Q: What is Workshop all about?

A: Launch Summer Leadership Workshop is five days of hands-on experiential learning where students can develop their leadership skills, make new friends, and generally just have a blast! Our curriculum is focused on the motto: “Never a lecture, always a lesson,” and we are committed to engaging students in a method more participatory and exciting than a typical class or conference experience.

Workshop helps students grow as leaders by focusing on seven “skill tracks” that hit on different aspects of personal development, group development, and community development. The skill tracks are: Self Management, Organizational Leadership, Group Dynamics, Communication, Interpersonal Relations, Values Awareness, and Decision Making.

At Workshop, students do more than just work on their leadership skills; they discover a distinguished sense of self-worth. They leave Workshop having realized their potential as leaders and as people. They leave prepared to make an impact on their schools and communities year-round.

Q: What will my student be doing each day?

A: Students at Workshop spend portions of their day with a small group of students (their co-op) and two Launch Staffers (their co-op leaders).

We will send you emails one month and one week out from Workshop with more details about what to expect, what to pack, etc. to ensure you and your students are prepared for the week!

Q: Who will my student be their spending time with?

A: Your student will be learning alongside other young leaders in a small group setting called “co-op.” We carefully organize co-ops to include students from a variety of backgrounds and school experiences, providing a new and challenging setting for each student. We do not accept requests to place students in co-ops with their friends.

However, not all time at Workshop happens inside co-op. Students will spend portions of each day participating in larger group synergy activities, chaperoned free-time, and even a talent show.

Your student will be guided by our dedicated Volunteer Staff throughout the week. Launch’s Volunteer Staff is composed of college students, educators, and professionals from all walks of life; each one of them is dedicated to giving your student the best week of their year. All Staffers have completed and passed an active background check and have gone through Launch’s rigorous New Staff Training program.

Q: Can I make a roommate request for my student?

A: We purposely pair students with (age/gender-appropriate) random roommates. We know this can be scary for students, especially if it’s their first time away from home, however, we’ve found it’s the best practice for students to develop confidence in connecting with someone new. Students will have the opportunity to see their friends from home during scheduled free time and meal times.

Q: What type of supervision will my child get throughout the week?

A: Students are constantly supervised by at least two Staff members. During meal times, students are taken to the cafeteria. There are some free periods after meals where students are allowed to play four square, write letters, or go back to their room briefly. However, Workshop sticks to a pretty tight schedule. To ensure all students are back with their groups, our Staff conducts "floor sweeps," checking all rooms and common areas to ensure there are no stragglers. Additionally, we utilize an app-based system that tracks where students have signed up to be during certain free times, and can contact the Staff members in that place. Additionally, we work closely with Doane Campus faculty and security to ensure the safety of all students. As a reminder, all of our Staff have completed and passed an active background check in order to participate in any of our services.

Q: What does my student need to bring to Workshop?

A: Your student will need to bring clothing, pajamas and toiletries for five days, as well as one dressier outfit for the banquet. We do some physical activities, so your student will want to pack outfits that they are comfortable in. They will also need twin XL bedding (don’t forget a pillow!), towels, chargers, and a tote bag or backpack to carry their Leadership Guide to and from co-op. A detailed packing list will be sent out as Workshop gets closer.

NEED MORE INFO?

If you’re not finding the information you need, please contact our Workshop Director, Bridget Besse, at workshop@launchleadership.org or our registration team at registration@launchleadership.org.