LEADERSHIP TRAINING RETREATS

This is one of the best ways to train the leaders in you school and let them know that the job that they are undertaking is important. However, the advisor is the key because even champion athletes have a coach.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND A LEADERSHIP TRAINING RETREAT?

• your entire student executive group
• other executives may include: Newspaper, Yearbook, Intramural, Charitable, and potential junior leaders

WHAT DO YOU NEED AS AN ADVISOR?

enthusiasm • interest • commitment • organization • love for kids

Notice that "EXPERIENCE'' is not in the list above. A beginning advisor who brings all of the above to the position can be assured of success. Experience is the "icing on the cake''. Your student leaders are quick to use you as the model, and with you exhibiting the above characteristics everyone has a great chance to learn.

WHEN?

• as early as possible (June, before school starts in August, September, or early October)
• 2 days in length

WHERE?

• away from the school - conference centre, cottage, church camp, hotel, motel, board office

WHY?

• students need to know one another to work together
• it helps them to feel good about their group and promotes group unity
• it gives them a sense of how important their work is
• it teaches specific skills

HOW?

• it is realistic to ask the students to share some of the cost
• your Principal or Board may have some funds as well as student council
• service organizations in your community can be very supportive

HINTS FOR RUNNING LEADERSHIP RETREATS

• Don't try and teach too many skills. Three or four specific skills is a maximum.
• Get help. Many staff have abilities in this area.
• Use the organization of the time away as a teaching tool. Menu planning, food preparation and clean-up can all give the students training in working and planning together.
• Make it fun and educational.
• Follow-up anything you teach as you go through the year.

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