Wisconsin Academy students recently joined others from across the Lake Union for the annual Leadership Retreat at Camp Au Sable in Michigan. Enjoy the following article originally published on the Lake Union Herald website on October 10, 2024: https://www.lakeunionherald.org/archive/articles/lake-union-academies-converge-for-leadership-retreat
Victor Mirindi, October 10, 2024
More than 90 students from various Lake Union academies gathered for annual leadership training and team-building activities at Camp Au Sable in Michigan, from Oct. 2–6, 2024.
For the first time, student leaders from ASPIRE Academy, Michigan’s relatively new online school, were joined by seven other institutions: Andrews Academy, Battle Creek Academy, Indiana Academy, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, Great Lakes Adventist Academy, Grand Rapids Adventist Academy and Wisconsin Academy.
Why the Retreat Matters
Set against the vibrant backdrop of fall foliage, the Lake Union Secondary leadership camp offers students a welcome respite from the pressures of academic life, part-time jobs and personal relationships. Organizers emphasize that this gathering is a chance for students to connect with peers who share a commitment to leadership. The retreat provides valuable training for participants to exchange innovative ideas and insights with other academy leaders, which they can later apply at their respective schools.
“This weekend is about teaching that leadership is about servanthood,” says Lake Union Education Director Ruth Horton. “Our department is always looking for ways to help our students grow, learn and be transformed into impactful leaders for their schools and beyond.”
What Happened
The retreat’s theme, “Consent to Trust,” guided keynote speaker Rahel Wells in her presentations. An Andrews University religion professor, Wells shared her personal journey of grappling with trust in God and people, while illustrating how God works even during our trials, transforming and reviving.
In addition to Wells’ presentations, the three-day agenda featured experts who led out in a full day of training;
- Steve Baughman, ACE Academy manager for the Bainum Family Foundation, coached Student Association leaders
- Matt Hill trained resident assistants for dormitories
- Debbie Michel, Lake Union communication director, Dave Sherwin, Andrews University photography professor, and Andrews University design professor Doug Taylor oversaw yearbook editors and public relations officers
- Bruce Reichert and Jordan Reichert provided training for junior and senior class leaders
- Greg Edge and John Landis guided Campus Spiritual Life leaders
Participants enjoyed an engaging Sabbath School and evening program provided by the Andrews University Enrollment team. Team building activities included a “steal-the-Stripple” race, obstacle course, bonfire reflection session, T-shirt design competition and night-time hayride.
Communion Service and Testimonies
The Friday evening vespers program featured a foot-washing and communion service, during which students shared personal testimonies of God’s work in their lives. One student reflected on the spiritual growth among the spiritual life team at her school, noting the transformative experience of studying the Book of Genesis as a team with plans to read the entire Bible in four years. Another student expressed her initial feelings of unworthiness in serving as the student association pastor but finding solace in the messages shared during the retreat.
What Participants are Saying
Kate Yang, student association secretary at Andrews Academy, praised the engaging praise and worship sessions, which sparked discussions about team initiatives for the school year. “We’re thinking about having upperclassmen mentor the newer students,” she noted, emphasizing the need for connection.
Victor Mirindi, student association pastor from Grand Rapids Adventist Academy, found inspiration in the leadership presentations. He recalled a discussion on Moses, emphasizing that humility is a crucial aspect of effective leadership, regardless of one’s skills.
For videos and photos of the retreat, click the article link at the top of this page.