Building Confidence, Creating Leaders

“Leadership Camp is one of the most important events that occur during a student's eighth grade year. Leadership Camp creates connections between the advisor and the advisory group by building trust, collaboration, and communication,” said Mrs. Kathy Dozier. “What is learned in Leadership Camp by the students and the advisor is then utilized in the classroom. Having attended the camp for many years, I always look forward to it because I know how beneficial it is for the students and the teachers. I am always impressed and amazed by the eighth grade team's willingness to spend three days and two nights away from home in order to ensure the success of the program.”

One of the highlights of the trip is the senior visit–when a group of senior class volunteers come to the camp to share with their younger classmates what to expect during their eighth grade year and when they matriculate to the Upper School. Each senior, including Johnny Robinson '23 and Ian Strang '23, met with the advisory groups, giving the eighth graders the opportunity to ask questions about clubs, athletics, classes, and anything they were curious about. The seniors also introduced the Thunder Cup challenge–ODA’s annual yearlong class competition comprised of games of skill, talent, trivia, athleticism, and creativity.

After their return to campus, teachers use the lessons students learned during the program to remind them of their strength and ability to persevere as they face challenges and set goals throughout the school year. As a key component of the program, these new skills help students to have enough confidence to go a bit beyond their comfort level which has proven to be a great motivator inside as well as outside the classroom.