Annual BCPS Student Councils leadershipcamp long on inspiration, motivation

While many students look forward to summer camp, the leaders of Baltimore County Student Councils look forward to their own leadership camp held each fall, near the start of the school year.

From September 25-27 this year, more than 140 student leaders and adult advisors representing 24 middle and high schools gathered at Camp Ramblewood in Darlington, Md., for the 37th annual Student Councils Leadership Workshop. The three days were chock full of student-led seminars, motivational activities, leadership lessons, and fun-with-a-purpose – as students learned to become more effective student leaders.

“Camp Ramblewood is full of educational, yet fun, activities,” says Rebecca Bormel, a senior at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and president of Carver’s Student Government Association. “I haven't missed camp since I started attending in ninth grade. As soon as you arrive at Ramblewood, you can feel the energy and excitement that everyone possesses. I loved being the student chair this year because I had the chance to oversee and plan each of the events. My favorite part of the planning process was definitely deciding the theme of camp – Candyland – and then incorporating the theme into each of the seminars. The people you meet and the lessons you learn are truly unforgettable.”

According to Student Councils Advisor and Communications Specialist Barbara Fuller, Baltimore County Public Schools is the only school district in Maryland that holds such an extensive leadership training workshop for students.

“The BCPC Leadership Workshop affords students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and discover what other student leaders across the county are doing to improve their schools and communities,” says Fuller.

In addition, she notes that the annual leadership workshop is unique because all the workshops, seminars, and activities are facilitated by experienced student leaders who have been trained to lead sessions.

As is his tradition, Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston stopped by the camp on Saturday afternoon to speak with students and observe workshops. The camp was also visited on Friday morning by 19 principals and assistant principals, there to work with student leaders from their schools on plans and goals for the year. Another special guest at the event was motivational speaker and author Ed Gerety, who offered an

inspiring keynote address.

Story by Diana L. Spencer, communications officer. Photos courtesy of Tamara Brown, Student Council Advisor, Hereford Middle School.

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