Warrior Leadership Summit

When I (Emerald D.) was a sophomore in high school, there wasn’t much to do on the rez except drag my feet to do my chores and watch TV.

I went to a youth group one Wednesday evening because it was “something to do”. It was also one of those times that I could socialize with people and eat free cookies. Hey who doesn’t love free food when going to a youth event?!

Well one particular evening, the leaders showed a DVD for this huge youth event. It looked amazing! They said this “summit” was in Nebraska. I’d never been that far away from home before, but I wanted to take a chance and go to this camp called Warrior Leadership Summit. Fast forward a couple months and I was disappointed. Not at the fact that I was going to Warrior Leadership Summit. Believe me, I was ecstatic about going to WLS! But I was disappointed that I was the only girl going with 12 boys from the youth group. All my friends backed out last minute, so my only other female companion on the trip was the co-leader.

The drive seemed longer than I expected but we got there eventually, and it was worth the trip. The camp was filled with lots of other young people my age! There was basketball, a lake to swim in, and teaching of God’s word like I’ve never heard it before. It was definitely a challenge to step out of my comfort zone (traveling as an only girl, staying committed while friends backed out, and going somewhere new).

I’m glad I stuck with my choice to go to Warrior Leadership Summit! Maybe there is an ‘Emerald’ in your group - excited to go, but doesn’t know anyone. Maybe she or he is curious but doesn’t want to leave friends behind, or maybe doesn’t want to travel far from home. I encourage leaders and readers to come to Warrior Leadership Summit. You hear people say it’s life changing – well…it is life changing. Look at me now - who would have thought I would be helping put Warrior Leadership Summit together now?! Not me, but it’s great to be a part of it!