Learning a lot from the young ones…
Camp Winthers with SJ Student Leadership
I had the privilege of taking some students from my Student Government class on a camping trip over the Labor Day Weekend. We left the school on a Friday afternoon with a slight overcast but it was still quite warm. A hour and a half later on arrival, we were met with rain and a twenty degree drop in temperature. We unloaded the bus, making multiple trips to ensure we grabbed all the sleeping bags and the snacks of goodies. What I noticed most of all, no one complained about the weather and us having to go back and forth to grab bags and equipment. I knew this was going to be a great trip!!!
As an educator, I’ve always believed that teaching is a two-way street. While I may stand in front of a classroom imparting knowledge, I’ve also discovered that I learn just as much, if not more, from my students. This realization was never more evident than during a recent student leadership camping retreat with a group of motivated and inspiring young leaders. Over the course of a few days in the great outdoors, I had the privilege of learning five invaluable lessons that continue to shape my perspective on student leadership and life in general.
1)The Power of Inclusivity One of the most profound lessons I learned during the camping retreat was the importance of inclusivity in leadership. Our student leadership class consisted of a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and backgrounds. At first, it was easy to identify the natural leaders, those who were outspoken and charismatic. However, as we engaged in various team-building activities, I observed that some of the most impactful leaders were those who actively sought to include and empower everyone in the group.
Inclusivity isn’t just about making sure everyone feels welcome; it’s about recognizing and valuing the contributions of every individual. I watched as quieter students with great ideas and unique perspectives came out of their shells, contributing to our discussions and decision-making processes. This experience taught me that a leader’s role isn’t just to lead but also to create an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
2) Adaptability in the Face of Challenges One of the key elements of the camping retreat was that it pushed us out of our comfort zones. We faced challenges such as the wet and cold weather, limited resources, physically demanding activities such as hiking, and a meditation session that really pushed them out of their comfort zone. What struck me the most was how some of the students, who initially seemed unsure and anxious, quickly adapted to these challenges and grew stronger in the process.
Leadership often involves navigating uncharted territory and dealing with unexpected obstacles. The retreat reminded me that the ability to adapt is a critical skill for any leader. It’s not about having all the answers but about remaining flexible, resilient, and positive in the face of adversity. The students who embraced the challenges with a can-do attitude not only learned and grew the most but also inspired others to do the same.
Meditation session that the students really enjoyed.
3) Effective Communication and Active Listening Communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and the camping retreat reinforced this notion in a powerful way. During our time together, we engaged in a series of group discussions, team-building exercises, and even campfire sessions. It became evident that the most successful leaders were those who not only communicated their ideas clearly but also actively listened to others.
I observed that active listening, where students truly paid attention to their peers, led to better collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving. It’s easy to underestimate the impact of simply listening, but it’s a skill that can make or break a leader. The retreat emphasized the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel heard and valued, ultimately fostering a sense of trust and unity within the group.
4) Resilience and Perseverance The camping retreat presented us with numerous physical and mental challenges, from hiking through rugged terrain to solving complex problems as a team. It was awe-inspiring to witness how our students embraced these challenges with unwavering determination and resilience. They didn’t give up when faced with difficult situations; instead, they pushed through and supported each other.
Resilience and perseverance are essential qualities for leaders. It’s easy to become discouraged when faced with setbacks or obstacles, but it’s the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward that sets great leaders apart. The retreat reminded me that leadership isn’t about avoiding failure but about learning from it and using it as a stepping stone towards success.
Teambuilding with puzzle pieces.
5) The Power of Self-Reflection Finally, the camping retreat emphasized the importance of self-reflection in leadership development. On the last day, we set aside time to write about the things we are grateful for. I was pleasantly surprised to see how seriously the students took this activity, using it as an opportunity to assess their actions, thoughts, and feelings.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and leadership development. It allows individuals to gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals. It’s a practice that encourages self-awareness and a deeper understanding of one’s values and priorities. Witnessing the students engage in self-reflection reinforced the idea that effective leadership starts with a strong sense of self.
The student leadership camping retreat was a transformative experience that taught me valuable lessons about leadership and life. From the power of inclusivity to the importance of resilience, adaptability, effective communication, and self-reflection, the retreat provided a wealth of insights that continue to shape my approach to education and leadership. As an educator, I’m reminded that learning is a lifelong journey, and sometimes, the best lessons come from unexpected sources, including our students. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned alongside these young leaders and am excited to see how they will continue to make a positive impact on the world as they carry these lessons with them into their future endeavors. In the end, leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about continuously growing and evolving as individuals and as a community.
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