Kelsie’s Odyssey; A Legacy of Empowerment

Hello blog followers! My name is Kelsie Leopold and I am a former Youth Odyssey employee. I worked there from September 2015 to April of 2017. The decision to leave was a hard one but necessary. I had gotten engaged, and my fiancé lived six hours away. I resigned so we could live in the same town. With all of these transitions, it got me thinking of how everyone has come so far through the years.

When I started at Youth Odyssey, I was their third employee. My title was Program Facilitator. I had a general idea of what the job would require of me, and I felt prepared for it because of my background in outdoor education and working with various youth. For the most part, my expectations were correct. However, there was a definite learning curve when I came into my first program. The behavior was different than what I was used to, and there was the occasional use of choice words that I wasn’t used to hearing out of 12 year olds mouths. It was definitely a wakeup call, and it allowed me to see the need for Youth Odyssey programs in these areas.

Kelsie with her dog on a hike
Kelsie doing some nature photography

The youth in the programs weren’t used to so many rules. I was told I was mean or strict constantly when, in reality, I was being as fair and consistent as I could be. I would try to anticipate possible drama from developing (keeping the focus on activities). Sometimes I was successful, other times less so. But over the course of the programs, I was seeing growth in the participants. There were less language issues, better respect and listening, and more youth were being invited to camping trips and ropes courses. Youth Odyssey was making a difference, and I felt I was making a difference too.

It’s amazing when you can see an angry or uninterested youth finally start to put all of the concepts together. It warms my heart when I can see those who struggled in the beginning of my programs become so strong that they are promoted to Youth Leaders. That happened more than a few times during my time at Youth Odyssey. It’s those kids that make the long hours, stress, come-to-Jesus meetings, talks with parents, countless outreach and fundraising all worth it. It’s those kids that made it a hard job to leave. I mean, here I am still writing a blog for Youth Odyssey and having staff meetings about how to make our summer camps even better because I can’t just drop it. If I do, I’ll feel like I’ve left a job unfinished and, those who know me know it’s all or nothing.

Kelsie on a camping trip with a program
Kelsie on the Youth Leader spring break trip

So, why am I still here writing blogs and having staff meetings? The answer is a combination of things. First, I’ve got to say that I (a little bit) blame the Youth Leaders for my inability to “let go” of Youth Odyssey. I’ve seen them grow so much since I joined the team, and have connected with them in so many ways. I feel like they are a part of me, part of my legacy. It’s like they are my little brothers and sisters, and I need to help guide them into being the best they can be. When I announced I was leaving Youth Odyssey to our Youth Leaders, there wasn’t a dry eye around the campfire. It was bittersweet. They understood why I was leaving and were happy for me, but they (and I) were sad to see me go.

Another aspect is that I’m a huge control freak. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I took this job. I feel that I need to help these amazing young adults through the transition to amazing adults all by my onesie. Since leaving Youth Odyssey, I’ve been forced into taking a huge step back, but I know that we have hired some pretty great staff. I have seen the way they have bonded with the youth (and vice versa) so I think that (just maybe) these Youth Leaders are in good hands.

Kelsie with the youth leaders on the spring break trip
Kelsie talking to kids at the ropes course

I also blame all of the exciting new happenings at Youth Odyssey on my failure to leave the nest. As previously mentioned, when I started at Youth Odyssey the staff consisted of three people; myself, a Program Director and our Executive Director. Now, that number has jumped to five full-time employees and an intern! Youth Odyssey is now on the Day of Giving for the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, and have gained more Board members. We were also the recipients of the Charity League’s generosity to help us build a new building at our ropes course. During my time at Youth Odyssey, we created new partnerships with like-minded organizations to build better programs. We also expanded our fundraising and social media outlets to tell more people about Youth Odyssey.

There have been so many amazing opportunities for Youth Odyssey that I was able to witness and be a part of. Now, I just want to be there for all of it! Especially for the completion of our ropes course expansion! This goes back to me not wanting to leave a job unfinished (and being a control freak). I want to finish what I helped start. Knowing I can’t do all of that saddens me some, but it’s mostly for the selfish satisfaction of being there when it all comes together. What doesn’t sadden me is the legacy I’m leaving behind. I was able to create two additional summer camps that focused on empowering young men and women. They were so successful, it was a no-brainer to continue them next summer.

Kelsie with the Girl's Empowerment campers
Kelsie being silly at the ropes course

In the time that I worked for Youth Odyssey I grew a lot more than I expected. I have become a better teacher, leader and listener and feel somewhat wiser from the experiences I’ve had. Whether it be through camps or ropes courses, kayaking days, or long van rides out of state to explore, I can’t really say. But the combination of it all has given me a more loving heart and a more open mind. It’s easy to love those who show you affection and respect, but it’s the loving those who don’t necessarily show it back that has grown in me.

Not every youth jived with me right off the bat, but every youth warmed up to me in the end. I saw this quote on Facebook, “The kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways.” When I read that I just thought “YES!” and flashbacked to some of my programs with Youth Odyssey. Some of our current Youth Leaders were those kids in the programs that started off with bad attitudes. We stuck it out and supported their growth. That opened the door for them and allowed them to prosper within Youth Odyssey.

Moving Forward…

I know I still have some more stepping back to do when it comes to my involvement with Youth Odyssey. Knowing that there’s a little piece of me in everyone I encountered makes it a little easier. Knowing that I have helped someone become more confident and respectful in themselves (and others) and let them feel comfortable with who they are, is what made the job worth it. It’s also what will help silence my inner control freak when it comes to new and exciting things for Youth Odyssey. It’s knowing that Youth Odyssey will be just fine without me as they continue to grow and build as an organization that I am still coming to terms with. I am grateful for my time with Youth Odyssey. It has given me more knowledge in my professional life (and some pretty marketable skills), but it also gave me the chance to make an impact in young lives. Not to mention, leaving behind a sweet legacy of awesome young adults and two summer camps.

Youth Odyssey will always have a big place in my heart ,and I plan to continue to support them any way I can. Thanks for all of the memories and allowing me to create a legacy of empowerment!

Kelsie and her fiance Robert