LEADERSHIP CAMP
Using God’s Creation for Discovery.
BY JAIME NANNINGA
AA couple of years ago, CYAK held a Leadership Cohort with a group of young people. According to the feedback received, the cohort was a tremendous blessing and helped some of them learn to serve in ways they never thought possible. It instilled confidence and provided support to propel them forward in their leadership journey. Despite the changing world, the desire to mentor leaders has remained strong. Just last week, the first Leadership Camp since then took place back at Chickaloon.
Alongside the CYAK staff, ten young adults embarked on a journey to discover their leadership potential. Throughout the week, they participated in various spiritual practices that opened their eyes to who they are and how God can use them to lead. They engaged in discussions, shared their experiences, and made exciting discoveries. They also worked on service projects, enjoyed s’mores by the campfire, and fostered a sense of community. During one particular spiritual practice, they learned six in total, the objective was to find a tree and then identify a second tree nearby. The participants were prompted to consider what attracted them to a specific tree and to observe its characteristics. Then when finished, they were asked to write a psalm to reflect on the tree and their life with God. One young leader approached a tree, gazed up at it, and then gently pushed against it. She realized, “Yep, this tree is strong.” Although she intellectually knew
tree reinforced her understanding. Another young leader examined his chosen tree and noticed various signs of imperfection such as peeling bark, additional growths, and a slight bend. However, despite these flaws, the tree stood tall and alive. Reflecting on this, he concluded that even with its challenges, the tree persevered. Many young leaders made similar observations while observing their chosen trees. The final insight came from a young leader who encountered a dead tree, bare and alone, on the verge of falling. Yet, nearby, they noticed another fallen dead tree that was held up by surrounding trees. The reflection was powerful: sometimes, we may feel dead and isolated, but with a strong community around us, we find support and resilience.
As the young leaders contemplated these trees, they saw reflections of themselves. They recognized areas where they needed encouragement, struggled with self-doubt, or had moments of uncertainty—experiences we all encounter throughout our lives. Most importantly, they saw God. They realized
that in Him, they find strength. Despite their imperfections, scars, and brokenness, God sees them, loves them, and can use them for His glory. Even in seasons of fatigue, burnout, and internal desolation, God sends others to stand beside them, to hold them and carry them through. When they perceive their true selves and root themselves in the Lord, they can thrive.
This thought-provoking experience was just one of many during the Leadership Camp. We hope it remains etched in their minds and assists them as they continue to discover their unique paths as leaders. Our Creator has significant plans for each of us, and it’s perfectly alright if each plan looks different.
“but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not witherwhatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:2-3