Ulster Project Arlington

Melissa Dye has accepted our offer to be a counselor in the 2012 Ulster Project-Arlington.

Mel was a host teen in UP2007 and helped teach dance routines for the Celebration show to the 2009 and 2010 teens.

Mel is currently a Community Health major at Texas A&M University. After she graduates in December 2012, she will continue her education by either going to nursing school or obtaining a Masters Degree in Public Health. For the past two years, Mel has also been a resident advisor in an A&M residence hall. As an RA, Mel oversees about 500 students. Her duties include assuring that all university policies are followed and that a safe environment is maintained within which a fun atmosphere can be established to help build community. She regularly organizes and leads events in the residence hall and Mel also finds herself frequently listening to, supporting and counseling with students when they are in need.

Mel further demonstrates her concern for others in her volunteer activities. She volunteers at St. Joseph’s Regional Hospital in Bryan, Texas and is an active member of ASAP (Aggies Supporting Another Person), an organization through St. Mary’s Catholic Church in College Station.

When asked why she applied to be a counselor, Mel answered, “Being an Ulster Project counselor has been one of my dreams since I was a teen in the Project. Ulster Project played such a major role in my life and I would like to foster that atmosphere for another set of teens.” We think that with her outgoing personality, proven leadership skills in working with young people and understanding and support of the Ulster Project mission, Mel will be a great asset to UP2012.

Please join me in welcoming Mel as she takes on the duties of Counselor.

If you are a guy aged 21 years or more, love the Ulster Project and want to give back to it, and can free your schedule from June 25 to July 25, let us know. As you read above, Mel Dye has agreed to be our U.S. female counselor, but she needs help. Ulster Project-Arlington has historically brought 16 teens from the Belfast, N.I. area. They stay with 16 Arlington-area teens. Two N.I. counselors will come with the Belfast teens. This group of 32 teens and 4 counselors is together virtually every day for a month, participating in worship, community service, Times of Discovery and lots of fun activities. The counselors manage the group, lead TOD's, help de-brief activities with the teens, and provide positive role model leadership to the group.

Previous counselors have said that it was an unforgettable experience, one in which they had fun but realized they had played a role in changing young lives. I can't think of a better way to spend a month of this summer. If you are interested, simply click on Forms at the top of the homepage, then click on Counselor Application. Complete the application and send it to the address printed on it. You will be contacted by Ken Simon, President UP2012.

Reminder to ALL adults (18 or older) participating in the Ulster Project: a Background Check authorization form needs to be turned in each year you participate. Click HERE to download or print your PDF form for a Background Check and send it in to Dan Mathys or mail it to Ulster Project Arlington, P.O. Box 150701, Arlington, Texas, 76015.