Scott teens attend leadership camp in San Antonio, Texas

Published Aug. 4, 2010
By Alice Munoz-Cook
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Three teens representing Scott Air Force Base joined another 65 teens from across the country at the University of Texas at San Antonio to participate in the first Air Force Teen Leadership Camp, July 12-16.

Throughout the week, the teens engaged in team building and leadership activities and experienced college campus living, including eating most meals at the university's dining facility.

"The goal of the camp was to develop leadership through increased understanding of their responsibility, to gain a better understanding of team dynamics and peer mentorship, and to understand the process of goal setting to achieve optimum results," said Erica Mitchell, camp director.

"Overall I thought the camp was pretty amazing." said Jessica Kirklin, 16, one of the teens from Scott AFB. "I definitely learned a lot that could help me become a better leader."

Josh Stoeckman, 16, also attended as a Scott AFB representative. (Editor's note: The other teen was the author.)

When the teens arrived on campus they were split into seven groups with one teen group leader and one adult chaperone. After settling in and a welcome seminar, the groups separated for a session of Destination Imagination, an organization that helps teens learn and experience creativity, teamwork, and problem solving.

Throughout the week, the teens participated in team building activities including a ropes course on Lackland AFB. The ropes course included high and low ropes and a zip line.
"The high ropes were amazing!" said Connor Ross, 15, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. "The course really helped to challenge yourself personally and push your own limits, the low ropes helped to build teamwork, and it got people to work together towards a similar goal."

The teens also participated in a scavenger hunt around the campus. Kaitlyn Karpicke, 16, from Moody AFB, Ga., said, "I think the scavenger hunt was fun and allowed us to work together as a team. Also, it helped us get familiar with the campus grounds."
The groups also attended classes on improving goal setting, situational leadership, bullying/peer pressure, communication, impacting your community, and public speaking.

"I enjoyed the activities," said Caleb Swaby, 16, from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. "They were very rewarding. I knew I was making myself a more capable individual, and I bonded with my team in a way that still has us missing each other. I learned is that the hardest facet of effective leadership is bringing out leaders in your environment."

Camp participants also enjoyed a trip to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, as well as a pool party and dance.

The week of activities concluded with a debrief session that allowed the teens to talk about what went well, what could be done better, and how to apply newly learned skills to their lives back home.

"The camp is great, I came because I wanted to improve my leadership skills and I learned a lot!" said Hannah Rowell, 15, from Fairchild AFB, Wash. "People should definitely come because it's awesomely fun and you get to meet tons of really cool people."

Air Force Services is looking to provide the camp again next summer with minor adjustments pending availability of funds.

"Teens should consider going to this camp in the future if they are leaders now or aspire to become stronger leaders," said Chett Kline, camp leader. "Participants were able to experience and develop leadership in many forms. It was a very safe, fun environment to learn in."

The camp was sponsored by the Air Force Child and Youth Programs. For more information go to the 2010 Air force Teen Leadership Camp Facebook page.