When it comes to leadership experiences, it can be different for everyone. Some may highlight their biggest leadership experience, while others choose to highlight the miniscule moments. Being a leader is a person who leads by doing, just as we learn in 4-H. A person can lead by doing in a large and small setting. I choose to highlight the miniscule moments, as I feel it has impacted others the most. For the past four summers I have served as a cabin counselor for 7th-9th grade girls for areas 4-H Summer Camp. Camp is only five days long, but I am able to witness shy girls turn into confident young leaders by the end of the week. Although camp counselors do not get a lot of credit for what they do, they do impact others around them. Campers
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Whether it is designing a group game with a few counselors because it started to rain and you need to occupy 100 campers in 15 minutes, or improving the way the camp staff works together; it is important to know how to design and improve systems. Decision-making cannot be more important than it is when you have multiple sets of eyes watching you at all times during camp. Campers, other counselors, adult volunteers, staff, and naturalists are always watching. As a counselor, I strive to do my best at all times. Also, it is important your decision-making is always for the betterment of everyone. The campers feed off of you, hence why you are put in this leadership experience. For example, I hold nightly reflections as a way for my campers to settle down and reflect upon the day. Problem solving is another important skill set a leader has. Problem solving can range from designing a quick backup plan because you arrive to an activity early, to making the best out of something you didn't expect to happen. The campers pick up on your problem solving and how you adapt to the situation; therefore, you must make the best better, just as we are taught in 4-H. Finally, self management is crucial when serving in a leadership position. As a counselor you not only have to take care of yourself, but also ten others. They are your responsibility. It is very important to be ontime to activities to portray to your campers that they need to be ontime too. Campers are like sponges; they stick and learn from
Whether it is designing a group game with a few counselors because it started to rain and you need to occupy 100 campers in 15 minutes, or improving the way the camp staff works together; it is important to know how to design and improve systems. Decision-making cannot be more important than it is when you have multiple sets of eyes watching you at all times during camp. Campers, other counselors, adult volunteers, staff, and naturalists are always watching. As a counselor, I strive to do my best at all times. Also, it is important your decision-making is always for the betterment of everyone. The campers feed off of you, hence why you are put in this leadership experience. For example, I hold nightly reflections as a way for my campers to settle down and reflect upon the day. Problem solving is another important skill set a leader has. Problem solving can range from designing a quick backup plan because you arrive to an activity early, to making the best out of something you didn't expect to happen. The campers pick up on your problem solving and how you adapt to the situation; therefore, you must make the best better, just as we are taught in 4-H. Finally, self management is crucial when serving in a leadership position. As a counselor you not only have to take care of yourself, but also ten others. They are your responsibility. It is very important to be ontime to activities to portray to your campers that they need to be ontime too. Campers are like sponges; they stick and learn from