The joy that a newly elected Captain feels when running into the mob of cheering friends is assumedly indescribable. There have only been 142 people since the beginning of time who know exactly what it feels like.
On the other hand, there have been thousands over 71 years who know precisely what it feels like to not win.
For many on the Rec Hall stage last night, it was very disappointing or perhaps even devastating. Some have been told since the age of seven that they have what it takes to be chosen. A few were even told by supportive friends that “without a doubt” they would be picked. Truth is, each Senior had an equal chance, and everyone’s dream is that maybe, just maybe it would be them.
Certainly, Skylemar’s election process is fair and democratic, but there have been a handful of times that the adults watching felt that the wrong decision had been made. Perhaps the boys voted for the most athletic, who did not have what it takes from a leadership standpoint.
This year, the campers got it right. They selected two outstanding young men, who will do a top-notch job of leading Red and Gray. Then again, there were many others who would have done an excellent job as well….
What about those guys who didn’t win? Are they ok? Will they ever recover?
Yes, absolutely, and it only takes minutes. The twenty-some are more connected than ever before, and you saw this as they left the Rec Hall, many walking arm-in-arm. The tears which some hid turned to smiles and laughter. Best of all, these are the men who will learn one of life’s greatest lessons: You don’t need a title to be the true leader.
Think about how this lesson applies to the workplace. The best leaders, the ones who give it their all and get things done aren’t necessarily the ones with the title or the biggest paycheck.
Most importantly, this is one of those times that they learn to bounce back. They pick themselves up, carry on, and trrrryyyyyyyy again. Best of all, they do it themselves, and then they know how for the rest of their lives.
They learn that a leader is only as good as his team. So, the best team they will be.
Wherever we looked, there was a gathering of Seniors surrounding a Captain, offering their advice. Tonight is the draft, when the both Captains and their Stars Lieutenants secretly meet with Shep and go through the process of picking the teams. To be clear… Shep is the moderator, but he offers no opinion. The leaders go back and forth with selections, with one goal in mind: winning.
It’s another long night for each leadership team. They have the daunting task of pinning either a red or gray ribbon to the pillow or blanket of every Skylemar camper. And they have to move fast – before long the kids will be waking. It’s tough to stay asleep when there’s so much excitement ahead!
Heard this today…
“You know, the earlier you go to sleep, the more likely you are to win Color War”, said the counselor of the kids who planned on staying up all night to see the Captains pin their pillow.
Only at Skylemar.
