Newsletter June 2026

Learning Interviews & Appreciation Through Service

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Mission in Motion: A note from the Executive Director on the a skill every teen needs

Each week we teach important leadership lessons—but let's be honest: teenagers have developed an impressive ability to tune adults out. Sometimes even the best lesson only lands in snippets.

We asked ourselves a simple question: How can we make our lessons stick? 

And we FINALLY figured it out….

Immediately after the lesson is taught we ask each student an interview question about what they just learned. 

Like….Tell me about a time you did a hands-on project. What steps did you take to complete the project? What helped you do it well?

Instead of simply hearing a leadership concept, they have to reflect on it, connect it to their own experiences, and communicate their thoughts on the spot.

This simple addition accomplishes two things. First, it helps students value what they’re learning—many of these leadership skills aren’t introduced until a first job or learned through years of trial and error. Our teens are practicing them at 14, 15, and 16.

Second, they’re building real interview skills every week—learning to think critically, tell their story, and answer confidently on the spot, skills that carry into college, scholarships, internships, and future careers.

It’s a small change that takes only a few minutes, and is already having a big impact. 

This is why I love CR so much. Through small, intentional shifts in our curriculum students turn knowledge into confidence.

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Teen Spotlight: From Shy to Confident

This week, we are excited to spotlight one of our interns for the incredible growth Gabby has shown through our Leadership and Learning Project.

Since joining us at CR, Gabby has stepped up as a leader and continues to become more confident in herself and her abilities.

One of the most rewarding parts of watching Gabby's journey has been seeing her open up and build meaningful connections with those around her.

Recently, her mom shared how much of a positive impact CR has had on her daughter. She explained that she is typically shy, quiet, and reserved. However, after a day of serving at CR, her mom was delighted to see her leaving with a huge smile on her face, laughing, giggling, and chatting with her friends. Seeing her so happy, bubbly, and engaged was a special moment that meant so much to her family.

We are incredibly proud of the leadership, confidence, and friendships she has developed. Her growth reminds us that leadership comes in many forms, and sometimes the biggest victories are finding your voice, building connections, and becoming comfortable being yourself.

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The Impact of Your Support: May Statistics

• Grit to Greatness: Participants showed growth across all measured social and emotional learning  areas, with average scores increasing 18% overall from pre/post test self-assessment.

"Through CR, I have developed greater confidence in taking ownership of my responsibilities and successfully completing tasks on my own."

- Christian, Sophomore at PHS

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Events: Summer Schedule

• Our Practice to Purpose program meets every Wednesday from 12-4pm at the PSC campus. Please email info@mychainreaction.org if you have a teen you would like to get signed up!

  
  

• Our Grit to Greatness program meets every Thursday from 12-4pm at PHS.

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Parents: What your teen is learning this Summer

Every week at Summer Service, teens explore a different leadership lesson designed to build grit, character, and purpose.

Completed

✓ June 9–12: Don't Bring Me a Dead Cat, Bring Me a Shovel

Learning to bring solutions, not just problems.

✓ June 16–19: Home Sweet Home... Love More, Hurt Less

Choosing kindness, empathy, and healthy relationships.

✓ June 23–26: Light Side, Dark Side

Exploring how everyday choices shape our future and impact others.

Coming Up Next

⭐ June 23–26: What's your ketchup?

Finding out what natural gifts and talents they use daily.

Summer Schedule

• June 30–July 3: Service is your Superpower

• July 7–10: Pull More Force

• July 14–17: What's Your Calling?

• July 21–24: Trust the Process

• July 28–31: Recap of all Leadership Lessons

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