Towards the end of the school year, students of Lincoln-Way East High School Marching Band were invited to audition and interview for Section Leader positions in the Marching Band. On June 9, 2005, this group of the Music Department’s finest gathered in the Band Room, bringing in overnight bags, sleeping equipment and musical instruments. They were off to the 2005-2006 Leadership Retreat at Epworth Forest Conference Center, Lake Webster, Indiana for a three day work session.

Interspersed with games and team building activities, the sessions gave the students a lot of information. The session on values came down to Family, Friends and Unity– all perfect descriptors of the Marching Band unit. With topics that included How to Run a Sectional, What is Effective Leadership, Personality Inventories, Dealing with Challenges, Effective Communication/Positive Communication/ Barriers to Communication, and the Attributes of Success, the 2004 leadership came away with just the right tools.

"Example is Leadership."

The leaders gather for the opening session and to receive their schedules, tasks and work groups for the weekend

The first challenge - as a group, and using only fingers and vocal commands, each group is tasked with bringing a 6 foot length of cane to the ground at the same time. Groups found that the cane mysteriously moved up on its own volition. Finally the battle was won and each group was able to talk the members into reaching the ground at the same time.

Precision and concentration makes it all work!

Members of the group were asked to provide words that to them indicated the qualities of leadership. It's obvious that a former Griffin still holds pride of place in one member's heart.

Marching Griffin directors Johnson and Smith discuss the activity schedule. The whole idea brings a tear to Mr. Johnson's eye.

Even when you're away at camp, concentration and learning is an every moment happening.

Sue Stachura of Mokena has been caring for the Leadership Camp members for many years. As an alumni mother of Knights, she is happy to change her allegiance for the Griffins.

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Thanks to Mrs. Dee Block for providing the pictures for this event, along with providing the captions about leadership camp.