From June 11 through 13, 2026, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle brought together more than 20 young people for the annual Youth Leadership Summit at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
The summit is more than an event. It is an intentional, immersive experience designed to equip youth with the tools, confidence, and connections they need as they step into adulthood. Over three days, participants attended leadership workshops, took part in hands-on activities, and made memories alongside peers, mentors, and staff who believe in them.
“I just want to thank you for giving me a place where I belong.”
— Youth attendee, attending the summit for the first time
Leadership Training Built for Real Life
The heart of the summit was its workshop programming. Speakers and facilitators brought energy, expertise, and personal stories that resonated with participants across every session.
Connell Cuffie of Fired Up! Be-Do-Have opened with an inspiring call to action. Sessions on vaping awareness with Leah Daniel, natural caffeine versus energy drinks with Amanda Tomlin, and breathwork and mindset with Erica Honaker gave youth practical, health-focused tools. Miss Shenandoah Teen Zoey Coleman led a session on fueling your future, and Hannah White of LeaderShape challenged participants to explore what it means to live in possibility.
Each workshop was thoughtfully chosen to address topics youth face every day, from physical health to personal identity to future planning. The knowledge they gained was real, relevant, and theirs to keep.
“The resilience our youth possess is truly beautiful and shined brightly at this year’s summit. I hope that one day the world will see them the way we do. These young people are genuine leaders and true changemakers.”
— Sara Gordon, Youth Support and Resource Coordinator
Experiences Worth Remembering
The summit balanced meaningful programming with moments of pure fun. Youth enjoyed an afternoon of bowling and arcade time, a lively carnival atmosphere, and skating at Galaxy Skateland. Shepherd University and NCTC opened their spaces to the group throughout the summit, providing an environment where youth felt welcomed and inspired.
One of the most talked-about moments of the weekend was the silent disco dance party, organized and hosted by SC Studios. What started as a unique activity quickly became an unforgettable highlight, with youth and staff alike sharing the floor and celebrating together. SC Studios also captured the entire summit on camera, preserving moments that will stay with participants long after the weekend ended.
Flyeye Design Face Painting brought additional creativity and joy to the experience. Sarah and Brei Artz added vibrant, personal touches that lit up the room and kept the energy high.
More Than a Memory
Every participant left the summit with more than great experiences. Each youth received a duffle bag, a weighted stuffed animal, and a blanket, items meant to offer comfort and a tangible reminder that their community cares about them.
Those items were made possible by three generous partners. The Linus Project provided the blankets, the Martinsburg Sunrise Rotary Club donated the duffle bags, and The DRIP Bar contributed the weighted stuffed animals. Clorox and Orgill kept everyone fueled throughout the summit with donated snacks and drinks.
Youth also received gift cards that will allow them to continue exploring, experiencing, and growing throughout the summer. Those donations came from Your Hobby Place, Climbing New Heights, Extreme Family Fitness, Rock Hill Creamery, WAWA, Melissa Laycock, Studio M, Creations by Stephanie, Mystery Walk Ghost Tours, Berkeley Theaters, Fuzzy Dog Books and Music, Yoga and Lifestyle, Rose Nails, and The Badgerhound Studio and Gallery.
“Every year, the Youth Leadership Summit reminds me of why we do the work we do. To get to know these kids is to understand how resilient they are, and I know they are going to be amazing future leaders no matter where their path takes them.”
— Ryan Laspina, Marketing
The People Who Make It Possible
None of this happens without people who show up. CASA-EP’s mentors and volunteers were present throughout the summit, offering encouragement, guidance, and steady support. They helped create a space where youth felt safe enough to be themselves, take risks, and grow.
Their investment goes beyond a single weekend. It is part of an ongoing commitment to walking alongside young people as they build toward their futures.
Thank You
CASA-EP is deeply grateful to every partner, sponsor, speaker, volunteer, and community member who contributed to this year’s summit. Your generosity made an impact that will be felt long after June.
To learn more about how you can support CASA-EP’s programs for youth, visit mycasaep.org.
