Camp Daggett: Leadership Uncovered
ABOUT A 2 MINUTE READ –
The sun beamed down on our faces, and at night we were warmed by sparkling fires. The snow glistened off the towering maple trees and the frozen surface of Walloon Lake. It was the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat. But peace was only a small part of last week’s mid-winter adventure. Instead, students and faculty spent most of their time stepping through deep conversations, performing acrobatic acts on a 40-foot high ropes course, trusting each other while blindfolded, and practicing some of Leelanau’s core values.
We were reminded that self-awareness, resilience, courage, integrity, and leadership are often discovered together – and when we least expect it.
I spent time with the sophomore and freshman cohorts during our Camp Daggett exploratory program. I witnessed these students building outdoor shelters as a team, soaring through the air on ropes to be sure their whole team made it to the other side (because lava bubbled below them, of course), and climbing a 30-foot rock wall. Before tackling this rock wall, I heard encouraging words like, “Come on, give it a shot!” or “Why don’t we try it together.” And before solving one of the group’s given problems, I heard, “Why don’t we try your solution” or “I like that idea.” Yes, the youngest group on campus was working together in each situation they were presented with–and wildly succeeding.
The most memorable moments came in those which exposed vulnerability. When a student was nervous or the group seemed to be fumbling, that’s when the magic sparked. Someone was struggling on the rock wall at one point, and their partner was right next to them, telling them, “You’ve got this.” The individual made it halfway up the wall before rappelling back down. And because of their partner, they accomplished the greatest feat–the courage to try.
As Head of School, Rob Hansen said, “Whether verbalizing the talents they see in others, or making plans to be a better mentor, or taking the risk of trusting someone or dancing on a beam 40 feet in the air…I saw a grand community at work. I saw things that didn’t exist back in September. Growth is such a crucial part of the human experience–one that The Leelanau School takes very seriously. Because if humans can learn to keep flourishing when they’re teenagers, they truly can soar to endless heights for the duration of their entire lives.”
It’s true this growth occurs, and leadership emerges during times of struggle. Those around us can help pull out what may be hidden deep within us. Our Camp Daggett opportunity allowed time to draw these qualities out of everyone who showed the courage to try.
This learning experience would not have been possible without the leadership of two key Leelanau players. Alumnus Fred Sherriff ’59 introduced the idea and made the experience through a generous leadership gift. Math teacher Cal Meyers shaped the program, organized the details, and kept us warm, safe, and active. We are truly grateful for this leadership, adventure, and hopefully, a new tradition at The Leelanau School!
ANGELA REPKE, Learning Specialist at The Leelanau School, is a frequently published freelance writer and is currently working on a nonfiction book. The vastness of Angela’s experience as a teacher and mentor is a wonderful contribution to our Learning Skills program, where student success and self-confidence are so profoundly supported. In her spare time, Angela and her husband, along with their two children, enjoy exploring the outdoors together and are avid hikers and rock hunters.