Crescenta Valley youth are planning a leadership camp – with the help of the National Guard.

Teenagers who hang out at the Firehouse, a youth center located on St. Luke’s of the Mountains property, can participate in a leadership workshop at the San Luis Obispo National Guard Base, tentatively planned for April. Among the challenges are a low ropes and high ropes courses and even a paintball field.

“It’s all building leadership skills and working as a team,” said teenager Molly Shelton who is involved with the project.

The teenagers are working with Staff Sgt. Robert Randall, who is a drug demand reduction specialist.

“He’s a wonderful man,” said Shelton. “With his guidance and our ability to create it ourselves, this is the most unique opportunity for high school kids in our area.”

“They will learn team building, communication and how to make positive choices in their lives,” Randall said. Teens will learn to utilize and rely on each other.

The Firehouse teens will decide the layout of the leadership camp. The National Guard supplies the facilities for teens to learn important skills.

“They tell us what training to do and we work side by side with them,” Randall said.

Teens who are interested can go to the Firehouse to find out more. The Firehouse is open on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for high schoolers and Thursday mornings from 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m for middle schoolers.

“I think this leadership camp is going to be really good for students,” Shelton said. “We’ll build our leadership skills which is everything Crescenta Valley needs.”