Global Kids' Online Leadership Program

Virtual Summer Camp Coming

By TECNO TIGER

The people behind GK Island will be hosting a camp for four weeks this summer. Global Kids is an organization that prepares urban youths to become global citizens and community leaders. To apply for a campership, there are only minor things that a camper must do to be eligible. Applicants must have completed their freshman year of high school and not have a record of being a troublemaker.

Although GK is an organization located in New York, they are allowing people to apply from all over the world. Teens who take part in Camp GK will select an issue, design a plan of action, and launch a project that will be carried out in the teen grid.

The camp schedule is Monday-Friday from 10am to 1pm SL time (times may vary). For those who may wish to take part but are uncertain, a mention of the incentive may be in order.

US$100 is awarded to each participant who takes part in the GK summer camp this year. This is not much compared to the Interns’ US$1000, but it’s not all about money. GK Island is a great place to be.

Visiting GK Island a few days ago, Rafi GKid was manning the information desk. He wanted everyone to know that Teen Grid residents can go visit the information desk to get the answers to any questions they might have. There is also a box on the desk containing a notecard explaining all of this in more detail. To apply, visit the website listed on the notecard. The essay questions to be answered are listed there (250 words minimum, 300 words maximum).

Applicants also need to supply the necessary information such as their name, SL name, email, address, parental contact details and time zone. A referral procedure has also been recently set up, which pays out L$2,000 when someone applies for Camp GK and puts another avatar’s name down as having referred them.

Ice Semple was reluctant to apply, saying, “I hardly even [remember] the island is here half the time.” He said he thought it was a waste of time, but once he learned about the US$100 incentive, he showed more interest, but protested that he wanted the four weeks to work on his own projects. When informed that the camp is only three hours a day, so he would still have time to work on his projects, he seemed a lot more interested.

What began as an interview, then became a sales pitch. Unfortunately, like one other person that same day, Semple turned down this amazing opportunity once he saw the application. He said he thought that it wasn’t worth US$100 to have to do the short essays the application asks for, and take time out of his summer.
When asked what was going to be happening during Camp GK, Lori Gkid said, “One of the coolest parts of Camp GK is the fact that the teens will choose an issue that’s important to them, and create a plan of action to carry out in the TG — a project to spread the word and help educate other teens about it. Should be a lot of fun! Teen grid activism.”

All of the GKid staff, especially Lori, are really nice people. She also let slip that campers may be discussing the war in Iraq and, on a broader view, global warming. Members of Teen SL are strongly encouraged to take part in this. It will be fun, interesting, you’ll get US$100, and you’ll be part of the first Teen SL Camp, and GK camp. The application deadline is June 23, so get going!