LEADERSHIP 101
Please complete the activities and submit responses for all four modules:
1. Introduction to Leadership
2. Servant Leadership
3. What is a Leader on camp?
4. Small Group Leadership
Remember to click 'submit' each time, and you should receive confirmation!
1. Introduction to Leadership
Watch this TED Talk by Drew Dudley, read the information regarding Authentic Leadership. Then complete the responses below.
Jesus challenged the culture of leadership in his time by identifying leadership with serving those 'beneath' him. Read Matthew 20:25-28. Jesus is our ultimate servant leader - he washed his friends' feet, spent time with people even when he was exhausted, and had compassion on the sick and dying. When we think of what makes a great leader in society, being a servant isn't always the first thing that comes to mind. But the Bible teaches that considering others and their needs is more important than our own. Read Philippians 2:4.
The main people we serve on Christian Life Week or Easter Camp are the campers. While leaders often enjoy themselves and have a great time, that is not the purpose of camp. Remember leaders are messengers from God - to show them Christ and God's love for all people. You may have heard these quotes before:
The main people we serve on Christian Life Week or Easter Camp are the campers. While leaders often enjoy themselves and have a great time, that is not the purpose of camp. Remember leaders are messengers from God - to show them Christ and God's love for all people. You may have heard these quotes before:
Watch this video "What is Leadership?" which comments on the characteristics of a Christian leader.
On camp, you will be required to get up before campers, and go to bed after them (for Leaders Meetings). You will get tired, which often makes us selfish and we don't always see the needs of others. Can you think of some potential needs of campers that you as a leader could serve by putting them before yourself? They could be physical, mental, emotional...
Leading can be a very draining experience, so it's really important to stay connected to the source of all strength - Jesus! Don't be afraid to ask for help or communicate with your Director if you are tired or struggling with something. They are there to support and help the leaders, as well as direct the camp.
Leading can be a very draining experience, so it's really important to stay connected to the source of all strength - Jesus! Don't be afraid to ask for help or communicate with your Director if you are tired or struggling with something. They are there to support and help the leaders, as well as direct the camp.
One final word on servant leadership - BEWARE LEADER CLUMPING! All leaders struggle with this at some point when they are on camps and it's a real challenge. Leader clumping is where there are more leaders than campers hanging out in a group and they are more focused on having a laugh/deep in discussion with the other leader/s rather than focusing on campers...
3. What is a Leader on camp?
Leading on a Christian camp with Lutheran Youth of Victoria might not be like other leadership opportunities you have been involved in. It's often a complex and exhausting experience, as you take on various roles and responsibilities throughout the camp. Here are a few of them:
ROLE MODEL
You are older than the campers, and many of them look up to leaders as both someone they like and want to be around, but also someone they want to follow and learn from. Remember you are being watched for the way you behave both in structured activities but also informal like meal times!
PRAY-ER
There are many opportunities to pray both out loud and silently during camp. You will be expected to lead your small group in prayer at times, as well as pray during leaders meetings and with your mentor partner.
PARTICIPATOR
Similar to Role Model, One of the biggest responsibilities as a leader is to lead by example - do what you want the campers to be doing! If another leader is talking to the group, show respect for that leader by being quiet and encouraging campers to do the same.
SMALL GROUP LEADER
A major part of this role is working with your co-leader to bring your campers closer to Christ through the studies, and also getting to know each others in your small group.
DISCIPLINARIAN
When kids muck up, leaders need to step in and pull them into line. One must be careful how to do this, following Christ's example at all times - sometimes it might be as simple as a verbal warning, other times you will need to get another leader involved.
HANG-ER
During meal times and free times at camp, you can just chill and relax with the campers. Get to know them, allow them to get to know you. Encourage constructive fun. Look out for those who might not have many friends at camp. Start a game of footy or soccer.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDER
Get to know the campers, and help them get to know each other. They should see leaders as mentors but not a 'best friend.' Be approachable, interested and helpful.
LISTENER
Listen both with your ears and your heart. Listen in small group and listen during informal conversations. Listen when people need to talk about something, and listen when God might be telling you to do something or say something.
LIFE BRINGER
May people who experience the Christian camping community experience an uplifting sense of joy and you as a leader are part of that! In all that you say and do, remember to speak love and life into people's lives.
DISCUSSION FACILITATOR
Especially in small groups, but also informally, leaders can ask questions and make comments to draw the campers out of their comfort zone and participate in discussion. Leaders shouldn't dominate discussions but rather allow space for campers to grow and explore.
TEAM MEMBER
You are not alone! Your words and actions either build up the team or weaken it. If you disagree with another leader, take it up with them privately or with the Director - not in front of campers. The team needs to be united in Christ in order to be most effective in our ministry.
Watch this video clip from 'Remember the Titans.' It comes about half way through the movie when the students have stubbornly refused to put their differences aside and as a result they are being forced to train 3 times a day. The two characters are captains for each side of the team (Offensive and Defensive) Look for the links to roles of TEAM MEMBER, PARTICIPATOR, LISTENER. The key dialogue is 'Attitude reflects leadership, captain.'
You are older than the campers, and many of them look up to leaders as both someone they like and want to be around, but also someone they want to follow and learn from. Remember you are being watched for the way you behave both in structured activities but also informal like meal times!
PRAY-ER
There are many opportunities to pray both out loud and silently during camp. You will be expected to lead your small group in prayer at times, as well as pray during leaders meetings and with your mentor partner.
PARTICIPATOR
Similar to Role Model, One of the biggest responsibilities as a leader is to lead by example - do what you want the campers to be doing! If another leader is talking to the group, show respect for that leader by being quiet and encouraging campers to do the same.
SMALL GROUP LEADER
A major part of this role is working with your co-leader to bring your campers closer to Christ through the studies, and also getting to know each others in your small group.
DISCIPLINARIAN
When kids muck up, leaders need to step in and pull them into line. One must be careful how to do this, following Christ's example at all times - sometimes it might be as simple as a verbal warning, other times you will need to get another leader involved.
HANG-ER
During meal times and free times at camp, you can just chill and relax with the campers. Get to know them, allow them to get to know you. Encourage constructive fun. Look out for those who might not have many friends at camp. Start a game of footy or soccer.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDER
Get to know the campers, and help them get to know each other. They should see leaders as mentors but not a 'best friend.' Be approachable, interested and helpful.
LISTENER
Listen both with your ears and your heart. Listen in small group and listen during informal conversations. Listen when people need to talk about something, and listen when God might be telling you to do something or say something.
LIFE BRINGER
May people who experience the Christian camping community experience an uplifting sense of joy and you as a leader are part of that! In all that you say and do, remember to speak love and life into people's lives.
DISCUSSION FACILITATOR
Especially in small groups, but also informally, leaders can ask questions and make comments to draw the campers out of their comfort zone and participate in discussion. Leaders shouldn't dominate discussions but rather allow space for campers to grow and explore.
TEAM MEMBER
You are not alone! Your words and actions either build up the team or weaken it. If you disagree with another leader, take it up with them privately or with the Director - not in front of campers. The team needs to be united in Christ in order to be most effective in our ministry.
Watch this video clip from 'Remember the Titans.' It comes about half way through the movie when the students have stubbornly refused to put their differences aside and as a result they are being forced to train 3 times a day. The two characters are captains for each side of the team (Offensive and Defensive) Look for the links to roles of TEAM MEMBER, PARTICIPATOR, LISTENER. The key dialogue is 'Attitude reflects leadership, captain.'
4. Small Group Leadership
Small group ministry is a huge part of your week on camp. Each day you will spend hours in your small group journeying with them in the studies and encouraging them to go deeper. Small group time can be a success or failure based on any number of factors such as:
personality of leaders,
personality combination of campers,
needs of campers at the time
physical issues like location, hunger, distractions
relevance of study/topic.
There are no guarantees to making an amazing small group time, but below are some things to consider. Depending on the context and situation of your group, you may need to draw on each of them at one point in time.
personality of leaders,
personality combination of campers,
needs of campers at the time
physical issues like location, hunger, distractions
relevance of study/topic.
There are no guarantees to making an amazing small group time, but below are some things to consider. Depending on the context and situation of your group, you may need to draw on each of them at one point in time.