By Belle Lee, Youth Volunteer

Four days can change how a young person sees leadership and service. The American Red Cross Leadership Development Conference (LDC) brings together youth volunteers from across the region to connect, learn and grow as leaders through service.

Held each summer in a retreat setting, LDC welcomes Red Cross Club Officers from local high school and colleges for several days of hands-on learning and collaboration. These officers often arrive knowing few people, but quickly build connections through team challenges, group discussions and interactive activities designed to strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the conference, students deepen their understanding of the Red Cross mission and the many ways volunteers support communities. Workshops and presentations introduce participants to disaster preparedness, emergency response, CPR, First Aid and other Red Cross programs, helping them see how service and preparedness can make a difference during emergencies.

This year's theme, Force: Multiplied, focused on training, empowering and preparing the next generation of humanitarian and community leaders. Participants explored how leadership grows when people share knowledge, support one another and inspire others to take action. They learned how to serve as force multipliers within their schools, Red Cross Clubs and communities.