Ben's Lighthouse will take a group of teenagers from Newtown on its sixth annual youth service trip, and applications are now being accepted for the trip to Louisiana.For more information or to help support the work of Ben's Lighthouse, visit .benslighthouse.org

Ben's Lighthouse is a nonprofit organization formed five years ago to help the youth of Newtown and beyond. It was formed in memory of Benjamin Wheeler, a victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Ben's Lighthouse provides programs that empower young people to develop the self-awareness, empathy, and social connections they need to find and share their own light.

Last summer, 12 Newtown teens traveled to Baton Rouge, La., to assist in the restoration of three homes damaged by the record flooding that occurred there in August 2016. Those Ben's Lighthouse volunteers worked in conjunction with the St Bernard Project, a nonprofit formed following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The area is still recovering from those floods and there is much more work to be done, so Ben's Lighthouse is returning to Louisiana to help again this summer, according to Sue Vogelman, Ben's Lighthouse trip coordinator.

"In addition to helping those still in need, the young people on the trip also have the opportunity to grow by learning something about the people and culture of that unique part of our country," Ms Vogelman said. "They'll make connections and build relationships that may last a lifetime."

Ben's Lighthouse has previously sent crews to other areas in the United States including Oklahoma, Colorado, and Montana over the past five years to assist residents after disaster had affected their communities.

While these trips often include hard work and learning new skills, participants have valuable team experiences and get a chance to explore the area, including New Orleans, to experience the local cuisine, music, geography, people, culture, and more.

Through donations and grants, Ben's Lighthouse is able to sponsor the trips at no cost to the teens.

This year's trip will be from July 14 to 20, and Ben's Lighthouse is currently soliciting applications from high school youth who are interested in joining the team for the experience; one that many past participants have called, "life-changing." These qualifying applications will be entered into a random lottery drawing to select 12 participants.

Applicants must be 16 years old or older before the travel dates and should have an interest in working hard to help people return to their homes. Those interested should e-mail Ms Vogelman at svogelman@benslighthouse.org for a Ben's Lighthouse Service Trip 2018 Application. Applications must be returned by May 1. Any and all questions can be sent to the same e-mail address.