Year 9 camp to Kalbarri was an invaluable experience where I was able to develop and display my leadership skills.

A key example is when I volunteered to stay at the back of the group to be the “shepherd” on our hike from the Z-Bend campsite to the 4 Ways campsite. This role was unpopular as those who liked to take the lead wanted to be towards the front, rather than staying with the stragglers at the back. Our group had varied fitness levels, so I made sure to encourage those who were struggling and motivated them to keep going to reach our campsite without being separated from the others. I also stayed back with someone if they stopped to adjust their bags or take a drink of water as well as offering help if needed. When the leaders of the group were moving too fast, during our breaks, I asked them to be mindful of their speed and if others were keeping up. This meant that they could adjust their pace for the rest of the hike.

I also would take the initiative to proactively prepare meals for the group. On the first day, some of us realised it would be more efficient if we collectively prepared meals for the whole group by allocating specific tasks to certain people. At approximate mealtimes, I would ask everyone if they felt like eating. If there was a consensus, I, together with some others would commence meal preparation (like chopping vegetables). I would then lay out the wraps, breads, chopped vegetables, meats, and sauces down the table in a logical manner so that everyone could efficiently and easily assemble their own wraps. This allowed our group to get the necessary food prepared in the quickest way so that we could have the maximum amount of time to enjoy our next activity.

These acts of leadership taught me that: “Leadership is action, not position” – Donald McGannon