The Youth Services Program

What We Do!

The Youth Services at the American Red Cross Orange County Chapter brings together a network of high school volunteers in a series of mission-related service projects and leadership activities. We serve as a network for inter-club communications for high school clubs in our region, and we coordinate multiple charity and fundraising events throughout the year. In addition, the Youth Services program strives to promote volunteer opportunities. Each month, we hold a monthly Get Involved For Teens (GIFT) Forum, inviting all the youth to come and learn more about what can be done within their very own communities. And ultimately, our Youth Services program bears the hopes of fostering a spirit for service and dedication amongst the youth of our generation.

Click here to take a look at our 2011-2012 YS Program!

Meet Your Leaders!

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is comprised of dynamic and motivated high school youth from across Orange County. YAC run monthly meetings for all youth volunteers and organizes chapter-wide events with all of the Red Cross clubs. They are super friendly, fun, and informed so please feel free to ask them for any help or advice!

Name: Katherine Wu

Position: Chair

Senior @ Troy High School

Katherine first became involved with the American Red Cross in 2007 when she attended the Jr. Leadership Development Camp. Since then, she has participated in a variety of Red Cross related activities - both attending and staffing LDC, educating the community as a part of the Youth Leadership for Community Disaster Education committee, and volunteering at the chapter's annual charity events/fundraisers. Throughout her high school career, Katherine's experiences with the Red Cross have not only groomed her into a confident leader, but they have also taught her the value in serving others and giving back to the community. This year, as the Youth Services Chairwoman, Katherine hopes to inspire the new generation of volunteers to engage their efforts in carrying out the mission of the American Red Cross.

Name: Natasha Parekh

Position: Vice-Chair, YLC Lead

Senior @ Foothill High School

Natasha's first encounter with the Youth Services Department of the Orange County Red Cross occurred when she attended the coveted Leadership Development Camp in 2009. A senior at Foothill High School, she is currently the lead of the YLC (Youth Leadership for Community Disaster Education) committee and the Vice-Chair for the Youth Advisory Council. YLC's main job is to provide Disaster Education presentations to elementary, middle, and high school students, informing them of the necessary precautions concerning fire, flood, and earthquake safety. As a committee, YLC also puts on Cause for Alarm along with several other trainings in Public Speaking and Disaster Education.

Name: Sharon Sin

Position: LDC Camp Liaison

Senior @ Villa Park High School

Sharon started volunteering with the American Red Cross Youth Services towards the second half of her freshman year. However, it wasn't until she attended LDC in the summer of 2009 that she became a much more active volunteer. As the Leadership Camp Liaison, Sharon is responsible for planning the annual summer camp, LDC or Leadership Development Center. LDC is a 5 day and 4 night camp for high school students, during which attendees will gain leadership experience, team building skills, bond with fellow volunteers from across Orange County, and become more informed about the mission statement of the American Red Cross. She works directly with Rebecca Yang, the Delegate and Outreach Liaison, and the staffers throughout the summer to work on the activities and logistics of the camp.

Name: Rebecca Yang

Position: Delegate and Outreach Liaison

Senior @ Brea Olinda High School

Rebecca Yang began working with the Red Cross in 2009 after she attended LDC that same year. She is currently the delegate/outreach liaison in charge of the delegates at LDC. LDC or Leadership Development Camp is an annual summer camp held by the ARC for high school students who are entering sophomore, junior, or senior year.