Flagstaff, Arizona, had a few hundred new visitors this June. Arizona GEAR UP staff and students filtered into a Northern Arizona University residence hall for the 2022 Lumberjack Leadership Summit. Formally known as the GEAR UP Summer Leadership Academy – last held in the Summer of 2017. Arizona GEAR UP Program Manager, Jasmine Dean, revitalized the summer program and planned the new week-long event.
The camp’s goal is to bring GEAR UP students from across the state to spend a week in a college environment to learn about postsecondary options, participate in STEM activities, and expand their leadership skills. The camp is free to attend for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who attend a GEAR UP school. From June 5 – 10, over 200 students from schools across Arizona participated in the program.
Day One of the program began with students arriving by busload and checking into their very own college residence hall room. Once check-in was complete, students were split into groups and introduced to their Team Leaders, a staff member who would be their go-to peer leader for the week. Together, the students and their leaders made their way to Prochnow Theater for orientation.
Orientation began with Juan Cangas, a youth motivational speaker who spoke to the students about his life and the importance of making the right choices and showing appreciation to those who support you.
Following the keynote, Jasmine introduced students to the program, staff, and what to look for in the week ahead. RJ Callaway has been a part of the GEAR UP Summer Program for years and returned this year as a STEM Workshop Facilitator, helping run the robotics classes.
“I love being involved in this community and that this camp gives students a place to come to be enriched and grow, all while learning about themselves and others,” RJ said.
After orientation, groups made their way to the Student Union for dinner and returned to the residence hall to prepare for the second day of the Lumberjack Leadership Summit.
Students participated in various classes, projects, workshops, and events throughout the week.
Students had the choice of three different STEM-focused courses: Robotics, Engineering, and Coding. The Robotics course spent class time building up their very own robots and coding them to move and complete tasks. Students in the Engineering Program learned to build headphones and crawling crab robots. Coding students planned and programmed their own 2D animations and created interactive scenes.
The Summit featured a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Students attended sessions to learn about different postsecondary options and the college experience. A perennial favorite of GEAR UP students is the NAU Challenge Course, a blend of outdoor rope-climbing team-building activities. The sessions are designed to build camaraderie with the students and help them learn to overcome fears and obstacles together.
“One of my proudest moments out here is trying new things like meeting new people and going up top on the course without any fear,” Faith Blanco, a Youngker High School student, said.
At the Lumberjack Leadership Summit, students had the opportunity to learn about themselves and others through social-emotional learning. Classes included a “True Colors” session where students explored their personalities and how they express themselves. Seeds Training joined us to lead a session that encouraged students to be honest and open with each other through activities and dialogue. Throughout the week, students made connections and bonds that allowed them to be comfortable expressing their true selves.
One focus of the camp was to show students the importance of community and giving back. Groups were divided to help in three local community service projects including The Flagstaff Family Food Center, The Riordan Mansion, and the Museum of Northern Arizona.
After each day’s events, a nightly event was hosted to gather everyone in one place and participate in a variety of games and activities.
Students participated in team games to see who would come out on top in the “Hunger Games” themed night. “Space Jam” Night featured space-themed project booths creating nebula jars, slime, and making seltzer rockets. “GEAR UP’s Got Talent” was a variety show where students showcased their talents on stage. “You Got Served” Night capped off the program with a dance to celebrate a successful week.
On the last day, each member of the camp put on their Lumberjack Leadership Camp t-shirts and headed to the International Pavilion for closing ceremonies. Jasmine congratulated all the students and staff for completing the Summit. Students were invited to share their experiences at the summit.
“This has been a great part of my Summer, and I wish it could have lasted longer. I didn’t know I would have enjoyed this [program] as much as I have – I’m glad my mom signed me up.” A student said. “Thank you, Jasmine Dean, for this opportunity to enjoy myself and be true to myself.”
Each student received a certificate for completing the Lumberjack Leadership Summit. It didn’t end there; each staff member was also given a certificate for their contribution to helping students in their journey to postsecondary success.