Teen Leadership

Teen leadership training is a big part of our four teen summer programs: Senior Forum, Leadership Training Team, Leadership Forum and
Quantum U.

Developing teen leadership skills is woven through the life skills portion of our curriculum, from powerful communication skills and conflict resolution techniques to every one of the 8 Keys of Excellence.

Teens are introduced to leadership skills in their first year of Senior Forum. Once students graduate from one year of Senior Forum, they are eligible to move into our summer leadership programs, beginning with Leadership Training Team. After participating in Leadership Training Team, a student can enroll the following year in Leadership Forum, which focuses on life skills, leadership skills, and communication skills.

The final step in the progression of our teen leadership programs is Quantum U. All students who are about to enter or are already in college can enroll in Quantum U. In other words, there is no prerequisite, so even students who have not attended Senior Forum or either of our teen leadership camps, can sign up for the 8-day Quantum U program.

As mentioned, the 8 Keys of Excellence are an important part of our teen leadership training. Not only do students attending SuperCamp learn the 8 Keys, but they see them modeled throughout our summer programs by the SuperCamp staff. Here are the 8 Keys, which, when applied by students, help them to develop effective leadership skills:

Integrity
The state of authenticity when our values and actions are aligned. Integrity happens when what we value is evident in our actions.

Failure Leads to Success
Feedback from failures provides the information we need to learn so we can succeed.

Speak with Good Purpose
Speaking in a positive manner. Being responsible for honest and direct communication and focusing on truth-telling, and maintaining integrity.

This is It!
The commitment to focus our attention on the present moment and the willingness to make whatever we are doing most important.

Commitment
The ability to follow our vision without wavering; staying true to the course.

Ownership
The quality of accountability and responsibility. The ability to be counted upon and the willingness to take responsibility for the choices we make.

Flexibility
The willingness to change what we are doing to achieve the outcome we desire. Flexibility allows us to choose the best option to accomplish the outcome.

Balance
Balance is our personal 'bank account' of meaning and fulfillment within our life. To stay in balance we must make the choices that give the greatest meaning to us.

Another important aspect of developing teen leadership skills is gaining a willingness to move outside of one’s personal comfort zone. We help students in this area throughout camp. One way is on Outdoor Adventure Day where campers are challenged with activities that will expand their comfort zones.

Yes, we spend an equal amount of time on teaching many new learning skills to our campers, but teen leadership, along with teen motivation, is a big part of the life skills training that takes place in our teen summer programs.