Growing into a Leader

Their names were Zac and Max, Grade 10 students who were great role models. They were laid back, but energetic enough to get me engaged in activities – a balance that I struggled to find when I became a leader.

In Grade 10, I took the opportunity to become a leader. Being a camper allowed me to learn from my leaders, but the process of becoming a leader taught me different skills. My first hands-on experience came as a counsellor for a group of Grade 7s. This was my first and most poorly executed job as a leader. I tried too hard to be one of them and not a role model. I didn’t understand the importance of my role and didn’t give it the effort it deserved. 

Later that year, when I was a leader for the Grade 3s, I realized how much we meant to the younger students. Whether it was giving piggyback rides or teaching them how to light a fire, I realized that these little guys needed more attention. I understood that my role was more important than I thought and I promised myself that I would increase the standards I set for myself. I took these lessons forward into my future experiences as a leader. 

In learning how to become a better Outdoor Ed leader, I have learned how to be a better leader in general. I learned to be more patient, thoughtful and empathetic. These attributes have seeped into my everyday life. In trying to change the way I carry myself to be a positive role model for younger grades, I improved the way I act on a daily basis. 

I recently went on my final RSGC Outdoor Ed trip. It was my third time attending the annual Leadership Retreat; a trip designed to help teach leadership skills to prospective leaders. The weekend allowed me to get to know so many young Georgians that I don’t usually have a chance to hang out with. It also allowed me to pass on the leadership skills I learned from people like Zac and Max to the next generation of RSGC leaders. My journey as a leader has now come full circle and I am happy to say that the future of the program is very bright.