Leadership Camp: Peer-to-Peer Training for Students
ATHENS, TEX. – “Be the example.” As children, Pathfinders and leaders, we have heard this statement more times than we can count. We are called to stand apart, to make a difference in the lives of those around us, to set the standard for the world. Sound familiar? Being an Adventist young adult myself, I feel compelled to say that the teaching of insight versus implementation has proven difficult to instill in our youth due to the world we live in today. We are surrounded by media and trends that shape us—things that previous generations have not experienced, at least not to the same degree. For this reason, I can wholeheartedly say that this year’s leadership camp has made a difference in the lives of many young people, including our Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) Student Association officers and praise team leaders.
Each year, student leaders from academies throughout the Southwestern Union gather for a long weekend of training and inspiration orchestrated by the union’s education department and experienced student leaders from SWAU. This year the camp was held Sept. 12-15 at Lone Star Camp in Athens, Tex. Peer-to-peer learning allowed young people to connect with the message effectively, as the academy leaders could relate to those delivering the training.
In alignment with 1 Timothy 4:12, those in attendance were challenged to see leadership in a new light—“in speech and conduct.” Through various sermons, we learned that leadership is not about doing the work, but rather the way it is conveyed and portrayed. Our job as leaders is to reinforce our actions with our words and our words with our actions. We are to live what we preach. To accomplish this, we need to first develop a close relationship with God. We were encouraged to start from the ground up.
Evan Armstrong, junior theology major and social vice president at SWAU, shared that “the best version of the Bible is the one you will actually open and read.” Rather than focusing on what the “correct” version is, Armstrong encouraged students to find one they could understand and learn from. The Bible should be enjoyable!
The message for Sabbath School was delivered by senior theology major and SWAU ministries vice president Alan Diaz, who said, “we, as leaders, have the privilege of removing the veil that the world uses to distort God’s true character. Through our love and dedication, the world will see who God truly is.” Academy student leaders were reminded that they were called by God to their roles and that no role was too small.
While the weekend featured meaningful sermons, it also provided the opportunity for students to participate in team-building activities, breakout sessions and recreation. Students shared with me that they enjoyed the water activities, the games and the music. Leadership is critical, but so are the moments spent together. This time helps students realize that they can be leaders but also friends.
For me, this weekend was an eye-opener. It was a blessing to reach out and connect with students while also being young enough to relate to their experiences. For the adults, this leadership camp was a reminder of our roles and responsibilities to one another and the youth. For the students, it was a chance to be heard, to feel equal and to realize their potential. I am so thankful to have been part of something this meaningful.
