Burlington boys "Man Up"

Bryan Woolston/Freelance

Burlington Township School District 9th grade boys participated in the 5th annual Young Men's Conference held at Liberty Lake Day Camp. The theme was "MAN-UP - Accepting the Challenge of Authentic Masculinity."

Conference focused on respecting ourselves and others, team building, positive sportsmanship, reducing prejudices, building relationships with their classmates and accepting the challenge of authentic manhood.

Following a keynote speech by Keith Elias, Princeton Graduate and Previous NFL player and a message by Assemblyman Troy Singleton, all 9th grade BTSD boys broke into groups to process what it means to be a real man in today's society.

The boys worked collaboratively throughout the day, then at the end of the day took part in a full grade interactive physical challenge focusing on good sportsmanship, ethics, being responsible and challenging themselves while helping others.

Many community leaders, male mentors, clergy, police officials, business leaders, along with many of our BTSD male teachers took part in the full day conference. Local businesses along with the Burlington Township School District, Burlington Township Municipal Alliance, GCADA- Governors Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse sponsored this worthwhile event.

Original article