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LEAP Organization gives Clarksville Youth Learning Experience About Miami & Enjoy The Bahamas

LEAP OrganizationClarksville, TN – Miami and the Bahamas were the destination for the LEAP Organization’s 6th Annual Educational Excursion.

Children from Clarksville along with chaperones and community members embarked on a five-day journey to Miami to educate LEAP youth by exposing them to other cities, cultural differences and historical landmarks.

Participants visited the Holocaust Memorial, Jewish Museum, History of Miami Museum, and the Miccosukee Indian Village where they experienced an airboat ride through the everglades followed by an alligator show.

LEAP Youth visit Miccosukee Indian Village.
LEAP Youth visit Miccosukee Indian Village.

One of the highlights for the kids was cruising to the Bahamas and enjoying swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and amongst many other beech activities at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach all-inclusive resort.

During a shopping excursion on Saturday, July 9th at the Bayside Marketplace the Black Lives Matter Movement stopped traffic with a peaceful march that was filled with a diverse group of protesters also advocating for All Lives Matters.

LEAP participant Amir Davis expressed “Any death is a tragedy. I don’t care if it’s black men or police. if it’s unjustified it should and needs to stop!”

“We can scream black lives matter and blue lives matter until our lungs burst, but only unity will help bring about significant change.” commented LEAP Executive Director and City Councilman Richard “Reason” Garrett “We need to come together as one and stop going against each other in order to develop laws that provide equal protection and consequences for hate crimes driven by bigotry.”

Instead of the traditional group breakout sessions that are hosted during the trip on various topics, and emphases on quality youth to chaperone interaction was implemented to build rapport and address the unique concerns that each participant faced.

“At first I thought this trip was going to be boring, but I have to admit it’s been fun seeing and learning about different things. I’m looking forward to holding Mr. Reason to the fishing trip he promised,” said Talik Sturkie

“Learning about how the Jewish people overcame the struggles gave me hope that I may live to see the day that black people are treated equally” commented participant Kaevon Burney

“Hanging out at the Bahamas was an awesome experience. I never imagined I would ever go snorkeling or kayaking. Swimming in the ocean with actual fish and plants was a cool experience. It sure beats a swimming pool, there are so many other things that I want to try in the ocean” expressed Kenan Pucket.

“I really enjoy planning these trips for LEAP each year and seeing these kids broadening their horizons from leaning about different cultures and life outside of Clarksville,” shared Laquvia Garrett “It’s experiences like these that really help stretch the imaginations of our future leaders to reach for the stars and avoid being content with the status quo”

Next summer’s educational excursion will be to Chicago, Illinois. To register visit www.leaporg.net/chicago

For more information about LEAP call 931.614.0440 or visit www.leaporg.net

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