KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — On November 3, 4 and 5 young philanthropists from across four states will come to Kosciusko County for sharing and inspiration. 

The young people are members of Youth Pods, youth philanthropy groups sponsored for 23 years by the Dekko Foundation. This is the ninth time that the Dekko Foundation has invited all Youth Pod members to come together.

“Kosciusko County has the perfect mix of great facilities, interesting speakers and that egg basket reputation,” says Kimberly Schroder, program officer for the Dekko Foundation.  “Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure is the name of our retreat.  We’ve incorporated so many of the good things that Kosciusko County has to offer into our retreat message.”

Attending the retreat will be Kosciusko County KEYS, a youth philanthropy group supported by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.  KEYS members have chosen improving literacy as their group’s area of focus.

One of the highlights of Phil’s EGGcellent Adventure will be a giving circle where Youth Pod members will pool their retreat registration fees and make a shared decision on which Kosciusko County youth-serving organizations will receive grant support.  This experience is designed to help young people gain confidence and strategy in grantmaking decisions.

A unique aspect of the retreat is that it has been planned by the Dekko Foundation with the guidance of youth leaders.  These youth leaders, called phish (philanthropic idea, strategy and heart), will also host the retreat and lead many of the learning sessions. 

Helping to inspire young philanthropists during the upcoming retreat are these Kosciusko-based speakers:

• Eric Lane, executive director, Fellowship Missions
• Luke Wright, founder of MudLOVE

Supporting and hosting the retreat are these local people and organizations:

• Baker Youth Club
• Creighton Brothers, Mindy Truex and the Crazy Egg Café
• Double D Stock Farms, Kelly Scheiss
• Hampton Inn
• Kosciusko County Community Foundation
• Vitale Events
• Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts
• Wyndham Garden Hotel 

For more information about Youth Pods, visit online.