“Whose way? ... HIS WAY!” could be heard repeatedly throughout the weekend by over 150 student servant leaders at the 2026 Leadership Camp hosted by the Southwest Union Conference in partnership with Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) and their student association (SA), held Sept. 10-13, 2026, at Lone Star Camp. This year’s theme was, you guessed it, “His Way,” based off of Isaiah 31:21: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” The keynote speaker, Pastor Cory Douglas, helped them to understand that “we don’t need to know everything, but we need to know and trust the One who does” and “if we are going to be good leaders, we must be good followers of Jesus” as he poured into our current young leaders.
Texico was well represented by student leaders from Sandia View Academy (SVA) and El Paso Adventist Academy (EPAA) who were able to showcase their talents and abilities alongside 12 other sister schools from around the Southwest Union. EPAA was frequently used to join in with other groups to cover multiple musical positions at different worship times. SVA brought the energy and togetherness from the beginning and helped lead out in worship. These are the opportunities for growth that our youth need to step into the future leadership roles that God is calling them into now. We are excited to see what God does through each of the students here in the Texico Conference!
Each of the academies elects SA and class officers for the year, representing their student body to lead in various responsibilities for their respective school. The different leadership positions are president, religious vice president, social vice president, yearbook/newspaper editor, and class officers. Students who go are equipped for service in their role through the practical knowledge and encouragement given in breakout sessions with SWAU’s SA. Leadership Camp featured dynamic student-led worship, group bonding challenges, and fellowship-making opportunities. One of the highlights of the weekend was “Leadership Cafe,” where each academy was given up to 7 minutes to showcase their school’s spiritual gifts and abilities through song, skit, or any other creative means. This year’s was so powerful and engaging that it was described by an adult leader in the audience as being “off the chain.”
We pray and hope that this generation of servant leaders will be broken “off the chain” from the influence of this world and go forth in the unbridled leading and power of the Holy Spirit. Please join with us in praying for these students, sponsors, and schools, that the Holy Spirit would move mightily through them in the name of Jesus!