The Collier County Sheriff’s Office recently wrapped up the Y.O.R. (Youth on the Rise) Club, its newest addition to the Summerfest programming lineup. 

The Y.O.R. Club is a week-long program focuses on reaching out to middle-school age students in need of positive mentorship. 

From June 19 through June 23, Youth Relations Bureau deputies mentored 12 students at New Hope Ministries in East Naples. Attendees listened to motivational speeches, participated in team building exercises and went on field trips that taught them about different careers.  

Coordinator Cpl. Bonnie Bee packed a full itinerary each day including field trips to the Collier County Courthouse, North Collier Fire & Rescue Station 45, Vasari Country Club, Naples Zoo and concluded with an eco-tour/shelling expedition on the Dolphin Explorer in Marco Island. 

The Y.O.R. Club’s goal is to provide participants with unique experiences. The field trips required students to work hands-on to better understand what is involved in different walks of life. During their visit to NCFR Station 45, they took CPR training, used a firehose to put out a vehicle fire and washed one of the firetrucks. While at the Vasari Country Club, Chef David Lenio had the group cook their lunch - pierogis and chicken fingers - from scratch. 

While these vocational activities helped show the students future career possibilities, the Y.O.R. Club organized team-building exercises and visits from local community leaders to share the importance of getting along with others, overcoming adversity and making good life choices.

While this was the first Y.O.R. Club session, the CCSO plans to expand the program by adding more students and offering the session every summer, with follow up activities planned throughout the school year.  

Photos by Cpl. Connie Bee/CCSO(5)