DOWNEY - Downey High School's KIWIN'S Club recently held its annual officer training and leadership retreat in Big Bear where students were trained in personal growth and leadership development.The KIWIN'S Club is a youth program sponsored by the local Kiwanis service clubs. "The retreat is the most important weekend of the Downey KIWIN'S Club's year," said advisor Alex Gaytan. "The students need and enjoy the opportunity to be together in a relaxed atmosphere where they can learn about KIWIN'S Club and themselves. It is exciting to see them discuss issues, make plans and set goals." Students settled into their cabins Friday night before beginning their meetings Saturday morning. Topics included Club Basics, Duties of Officers, Goal Setting and Career Planning. Students also participated in group activities that required them to work together and problem solve. The kids headed to Snow Summit on Saturday night for snowboarding and tubing, Gaytan said. After dinner, students were divided into groups for personality and leadership tests, which helped identify students' strengths and weaknesses. The weekend, which also included lectures by Jack Guerrero of Stanford University and Blanca Galicia of Long Beach City College, concluded Sunday with an early morning hike followed by breakfast. "I feel that the retreat helped us to become closer as a club and it helped to prepare us for the year ahead," said student Pink Tantiwuttipong. "I know personally that I feel more prepared for the year 2012." Transportation to Big Bear was provided by the office of County Supervisor Don Knabe.

********** Published: December 22, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 36