January 2007 saw 110 girls come together from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the US for a five-day leadership conference. This was the 9th Annual Student Leadership Conference organized by the Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia. Outward Bound partnered with the Alliance to deliver the program.
The participants were between the ages of 15 and 18, and all taking on significant leadership roles in their schools and communities in 2007. The conference title was "A Journey to Inspire", drawing the girls on a personal journey where they discovered what inspires them and how they in turn can inspire the teams they work with. Through the journey, the girls explored many aspects of leadership including life balance, working with mentors, negotiating, service, creating a vision, communication and values such as integrity, compassion and humility.
One of the great parts of the conference was bringing the girls in contact with a variety of leaders in the community and business sectors. The conference was opened by 2005 Australian of the Year Dr. Fiona Wood who spoke about various challenges she has faced in her journey and what has inspired her to continue. One consistent message was that "nothing is done in isolation". This idea that we can achieve more through working with and supporting each other resonated with leadership model that the students explored with Outward Bound throughout the conference.
Other speakers and guests included Mary Hutton (Founder & CEO of Free the Bears), Mandy O'Brien (Young Entrepreneur), Taryn Sharp (Midwife with Medicines San Frontiers), Gabrielle Vitali (Corporate Lawyer) and Danielle (Community Volunteers). The speakers all kindly volunteered their time. Special thanks goes to Outward Bound Partner HBOSA and Foundation Member Roger Winwood for their support in arranging our guests.
When asked what made the program a success, Executive Officer of the Alliance Jan Butler listed: * the comfortable base from which to be challenged by the activities * the inherent enthusiasm and intelligence of the girls * the skills and enthusiasm and rapport of the facilitators * the design of the program with its unfolding mystery and excitement * the careful long term planning of the Outward Bound team, including pre runs of activities, checking of facilities and hard work preparing equipment and venues * the regular conferencing of the facilitators and modifying the program if required
Jan wrote:
I have had nothing but praise from the girls and their parents for the life-changing experience that they had at the conference, and they have told me they will begin this final year at school full of confidence, energy and ideas. They have developed communication and other leadership skills and have been truly inspired to work alongside their peers in the coming year. I know the skills they have gained will benefit them enormously into the future as well.
The staff team who were involved in the program talked about the conference being a highlight of their professional careers. Senior facilitator Cathy Starling remarked that it was "a great opportunity to work with a group of intelligent and motivated young women. It was encouraging to be able to lead in a creative environment where they wanted to excel. And not only was I leading and facilitating, I was able to grow personally through the experience."
There is a growing interest in schools and communities wanting to develop values-based leadership amongst their young people. The Alliance of Girls Schools has paved the way in developing young leaders and Outward Bound is proud to be a partner.
To find out about upcoming leadership conferences and summits being delivered by Outward Bound, call 1800 267 999.
TESTIMONIAL:
To the wonderful Outward Bound Leaders,
I really do not know where to start. I felt that I had to write a letter because the spoken word would not do you all justice. You are simply and purely amazing. For all the inspiration I have received from my peers around me, along with those beautiful individuals we met on the panel - you were the ones that humbled me the most. You have all worked so hard, and just seem so switched on. This is going to sound somewhat absurd but what really gives away your uniqueness and wisdom are your eyes. You may not realise it, but all of your eyes seem to have this perfect blend of peace and fire within.
It has been through your activities, your support, your kindness and laughter that has made this leadership course what it is, so on behalf of everyone - thankyou. My Dad has always gone on about 'Outward Bound' and how amazing it is, and now I can see what he sees, this organisation is amazing, and that is directly because of all of you. Thankyou.
The participants were between the ages of 15 and 18, and all taking on significant leadership roles in their schools and communities in 2007. The conference title was "A Journey to Inspire", drawing the girls on a personal journey where they discovered what inspires them and how they in turn can inspire the teams they work with. Through the journey, the girls explored many aspects of leadership including life balance, working with mentors, negotiating, service, creating a vision, communication and values such as integrity, compassion and humility. 