AIL 2025 students challenged to learn ‘how they’re wired to lead a team’
Adventures in Leadership (AIL) wrapped up another powerful week in June, bringing together 11 high school students from across the Northwest Conference for an intense leadership experience at Adventurous Christians camp up on the Gunflint Trail.
For decades, AIL has focused on developing high school students as leaders with the tools, confidence and spiritual grounding to serve in their churches and communities. This year’s group explored how they’re wired to lead a team by learning about their own Working Genius. They studied leaders in Scripture and history, practiced focused listening to their teammates, learned to observe what others needed, and discovered how to communicate clearly, all while learning the power of serving others as Jesus did.
Alongside these lessons, they picked up key camping and wilderness skills that prepared them for the trail. As one participant put it, “Leadership is a lot more than I thought it was. I learned how everybody can lead and that leading is more than just giving direction.”
After training at the camp, the team set out in two canoe groups and paddled into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for four days—one of the few truly remote wilderness areas in the United States. Each student had a chance to put their servant leadership into practice by leading for half a day. That meant figuring out how to navigate lakes and portages, discerning the energy level and needs of their group, encouraging the team as they tackled a tough portage and sharing a devotional word at dawn or dusk.
For many, the week was transformative: they returned with strong friendships, a deeper faith and a clearer sense of their unique leadership gifts. When asked what’s a moment from this week that you think will impact how you lead in the future, one student said, “The growth of learning to listen to others and genuinely be a servant leader.”
Adult leaders play a crucial role in the AIL experience. Brian Zahasky (Hope Covenant, St. Cloud) and Matt White (Adventurous Christians) guided students through their development at camp, while Layne Johnson (Moose Lake Covenant Church and AIL alumnus), Jeromy Johnson (Decorah Covenant Church) and AC guides supported and coached them out on the trail.
Thank you also to churches and families who support students in attending AIL. Your prayers and encouragement help raise up the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.
If you know a student who might be ready for this leadership adventure next summer—or if you’re interested in serving as an adult leader—watch for details this fall. Adventures in Leadership continues to be one of the most formative experiences we offer. Contact Ginny Olson for information on how you or your church can participate next year.
