WOW! Where to begin? The School Leadership Team met earlier this month and the excitement this group has for the 2017 school was inspiring. While there are a lot of plans in motion let me take a moment and highlight a few.

We poured over more data and input than ever before. Over 300 survey results were reviewed as well as more than 20 Advisors/Staff took time to write emails with observations and suggestions. All of this was discussed and will be used to shape the school for the next couple of years. No way we can get to all the fantastic ideas in just a year so keep an eye out for the changes over time.

We heard quite a bit about the daily schedule so we are working on some options that should make the evening dorm time better for the Leaders. We also will make the opening Saturday a bit more engaging for the Leaders and specifically for the first years. More on that in future issues.

And we heard from all segments of the school (Leaders/Seniors/Staff) about the current state of our fitness test. While the details of our deliberations will be coming out later in the year know that we have heard the feedback. The YMCA for decades has sought to balance the Spirit, Mind, and Body of those it touches and BRLS will strive to do the same for the Leaders it has the opportunity to serve. While the fitness component at the school will evolve, it will always depend on YOU back home to engage the fitness staff at your Y to work with the teens on a monthly basis. TOGETHER we owe the teens the best possible chance at living a healthy and balanced life. So watch for details by the end of the year about how BRLS will measure and challenge your Leaders in the physical side of the triangle.

Finally, the team is committed to engaging the adults on the mountain in new and deeper ways. We will be expanding the number of staff invitations over the next few years and adjusting the Senior Division to help identify the talents of the adults. So you will hear more about the Seniors moving through three intentional areas: Service to the School, Club Development Knowledge, and Personal Development.

Until next month…

Greg Hall
greghall@yblueridge.org
YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders School