What do swinging tires, climbing walls, and zip lines have to do with teamwork?  A lot, as Plano Youth Leadership (PYL) participants learned during their Teamwork Challenge event on Saturday, October 13.  PYL students went through a variety of rigorous exercises designed to develop team building knowledge and skills at Group Dynamix, a large indoor team development center in Carrollton.  Each activity was designed to promote trust and camaraderie among members of the newly-formed class.  In one exercise, the students were challenged to scale a sheer 14-foot vertical wall.  They quickly learned the only way to accomplish this goal was through cooperation – literally giving their teammates a boost and a helping hand to get them up and over the wall.  PYL president Ann Boswell noted, “These activities are great metaphors for life.  Our students learned that they have to help others overcome their challenges and also not to be afraid to ask for help when they need it themselves.”  The session received rave reviews from participants, according to Harry Polly, PYL Board member and session coordinator.  “The session was a success and the students seemed to really come together quickly,” according to Polly.

The PYL program, now in its thirteenth year, trains tenth grade students in leadership techniques and community awareness so that they can become familiar with current issues, community resources, opportunities, and other factors influencing the direction of Plano’s future.  For more information about Plano Youth Leadership, visit  www.planoyouthleadership.org.