INSPIRING - INFORMING - CONNECTING

CATAPULT LEADERSHIP SOCIETY ISSUE NO. 18 - JUNE 2016

THE ROUND TABLEHAPPINESS is Contagious. Be a carrier!

Did you know that being happy is entirely up to you? It’s a matter of consciously choosing attitudes and behaviors that lead to happiness over unhappiness.

Despite what you might think, YOU are in control of your own happiness. Only you can decide what thoughts you think. Being happy is not always easy - some days it needs determination and self-discipline. Still, it’s quite simple:

1. Dodge negative emotions (pessimism, resentment, anger), and

2. Foster positive emotions (optimism, self-confidence, gratitude, hope, compassion, purpose, empathy).

What is happiness anyway? It’s not feeling good all the time. There will always be ups and downs. Happiness is moments of joy within days of general contentment, along with knowing you can cope through a challenge and not collapse. It’s not being rich or buying everything you want. More money just means different expectations and we always get used to what we have. It’s not a final destination - it’s seeing the possibilities every day.

Happiness Strategy # 1: Don't Worry, Choose Happy

• Consciously choose attitudes and behaviors that lead to happiness over unhappiness.

• Identify what inspires you and brings you joy, and take advantage of opportunities that will make you happy.

• Choose people and places that increase your probability of happiness.

Happiness Strategy #2: Cultivate Gratitude

• Begin every day by listing a few things that you are grateful for.

• Focus on what you have rather than what is missing.

Happiness Strategy #3: Foster Forgiveness

• Holding a grudge affects both physical and mental health. Continuously thinking about how someone did you wrong can lead to chronic stress and depression. Let it go … with these 4 steps:

• Recall the hurt.

• Empathize and try to understand from the other person’s point of view.

• Recall a time when you were forgiven.

• Commit to forgiveness (doesn’t mean you forget.)

Happiness Strategy #4: Counteract Negative Thoughts

• Dig out our last newsletter (pg 3) on how to deal with stress. You CAN control your negative thoughts and feelings. (You can access past issues on our website).

Happiness Strategy #5: Foster Friendship

• The best antidote to unhappiness is a close friendship with someone who cares. Don’t fall into the pit-traps of today’s social media that focuses on volume rather than quality. Be a good friend and you’ll never be alone.

Happiness Strategy #6: Choose Meaningful Activities

• It’s hard to be unhappy when you're busy doing something meaningful that challenges your abilities. The most common leisure activity however (TV and social media) produces some of the lowest levels of happiness. Get more out of life by putting more into it!

Don’t chase happiness … choose happiness! We don’t get happier because we reach our goals; we reach our goals because we go after them with optimism. Appreciate the small moments in life - like a pretty sunset or a silly Snapchat. Focus your attention on people and experiences, not possessions. Be goofy and playful. Be true to yourself. Speak nicely to yourself. Do more than you think you can and take the step you think you can’t. And finally - share your happiness. Smile with those around you and let your happiness spread! 

There are always options. Choose the happy one!

Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. But it’s your choice to scream or enjoy the ride.

The grass isn’t greener on the other

side. It’s greener

where YOU water it.

Train your mind to see the good in everything. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

ZARIA DULVY - 2014

School: Breton Education Ctre.Cool fact: I’m very creative in many ways. Future Plans: Computer engineering. Fave Camp Memory: Finishing the ropes/zipline course. What inspires me: Just knowing that tomorrow can be a brighter day. Fave Quote: "Never apologize for doing you"

DYLAN SCHOFIELD - 2013 TENNYSON HEARN - 2015

School: Sydney Academy Cool fact: I speak 5 languages! Fave Camp Memory: Rock Night What inspires me: Morgan Freeman’s Bucket List. And care cards! Future Plans: CBU for chemistry, then a medical field. Fave quote: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Gandhi

School: Central Kings HighCool Fact: I’ve always dreamed of making a living in entertainment. Fave Camp Memory: Frozen tshirt contest at Plus. What inspires me: People who always strive for better no matter their situation.Future Plans: College for ‘Earth Moving’ (heavy machinery) Fave Quote: "Be prepared."

* * * * * * * * * SNAPSHOTS * * * * * * * * *

Who’s off to college?? Acadia - Megan Wright, Kaleigh Cleveland, Brandon Wry & Devon Keel (maybe). Dalhousie - Brianna Northcott, Chynea Drummond, Thalia Moors. Eastern College - Fina McManus. McGill - Grace Hennigar. Memorial - Laurel Singer. Mt. Allison - Patricia Thompson,. Mt Royal (Calgary) - Samantha Dill. MSVU - Lauren McQuaid. NRET - Dylan Schofield. NSCC - August Carter, Katherine Ednalaguim, Nicole Martin, Dan MacNeil, Dustin Covey-Harnish. Oulton - Kelsi Sullivan. SMU - Emily Broussard, Shelby Conrad, Steven Reid. St FX - Brooke Grady, Robby Hanlon, Cote Peters, Isis Hatte. U de Moncton - Shea-Lynn Desmond. UNB - Breton Bartlett, Gabby Melanson, Sam Dykeman and also Zach MacMillan’’09 (Law). U Calgary - Cassidy Gallagher. UPEI - Hailey Veinot. Waterloo - Ali Taha. Did we miss you?? Let us know what you are doing next year!

Robbie Hanlon attended the Starting Point Entrepreneurship Conference (one of only a few high schoolers who were accepted!) He was also interviewed by Sport Quarterly about the pressures of being a hockey referee. Desiree Randolph was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Respectful Citizenship Award!! Kiara Sexton, Kayan Wesley and Megan Wright all won an HRM

Youth Volunteer Award. Lauren Smith, Liam Fisher-Smith and Vanessa Hartley were appointed to NS Minister of Education’s youth advisory group. Laurel Singer’s cheerleading team won Cheer Blast and headed to the International All-Star Championship in Florida!  Cianna MacArthur’s cheerleading team are NSSAF provincial champs. Robyn Chapman was awarded a full scholarship for a 3-week Irish Language Immersion program in Ireland. Ian Farrell taught Gaelic during Heritage Day. Kiara Sexton won Co-President at JL Ilsley and is on their rugby team. Cameron Clarke and Emily Brousseau both competed in the NS Skills Competition for public speaking. Emily won gold! Mekayla Bull competed in the NS Skills Competition in Photography. She also spoke to the students at Sir Robert Borden Jr High about Catapult! Lal Tiwari placed 1st at the NS chess championship. Kyla Bright participated in Teens Now Talk magazine. Taylor Bickerton attended ‘Adventure in Citizenship’ in Ottawa. Ally Strachan went to Campeche, Mexico on a mission trip. Erika Pineo donated 10 inches of her hair to ‘Shave for Brave’ (cancer). After grad, Emily Frith will be traveling with WWOOF to work on farms in other countries to learn about organic farming! Afterwards, she plans to study Herbal Medicine. MSVU sponsored Kayla Bernard to attend the National RISE conference. Skye Smith and Joel Hillier made the top 10 in NS to pitch a business idea in CEED’s Superpower Challenge.  Skye won! Jessie Brophy and Nicole MacNeil played on their school basketball teams. Ryan McInnes ’s hoops team won provincial U16, Div 2B. Thalia Moore is making necklaces for sale.  Jasmine Salter was a guest on CAT Country 99.5 with Mandy Wood. Kelsey Peters encouraged Catapulters to conduct random acts of kindness in memory of 5 yr old Carmen. Kassidy Bernard is headed to Italy to work as a ‘Mother’s Help’ for the summer. Steven Reid planned & participated in Sackville High’s MYMC (Maritime Youth Music Conference), with schools across the Maritimes. A day of musical expression, learning, and networking for young musicians, it was a huge success and he’s already planning MYMC’17. Ali Taha was featured in Bridgewater’s local newspaper, congratulating him for winning the Horatio Alger Scholarship. Cassidy Gallagher is provincial wrestling champ. Kyla Bright and Bailey Lenihan attended Youth Project’s Provincial GSA Conference.

CATAPULTERS IN THE NEWS

~ Jane .

Congrats to our 2016 JUNIOR COUNSELORS! Thank you to everyone who applied - our decision was NOT easy. Ali Taha and Emily Brousseau will be JC’s at Camp, and Gabby Melanson and Megan Wright will be our Plus JC’s.

CONGRATULATIONS to Brooke Grady!! Winner of the 2016 Catapult Leadership Award ($1,000 Bursary). Brooke is graduating from Guysbourough Academy and is headed to St FX for a BA in Forensic Psychology. After that she hopes to study law at Dalhousie! During high school, Brooke was involved in soccer (MVP 2014), basketball (MVP 2014), softball, cross country, student events committee, social awareness committee, and helped organize a youth health summit. And of course, she performed at many benefit concerts. (Those who were at camp or conference with her know she’s a gifted singer!) On top of all that, she works part time at Avery's Independent Grocery and teaches piano.

“Catapult  has  taught  me  to  be  passionate,  to  dive  in  head  first  and  to  stop  looking  over  your  shoulder  to  see  whether  or  not  people  are  judging  you  or  ridiculing  you.  I  believe  that’s  what  being  a  leader  is  all  about.”

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Jasmine Salter ’15 hopes to become either a broadcast meteorologist or radio personality. So she took it upon herself to try them out. She went online, found emails for Cindy Day (CTV) and Mandy Wood (CAT Country 99.5) and introduced herself. They both agreed to let her job shadow them for a day. Both experiences were very positive and confirmed her career goals. She learned that when it comes to being on air, you need to pretend you are alone and try not to think about how many people are listening/watching. Mandy gave her a guest spot on radio, where she talked about how society is losing the art of cursive writing because everyone types on a computer. Jasmine has discovered that handwriting is scientifically proven to improve memory. (So when you’re studying, make sure you jot down lots of notes!).

Skye Smith ‘14 and friend Rachelle from Sir John A. were one of 9 teams competing in CEED’s Student Superpower Challenge, a competition to devise tech-based solutions to real-world problems. Pitching their idea “Dragon’s Den style” to a panel of judges, Skye won! She pitched an app called LOVE (Local Opportunities for Volunteering Experiences) which would connect volunteers to nearby organizations in need of help, while also tracking volunteer hours and providing safety tips and ground rules (responsibilities as a volunteer and the legalities). A portion of the income raised would go toward a bursary for the students involved in volunteering. Skye’s prize was $5,000 worth of non-cash support, from legal advice to rapid prototyping, to help them develop the idea. They’ve already contacted local universities hoping to move it to the next stage. Awesome app Skye - Congrats and good luck with it! Congrats also

goes to Joel Hillier ’14 of Hants North High who was a Top 10 Finalist!

Taylor Bickerton ’14 was 1 of 200 young Canadians who attended the all-expenses paid, 4-day, ‘Adventures in Citizenship’ program in Ottawa in May. How? She applied with a 250 word essay on what it means to be a Canadian and interviewed with her local Rotary Club.

“Adventures in Citizenship mainly focuses on our political system. This was great for me because I plan on double majoring in Political Science and International Relations so I can work for the United Nations as a Human Rights Officer. We learned to appreciate Canada’s diversity and the privileges of being a Canadian Citizen. My favourite experiences were listening to amazing guest speakers such as Elizabeth May who talked about Women in Politics, Majeed Mogharreban who taught me how to make money and start my own business, and I listened to Syrian refugees talk about their transitions to Canada. I toured the war museum, I sat in the House of Commons and had the opportunity to ask the Speaker of the House questions. Also, I’ll never forget witnessing new Canadians receive their citizenship and reaffirming mine. Even though I didn’t get to meet Justin Trudeau, I had a blast. This trip motivated me to run for NKEC’s Student Council Co-President and encouraged me to create a Rotary Impact Club at my school. I recommend Adventures in Citizenship to everyone!!”< Skye, Lori & Joel

CONTACT INFO 902.830.5704

lori@catapultcamp.com

THE ROUND TABLE was named with Catapult’s medieval theme in mind. King Arthur insisted on having his faithful knights seated at a round table where everyone was treated equally and had an equal voice. Use your voice and send us your submissions for the next newsletter!

Looking for a summer

job? Lori can help. She’ll

review your resume and

help you look great on

paper. And she’ll provide

a referral. Just message

her!!

www.catapultcamp/catapulters Be there!!?

Graduating  from  high  school  but  not  sure  what  to  do  next??  We  can  help!!  Our  career  coaching  program  is  perfect  for  you!

10 things to Let Go of to be Happy.

1. Let go of toxic people in your life.

2. Let go of regretting past mistakes.

3. Let go of the need to be right.

4. Let go of feeling sorry for yourself.

5. Let go of negative self talk.

6. Let go of the need to impress others.

7. Let go of limiting beliefs.

8. Let go of trying to please everyone.

9. Let go of gossip and complaining.

10. Let go of worrying about the future.

Catapult was the featured Charity at the Chamber of Commerce (HRM) Dinner in May. Liam Power (2010) spoke to 900 business leaders, including Premier MacNeil, other politicians, and keynote speaker Danny Williams (former Premier of Nfld) about what Catapult has meant to him. He did a fabulous job and received high praise for his public speaking skills. Thank you Liam!! And THANK YOU Sponsor Wade Keller of Labatt Breweries for giving us such a

wonderful speaking opportunity.

Hey Catapulters! It’s that time of year where “end” seems like the story of your life. For some of you, it’s the end of a school year, and for others it may be the end of school all together! Whether that be high school or university, it’s the end of an era. If you’re like me, this is a challenging time for you, as you don’t always know what to expect after an “end”. But remember that with every end, there is always a new beginning. Doors may be closing, but there will be many more doors that will open up for you as long as you choose to reach out and turn the knob. You won’t always know what lies behind that door, but have the courage to open many different doors until you find one that leads to your favourite destination. I can’t wait to hear about what everyone has been up to since Catapult and what exciting doors you all have opened for yourselves. Hopefully one is the door to Clark Commons at Catapult Plus this summer! Hope to see you there ☺

A LETTER FROM JENNY ROY

~ Counselor Jenny

Kyla Bright’15 won ‘Best Pic’ for the 2nd annual Wear-Your-Catapult-Shirt-to-School Day!

It was a mini-reunion of Catapulters at the Provincial NSSSA conference, held at St FX !! (back) Gabby, Haley, Dan, Liam (front) Isis, Kiara, Mihn.

CONGRATULATIONS to all our graduating Catapulters! 2016 marks the first year that Catapulters are graduating from each of high school, college and university! And we couldn’t be more proud of all of you. Graduation is a big step. There may be tears from good-byes and fears of the unknown. But there’s also great excitement with the opportunities that you are creating for yourself. Our wish for you : “Chase your dreams with gusto. Never stop learning. Live life to the fullest. Give it nothing but your best. ” Wherever you go, stay in touch! And know we’re always here to help if you need us!

Anxiety  and  stress  taking  away  

your  happy?  Check  out  this  

excellent  website  for  youth.  

www.youth.anxietybc.com