Community-spirited individuals are being called on to help support the Wakatipu's teens at the ''Youth Booth''.
The transient population of Queenstown, and natural attrition, has caused a shortfall in volunteers to aid youth workers in running programmes for young people.
Wakatipu Youth Trust team leader Poppie Gerber this week said the voluntary work would suit long-term residents, or people who were in town for at least three to six months.
People who are fun, motivated and keen to mix with youth are asked to commit to at least three hours of voluntary work a week.
People interested can email Miss Gerber on poppie@wakatipuyouthtrust.co.nz or telephone (03) 442-8115.
One of the programmes under way is the ASB Apprentice Leadership Summit, created to inspire and empower potential youth leaders and grow their expertise in different areas of leadership.
Last week, 18 participants from years 12 and 13 at Wakatipu High School were chosen to be part of the third Leadership Summit.
They were selected because they lead or aspire to leadership in their particular field; be it in the arts, sports, social, creative or academic arenas.
In their three teams they will be assigned challenges to be completed. Each young leader will get a chance to be the project manager and lead their team to complete the assigned task as they try to impress ASB Queenstown branch manager Joel Peasey.
The programme is an The Apprentice-style leadership summit with a corporate theme. Three teams will battle it out, completing different challenges over six weeks to see who emerges victorious.
Each week, prominent leaders from the community will share their experiences and offer advice on leadership, inspiration and guidance.
Scheduled speakers include Neki Patel, of Queenstown Health, Simon Glass, of Cook brothers Construction, Matt Johnson, of Ascent Coaching, Sue van Schreven, of Orphans Aid International, and Sarah Arkin, of Simply Perfect.
After the Leadership Summit, the Youth Booth hopes that opportunities in the community will be provided for participants to exercise their newly honed leadership skills.
