JACKSON JAYCEES WILL HOST CONVENTION FOR FIRST TIME

JACKSON -- This weekend marks a first for the Jackson Jaycees chapter. The organization is hosting the annual state convention.

Since between 350 and 400 people are expected to attend, the annual meeting is being held today through Sunday in Cape Girardeau, said Gary Kamp, general chairman of the state annual convention and member of the Jackson Jaycees.

"There have been four conventions in Cape Girardeau during the last 15 years," Kamp said. "But this is the first time Jackson has ever hosted the state convention."

Bringing the convention here took about two years of work.

"For about five or six of us," Kamp said, "it was a dream we had ever since we joined the Jaycees."

Registration begins today at 6 p.m.

The convention includes election of new state officers, judging of chapter projects for state awards, and an annual business meeting.

One highlight of the meeting is the evaluation of service projects, Kamp said.

In addition to judging, a lot of ideas will be shared. "It's a competitive time but a fun time," he said. "We'll compare our notebooks with others and try to pick up some good ideas.

"Our haunted house, the backbone project for the Jackson chapter, was picked up 20 years ago at an annual meeting. I know there are four or five chapters that host big haunted houses. We will compare notes and exchange ideas."

An awards banquet will be held Saturday. "Jackson is in the running for several major awards," Kamp said. "We will also be announcing all the outstanding local presidents."

In addition to organizational business, the convention includes a number of mixers and dances.

Kamp said he expects Jaycees members to attend from Springfield, Joplin, Cameron, Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Louis, Hannibal and throughout Southeast Missouri.

Missouri has 230 Jaycees chapters and 7,000 members.

Jaycees is a young person's leadership training organization.

"We learn leadership and practice leadership through running projects," Kamp said. "A lot of people consider us a service club. We tell people we do service projects as a way of developing leadership skills."

The organization has statewide projects including Wonderland Camp on Lake of the Ozarks for handicapped children.