High school students learning to lead

SHELL LAKE - More than 20 high school youth from across Washburn County are engaged in CREW Leadership Training. These students have committed to weekly participation to engage as part of Healthy WashCo’s summer programming.

This summer, CREW is utilizing the Habitudes curriculum by Tim Elmore, which combines images, relatable stories and experiences into leadership development curriculum and lesson plans that resonate with today’s young adults, equipping them to navigate through life’s challenges and opportunities.

Healthy WashCo staff chose 14 of the Habitudes for CREW to complete this summer. Thus far, 10 have been completed. These are as follows: 1) Influence is 10% skill, 90% character. 2) Treat everyone with mutual respect. 3) Encouragement brings out other's potential. 4) Lead others by their strengths and personality. 5) Lead others to serve rather than watch. 6) Leaders feed themselves for personal growth. 7) Leaders direct, but the team gets the credit. 8) Followers reflect your good and your bad traits. 9) Build a culture with sustainable customs. 10) Mobilize others to make lasting change.

The youth have completed roughly half of the CREW training. For the next five weeks, CREW will finish up the remaining Habitudes: 1) Our future is shaped by those closest to us. 2) Offer feedback in a spirit of belief. 3) Empower others rather than draining them. 4) Responding to what you can and can't control.

Along with these Habitudes, the second half of the CREW training is set up for the youth to determine how they will use the skills learned. CREW members will design a local community service/action project. They will also fine-tune their roles and duties for the Adventure.

The WashCo Leadership Adventure is for youth grades six through 12 and is currently accepting registrations. The Adventure will take place Aug. 6-9 at Luther Point Camp in Grantsburg. More information is available at healthywashco.org or on the Facebook page: WashCoPrevention. The Adventure is offered at no cost to participants. It is funded by the Health & Human Services Department Washburn County Prevention.

If interested in registering, contact Robina Elliott at relliott@co.washburn.wi.us or 715.468.4747. Registration closes July 15.