The Leadership Camp organized by Lifepegs in Changchun, China, gave more than 60 Chinese university students a week-long opportunity to learn about international leadership from a group of Singaporean and American teachers, with the help of the Lifepegs program team.
Students were introduced to four laws of leadership through lecture and discussion. These laws were: (1) The Law of the Lid, ( 2) The Law of Influence, (3) The Law of Solid Ground, and (4) The Law of Process. Students were given opportunities to put what they learned into action by taking part in team challenges. Some of these challenges included “Bigger and Better”, whereby teams were given Singaporean money and tried to exchange it for things of higher value by talking to store owners or people on the street. Other challenges were a type of scavenger-hunt race with checkpoints and opportunities for teams to work together and, as the finale, a very strategic game of Capture the Flag.
The last night of camp was spent at a local deer farm. Students enjoyed barbecuing supper over an open fire, talking and singing around a bonfire, and sleeping in tents. Many of these students had never experienced camping in nature before.
Most of the students had not previously thought about or learned about leadership in such a structured manner. Whilst many students agreed with the laws of leadership as presented, some asked questions about the cultural significance of these laws and how to implement the laws into their daily lives as students and as soon-to-be professionals. At the end of camp, students were given feedback from their international counselors as to their strengths and weaknesses in leadership as observed throughout the week. One foundational concept that many of the students grasped was the importance of continually developing their leadership skills.
The Leadership Camp provided a great opportunity for students to meet new friends, to have fun, and, most importantly, to learn more about their current leadership styles and how to become better leaders.
Guest writer Darci, Volunteer from China