PORT Shepstone Lions Club held its 27th annual leadership retreat at Camp Anerley last weekend. Some 40 grade 11 pupils, recently elected to Port Shepstone High’s Executive Council of Learners (previously known as the Prefects’ Council) attended the camp.
The full weekend programme commenced with a talk on Lions Clubs International presented by Past District Governor Denis Meyer. The pupils were divided into five colour-coded teams for team building exercises. After supper the group took part in an ice-breaking exercise and a sing-along before heading off to bed.
On Saturday morning the pupils were kept busy with lectures on leadership theory, communication, goal setting, innovative engineering, people to people relationships and conflict management. The various speakers included Pastor Trevor Downham, Chad Broom, Kerry McKillen, Lion Rob Bing and Sheppie High primcipal, Peter McKillen. The afternoon programme took the form of an ‘Amazing Race’.
When the gr 11s arrived at the Lions’ formal dinner at Port Shepstone Country Club last Saturday night, they were almost unrecognisable. The mud stains had been replaced with make-up and elegant evening wear, and the dirty shorts with smart suits. The guest speaker was Di van Dyk, CEO of South Coast Hospice who motivated everyone with her inspiring words.
On Sunday, the group heard more on motivation and choices from Lion Hilton Horsley, and on ECL in action. The afternoon session was dominated by the strenuous and very enjoyable obstacle course.
The retreat was, once again, a huge success and hats off to course conveners, Hilton and Bondi Horsley and their dedicated team of Lions and Lion Ladies. The entire project was funded by the club’s charity account together with generous sponsorships.
Leadership development of youth is one of the core projects of Lions Clubs International and this project is one of the signature service projects of the Port Shepstone Lions Club.
