3 Leadership Lessons from Youth Camp

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining our church for a Youth Camp at Shaver Lake—a couple of days packed with tubing, late-night games, powerful messages, and moments that really stick with you.

But as I reflected on what made these days so impactful, I realized these weren’t just great camp memories—they were leadership lessons in disguise.

Here are 3 takeaways every leader can use, whether you’re leading a team, a business, or a ministry:

1. Environments Shape Energy

At camp, everything from the lake to the campfire moments worked with us to unlock connection and engagement. Students were more open. Leaders were more present. And no one needed convincing to lean in.

→ Leadership Insight: Your environment matters. Want more engagement? More collaboration? More energy? Create a space that supports those things—whether it’s physical (your office) or digital (your Zoom room or Slack thread).

2. Shared Experiences Build Deep Trust

Some of the most powerful moments weren’t scripted. They came from silly games, spontaneous conversations, and shared challenges. Those moments made the weekend.

→ Leadership Insight: Trust doesn’t grow in formal meetings alone. It grows in the margins—through laughter, shared wins, and team memories. If you want a team that’s unified, give them moments they’ll remember together.

3. Leaders Set the Tone for Vulnerability

When our pastor spoke, he didn’t just deliver a message—he created a space. His authenticity gave everyone else permission to go deeper, too.

→ Leadership Insight: As a leader, you go first. Your honesty sets the temperature of the room. Whether it’s celebration or struggle, your willingness to be real invites your team to show up fully.

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It might’ve been a youth camp—but the leadership takeaways are for all of us.

So, here’s your nudge this week:
→ Shape your space.
→ Create moments.
→ Go first.

That’s how culture is built—and leaders grow.

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