With the upcoming election public health is on everyone's mind - and now even middle school students are getting involved.

The Ken-Caryl Ranch Middle School Leadership Corps is adding a new component to its summer camp - Public Health and Education. Through this program, students ages 11 - 14 volunteer at senior centers, Head Start preschool programs and public health organizations. Students will get a first hand look at some of the challenges facing the presidential candidates and our communities in public health.

Other groups of students in the program will focus on environmental issues and homelessness. The goal of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and leadership skills to make a difference in their communities.

Hannah Topka, a middle school student, decided to take action after volunteering with the Middle School Leadership Corps last summer. After working with underserved families in Denver, she recruited her friends and family and independently organized a holiday party - providing gifts, food and clothing for over 30 families at Crossroads of the Rockies.

During a time of apathy and text messaging, the Middle School Leadership Corps strives to inspire young leaders to address the issues facing our communities. Students travel in teams to provide valuable service at food banks, parks, senior centers and preschools. For more information on this program, please visit www.ken-carylranch.org or call (303) 979-4070.