NATCHITOCHES — More than 40 students, including two from the River Region, participated in a week-long leadership camp in June offered by the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts.

The Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) camp is designed for rising eighth through 11th grade students.

LaPlace’s Joshua Gilliam and Luling’s Cade Mataya were participants.

“The purpose of LEAD is to teach kids about leadership through various activities and projects,” said Jenny Schmitt, coordinator of student engagement at LSMSA and leader of the camp.

Some of the activities students participated in were the nail challenge, Myers-Briggs personality test, volunteering at an animal shelter and the egg drop challenge.

“I believe both weeks were successful because by the end of the week, the kids were able to work well together and they became friends,” Schmitt said. “At check-out, most were saying they would like to return next year and even apply to the school for their sophomore year.”