The Global Youth Village: An International Summer Camp Exchange Program for High School Students

THE DIRECTORS OF THE GLOBAL YOUTH VILLAGE SUMMER PROGRAM

Our core staff is a group of highly dedicated individuals. Our combined experience in cross-cultural training, conflict resolution, community development and exchange programs gives us the ability to meet the needs of all the young people coming to the Global Youth Village.

J.E. Rash - President

J.E. Rash is a lecturer, writer, and consultant in education, dialogue, conflict resolution, and the design of training programs and curricula for educators, parents, and youths. As the founder of Legacy International, he has been instrumental in creating domestic and international programs in leadership training, sustainable development, cross-cultural relations, and inter-community dialogue. In 1987, J.E. received the Friends of the United Nations Environment Programme 500 Award for outstanding contributions to the environment. In addition, he is an advisor to innovative programs treating autism, learning disabilities, and language disorders. Trained in the Montessori Method of education by the St. Nicholas Training Centre (London), he has established a number of Montessori preschools, as well as a small private school serving students from preschool through twelfth grade.

J.E. has spoken at the Asian Conference on Religion for Peace in New Delhi; the Islamic Unity Conference; the University of Colorado's Golda Meir Center for Political Leadership; the International Symposium on Science and Consciousness in Olympia, Greece; the United Nations Environment Program; and the World Bank. In September 1999, he took part in an historic meeting called "An Encounter Between Jews and Muslims" in Cordoba, Spain, which brought together fifteen Muslim and Jewish religious leaders and scholars. He has had many opportunities to speak in the wake of September 11th at several universities most notably in April 2002 he delivered a paper entitled "Islam at the Crossroads of Extremism and Moderation" at the Third Annual Symposium on Democracy at Kent State University." He also contributed a chapter to the book entitled "Taking Back Islam." He enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Mary Helmig - Director

Mary brings 21 years experience to the GYV, playing a key role in fundraising and youth recruitment throughout the year. During the summer months, she trains staff and oversees program quality and content. A native of Philadelphia, Mary received her Bachelors degree in Sociology and French from Trinity College in Washington D.C. She taught for several years at the pre-school and elementary levels, but has dedicated most of her life to training teens and young adults. Mary is fluent in French and "knows a little bit of Indonesian," as she directs our U.S. State department sponsored programs with Indonesia. Her hobbies include cooking and throwing parties.

Leila Baz - Staff Director

Leila has also been with Legacy for 21 years. She spends many hours every year finding talented, dedicated staff members to deliver our youth programs. She is also the master of logistics and planning (the life blood of a good program). Leila oversees safety and risk management for GYV, and works closely with all our staff to insure we uphold the American Camp Association (ACA) standards each summer. Leila is also an RN, and spent many years as a labor and delivery nurse. She remains calm and collected in high pressure situations! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, working out, and reading.