Six Pillars of Leadership Development

Rich BirchBlog

Our mission at Camp Mini-Yo-We is to develop tomorrow’s leaders through life-changing adventures in God’s creation. Our approach to leadership is not just about honing skills or personal growth; crucially, it’s about growing closer to Jesus Christ, the most influential leader who ever lived.

When we talk about “leaders,” we aren’t referring to an abstract concept but to a set of distinct characteristics and behaviours that we aspire to instill in every young leader we connect with. We focus on six critical areas of development that provide the foundation for our summer camp experience. These pillars guide our activities, workshops, and interactions, forming the backbone of our leadership development philosophy.

Learn About Jesus

At Camp Mini-Yo-We, we believe that truly impactful leaders need to learn about the greatest leader ever known: Jesus. We encourage our campers to delve into Scripture, fostering an active and engaging understanding of His life, His teachings, and His impact on our lives. Through Bible studies, discussion groups, and personal reflection, we make the life of Jesus an accessible and relatable model for our young leaders. Read more about learning like Jesus at Mini-Yo-We.

Live Like Jesus

Leadership isn’t just about understanding; it’s about action. We believe that living like Jesus, embracing His values of love, compassion, and humility, is beneficial not just for individuals but for the communities they lead. As part of the Mini-Yo-We experience, we provide practical lessons on how to align one’s life with Jesus’s teachings, creating a solid foundation for ethical, servant-hearted leadership. Read more about how we encourage campers to live like Jesus.

Talk with Jesus

We believe in nurturing an active relationship with Jesus through prayer. Leaders aren’t islands, and the most influential ones recognize their dependence on a power greater than themselves. We teach leaders to turn to prayer as a first response, not a last resort, fostering a deep, intimate connection with God that guides their decision-making and their actions as leaders. Read how we encourage prayer and talking with Jesus.

Initiative – Take action to help others

Leadership is about action, specifically action that benefits others. We encourage people to take the initiative, to step into the gap, and to use their resources and talents to improve the lives of those around them. Through team-building activities and service projects, we help them understand that, at its core, leadership is others-centred and servant-hearted. Learn more about our heart to foster initiative in our leaders.

Stewardship – Leave it better than you found it

Leaders leave things better than they found them. At Camp Mini-Yo-We, we instill the value of stewardship, emphasizing the importance of caring for and improving whatever they are responsible for. From personal belongings to shared spaces and the environment, we promote a mentality of continuous improvement and responsible management. Learn more about our passion for developing leaders with a focus on stewardship.

Mission – Develop tomorrow’s leaders

Leaders aren’t just concerned with their own progress; they’re passionate about developing the next generation of leaders. They create more leaders, not more followers. We foster this ethos at Camp Mini-Yo-We, encouraging people to look out for each other, mentor younger campers, and pass on the skills and values they’ve learned.

Our mission at Camp Mini-Yo-We is not just about enjoying the summer in the great outdoors. It’s about shaping individuals into leaders who embody Jesus’s teachings, take the initiative, are committed to stewardship, and are passionate about passing on leadership to the next generation. These are the leaders of tomorrow, and we’re proud to play a part in their journey. Learn more about our our mission to develop leaders!