The 2025 Lumberjack Leadership Summit took place from June 2 to June 5, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona, on the Northern Arizona University Mountain Campus. More than 200 students and staff made the trip up north to participate.
For four days and three nights, students experienced life as a college student. They lived in dorms, ate in the dining hall, and took part in sessions and activities that explored college life and future careers.
Students were divided into four teams: the Lumberjacks, Wildcats, Sun Devils, and Antelopes. Current college students or young professionals led each team. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including STEM activities where students learned about life as astronauts, built space settlements, and sampled astronaut food. Students also attended college readiness workshops with admissions and financial aid representatives, and participated in team-building exercises that encouraged collaboration, problem-solving, and reflection on leadership qualities. The program also featured a ropes course challenge where students worked together to overcome obstacles that tested their teamwork and determination.
Guest speakers shared advice on embracing individuality, showing kindness, managing money, and preparing for the future.
Each evening featured a special event. On the first night, students participated in the popular Hunger Games, competing in mini-games while dressed in their team colors, wearing face paint and bandanas. The second night featured the Game of Life, where students were assigned careers based on a personality survey and navigated real-world challenges such as housing, insurance, and family responsibilities. On the third night, students showcased their creativity in the Talent Show, with performances including singing, dancing, comedy, and poetry.
On the final day, students reflected with their team leaders on what they had learned and received certificates for completing the program.
The Summit showed how much students can grow in just a few days, leaving with more confidence, leadership skills, and excitement for their futures.
