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Leadership Opportunities Help Students Grow

This summer has been a new experience for 17-year-olds Samantha Ieurello and Sharlon Williams.

They worked as counsellors at a leadership summer camp for younger students.

"This is the most amazing experience that I've had working," Sharlon said.

Last year, the two students participated in a leadership program run through two Brampton high schools — St. Edmund Campion and St. Thomas Aquinas secondary schools. The program was open to all students, including at-risk students and student leaders.

About 50 students from each school participated. The program focused on teaching students the five "SWOLE" principles: Self-respect, Work hard, Overcome adversity, Lead by example and Excellence.

Students learned how to apply these principles to make a difference in the community.

About 14 students then had the opportunity to extend that learning this summer by working as camp counsellors.

"There are some who are considered high risk students at school and some who generally fly under the radar," said Orlando Bowen who ran the program. "We see them all as leaders".

Bowen, a former Canadian Football League player, heads the community-based organization One Voice One Team that operated the leadership program and summer camp.

Each day of the camp focused on a different leadership principle. Campers took part in physical activities, heard from guest speakers and went on field trips. Counsellors encouraged them to think about the five principles and how they apply to their lives.

"We ask them questions about the speakers and the activities to see what it means to them," Samantha said.

Over the weeks, she saw the young students grow as individuals.

"They've grown and I've grown watching them," she said.

Sharlon said this summer gave her the chance to share some life lessons — talking with students about how to handle situations and sharing her own experiences.

It also confirmed for her that she wants a career working with children.

"The counsellors are beginning to identify who they are and what motivates them," said Bowen.

The program is also helping to build bridges, giving younger students the chance to connect with senior students.

It is also bringing together neighbourhoods. The two schools are at different ends of Brampton. Participating together in this program will help build positive links, said Dan Compagnon, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School.

This program was supported by Urban and Priority High Schools funding.