July 26, 2024
This July, a delegation of nearly 40 local teens and volunteer adult chaperones traveled from the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA in Boynton Beach to participate in the annual YMCA Christian Values Conference (CVC) at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC. The group joined more than 330 participants from across the Southeast U.S. to take time to unplug from today’s societal pressures and explore how to “Rise Up” and develop the skills and relationships needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
“CVC changes the direction of teen lives,” says Pam Arrieta, a DeVos-Blum board member, trip leader for the Palm Beach delegation, and CVC alumnus, who attended the conference as a teen growing up in Orlando, FL. “When you take kids out of their usual environment, they shut off distractions and realize what’s important.”
The teens represent a myriad of spiritual backgrounds and do not need to adhere to a specific—or any—religious affiliation. They participate in high-energy themed mixers, physical challenges, team-building activities, inspiring devotionals, karaoke, dance parties, and small group “family time” activities - all against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
“I’ve met people who I know will be lifelong friends at CVC,” says Maison Davis, 17, of the four conferences she’s attended. “I’ve learned to recognize the goals I want to achieve, and what’s holding me back. CVC has shown me that with friends, family, faith, and supportive adults, my dreams are within reach.” This year, Maison served as the Palm Beach representative to the Conference Life Committee (CLC)—an assembly of teens who help plan and execute the program.
Palm Beach volunteers include Sean Balzer and Kelley Marcellus, who contributed to writing the “Rise Up” program for this year’s conference. Brooke Stark, a Miami-Dade firefighter and medic with Jupiter Medical Center, served as this year’s CVC medical staff. Chris Lindeman, a Florida native and New Orleans high school teacher brought his expertise with teens to the delegation as well. Aneesh Datta and Brian Lamb who volunteer with the Palm Beach delegation from their home bases in Fort Worth and Houston are responsible for the conference’s logistics. This year, Brian was recognized with the prestigious Paul Grist award in recognition of his 25-consecutive years as an adult volunteer and extraordinary contributions to the success of the conference. Two new adult volunteers—Dillon Arrieta and Kamron Crawford—assisted at the conference after attending as delegates and college-aged volunteers over the past eight years.
Jason Hagensick, CEO of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County, joined a cohort of other association CEOs on the mountain during the conference to consider how the program helps meet needs of teen populations across the country.
“It’s my favorite week of the year,” Arrieta says. “We appreciate our volunteers, participants, the support of our local Y branches, and the benefactors whose donations make this trip possible.”
Story by Kelley Marcellus