Casey: Once again, the Student Leadership Camp proves its value
FORT COLLINS — This week was a great reminder that this Association is about more than just athletics.
Monday brought the return of the annual CHSAA Student Leadership Camp to CSU. It was something I was exposed to for the first time last summer, and it was slightly overwhelming then — hundreds of eager, high-energy students just waiting to be involved. In anything.
These kids are, quite literally, the best-of-the-best when it comes to leadership in Colorado’s high schools.
Last summer, the thought crossed my mind that this Leadership Camp was the best thing CHSAA does. This year’s trip only reinforced that notion.
Think about CHSAA’s stated mission — in large part, to “provide an environment that enhances personal development through sporting behavior, character education, teamwork, leadership, and citizenship.”
The annual camp — this summer actually marked the 50th anniversary — ticks all those boxes. Students attend keynote speeches, they have breakout sessions on a variety of topics, they absorb seemingly everything they can about leadership in four jam-packed days. And then they take it all back to their schools and disseminate it to their respective student bodies.
The camp is the epitome of the Association’s overriding goal: to create better students and citizens. It is something special, and offers a unique view at our state’s future.
A major part of this is the kids who attend. Like I said, they are the type who want to learn, who want to be involved. They make great pupils for Rashaan Davis, Harry Waterman, Troy Rivera and the dozens of other staff members who put the camp together.
When the four days are up, and the camp concludes, the staff has to drag the students out of their dorms. Because with so many like-minded individuals in one place, the camp forms a kind of lasting bond among its attendees.
Gonna be a great week! #stucochsaa14 #inspire
— Caden Denton (@cadenswims) July 15, 2014
I met the creator of mean girls!!! #stucochsaa14
— Brayan l-/ (@Bray_yam) July 15, 2014
@CHSAA I'm going to miss every single one of my new friends of Group P! This has been my best time ever
— annad2000 (@ADeRossette) July 16, 2014
I've made better friendships in 4 days than some that have taken me 4 years… #thetruth @CHSAA
— Kevin Murray (@kevinm622) July 17, 2014
The past 4 days have been life changing! Thank you @CHSAA! Love everyone & can't wait to come back next year and be a Level 3 #stucochsaa14
— ❁Lauren Juracka❁ (@lauren_juracka) July 17, 2014
Saying goodbye I love you all ❤️ #stucochsaa14 @CHSAA
— Emma Yelnats (@emyelnats) July 17, 2014
Had one of the best weeks of my life at STUCO State Camp. #stucochsaa14 #BSquad pic.twitter.com/aCkHWF2xsi
— #TrademarkTy™ (@Ty_Murphy_5) July 17, 2014
State camp was an unforgettable experience. It was so inspiring and I met amazing people. Definitely worth the lack of sleep. #stucochsaa14
— Brissa (@brissa_pizza) July 17, 2014
From complete strangers to loving family❤️ Thanks to everyone for the best week ever. #stucochsaa14 pic.twitter.com/P4lmZpHCHi
— ✧Aabriti✧ (@DoubleABriti) July 17, 2014
Thanks to @CHSAA from the Blazers! Had a great time at camp! Excited to inspire our council & school! #stucochsaa14 pic.twitter.com/Dn4tuJCDWA
— OHS Student Council (@OHSBlazer_StuCo) July 17, 2014
What an amazing week with amazing people! #stucochsaa14 pic.twitter.com/mXWZffFyVv
— Jacklyn O'Neill (@jjoneill_0503) July 18, 2014
Honestly a life changing experience. You walk in with so little and walk out the best you have ever felt before. Thank you @CHSAA #leaders
— Kevin Murray (@kevinm622) July 18, 2014
500 people, all wanting to make a change ❤️ truly the most inspiring thing ever! ❤️❤️ @CHSAA #stucochsaa14 pic.twitter.com/Q06rk3TgRO
— Dezyr (@dezyrdream2015) July 18, 2014
What a week… State camp is the best week of summer BY FAR every year. Can't wait to go back next year. You're all amazing! #stucochsaa14
— Emma (@EmmaJR15) July 18, 2014
