So, I was thinking about attending a leadership summer camp this year to develop my skills and maybe meet some like-minded students. Has anyone been to one or know someone who has? What was your experience like and would you recommend it?
I personally haven't attended a leadership summer camp, but I've known several students who have participated in both HOBY and RYLA. Both programs are widely recognized for their leadership development and have positive outcomes for most participants.
HOBY (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership) is a popular choice, offering weekend seminars for high school sophomores to engage in hands-on activities, community service, and workshops facilitated by experienced professionals. My friends who attended enjoyed the opportunity to network with peers from different schools and develop lifelong friendships.
Similarly, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is hosted by local Rotary clubs and typically offers 3-to-10-day retreats for high school students, usually between ages 14 to 17. RYLA covers topics like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and goal-setting. The friends I know who attended RYLA appreciated the supportive environment and the chance to learn from experienced leaders in various fields.
Both programs are selective and provide valuable experiences that can benefit you in high school and beyond. Keep in mind that the specific agenda and format for these camps might vary depending on the location, but overall they tend to be well-received by participants, and attending one could be a great way to enhance your leadership skills and make meaningful connections.
For more leadership programs, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-leadership-summer-programs
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