

One of the featured presentations will be "Positive Air Dynamic Gymnastics" which will encourage high performance living. In another, a professional juggler will teach the participants how to juggle their way to self-esteem. The program will also include presentation skill development and service to the community through creative and expressive arts. An exciting but safety-conscious "High Ropes Course" will emphasize trust, responsibility, relationships, goal-setting, and career and life development.

On the final day of the conference, the parents of the participants will be invited to join their children for a Masonic Family Celebration. Parents will have the opportunity to see their children demonstrate many of the presentation skills that were developed throughout the week.

The Masonic Youth Leadership and Life Skills Conference is open to young men and women between the ages of 11 and 16 who are sponsored by Pennsylvania Masonic lodges or the youth groups. Participants can be children or grandchildren of Master Masons, or members of a Masonic youth group, or young people who are nominated by a Pennsylvania Masonic lodge. Nomination forms have been sent to all youth groups and lodges. The registration fee for the entire program is $100, only a small portion of the actual cost per person which is being funded as part of the mission of the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation. The program is limited to 100 youths and each nomination will be evaluated on its own strength (on a first-come, first-served basis) by a selection committee for acceptance into the program.

For more information on the Masonic Youth Leadership and Life Skills Conference, contact the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation at 1-800-266-8424.