Although it is often lamented that there is not much for the youth of Washington Parish to do, Charlotte Champagne recently shared an exciting opportunity for local youngsters with the members of the Rotary Club of Bogalusa.

On Wednesday, June 24, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana will take 100 children, ages 9 to 13, from the parish to the New Orleans Saints practice facility in Metairie.

According to Champagne, the camp will focus on “positive character development for youths.”

This will be achieved through both football skills sessions and life skills sessions, which will include games and exercises aimed at utilizing newly-learned skills.

“If we’re lucky, some of the Saints players will be there,” Champagne added.

The camp is free of charge. Registration forms can be obtained by calling the United Way at 985-732-2305. Lunch, snacks and transportation are provided.

Participants will need to be at the designated pick-up points by 7 a.m. on Wednesday. In Bogalusa, participants will meet at the School Board Office, and in Franklinton participants will meet at Franklinton Jr. High School.

The camp coordinators are Coach Speedy Butler for the Bogalusa area and Coach Andy Creel for the Franklinton area.

To help defray transportation and food costs for the United Way, the Rotary Club of Bogalusa donated $250.

During the same meeting, Rotary members heard from Grace Fornea, who is one of the young ladies competing for the Paper Queen crown this year.

Unlike many of the other queens around the state who win their crowns through a pageant-based competition, those vying for Paper Queen compete to see who can raise the most funds for the American Legion. Funds raised were turned into the Legion this week.

For her fundraisers, Fornea sold raffle tickets for a Yeti cooler and sponsored a fish fry dinner sale.

This year five are competing for the crown. Whoever is crowned will be the 75th Paper Queen. It is the second oldest queen contest in Louisiana.

Those crowned win both a scholarship and notoriety.

“If I’m crowned, I will go to all the fairs and festivals in Louisiana, representing the American Legion and the paper industry,” said Fornea.