Leadership can be learned. That was the message presented to the thirty-six members of Martin Youth LEADERship Class 12 who gathered on September 16th for "Leadership Day" at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach.
After their welcome to the scenic Frances Langford Dockside Pavilion, the students participated in an icebreaker that allowed them to exercise their public speaking skills and learn something about each other. The participants then completed an exercise that identified their individual leadership styles. They discussed the strengths and limitations of each interpersonal approach.
Facilitators from Gulf Stream Council Learning for Life engaged the class in a series of experiential challenges designed to allow participants to improve skills such as communications, goal setting, planning and teambuilding. These challenges, called initiative games, provided the group with active, inclusive and fun opportunities to see the results that come from exercising or failing to exercise appropriate leadership. With unusual names like
Poison Peanut Butter Pit and
Radioactive Isotopes, the games allowed participants to learn without realizing it.
Blindfolded students attempting to assemble the
Giant Jigsaw Puzzle learned the importance of sharing a vision with project stakeholders. The
Minefield gave participants a chance to appreciate the value of trust effective communications as they guided blindfolded team members around styrofoam "mines." Planning, delegating and managing time were critical to achieving success in the
Balloon Castles exercise as groups tried to construct the tallest freestanding structure using only party balloons and masking tape. The day finished off with a new twist on an old game.
Team Rock, Paper, Scissors illustrated teamwork as participants found that by supporting lower performing groups, everyone can win.
Leadership Day gave Martin County's future leaders insight into the skills necessary for success. More importantly, many left hungry to learn more about developing their own abilities as leaders.
For more information about Martin Youth LEADERship or to get involved please contact Erica Kinane @ 772-288-6580 or erica@kinaneprinting.com.