ME to WE returns to StFX University for Summer Leadership Camp
This July, ME to WE facilitators will be returning to the St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) campus in Antigonish, Nova Scotia for a weeklong leadership camp. This will be the third annual StFX ME to WE Leadership Camp, which invites young people from around the world to Antigonish to learn about life on the social-justice focused campus.
Last June, 75 students from across Canada and the U.S. participated in the StFX ME to WE Leadership Camp, informally called XLeads by participants. XLeads is an opportunity for students to learn about life at StFX, which firmly believes in students developing a connection to the world as they complete their degree. StFX’s commitment to student leadership extends beyond their campus, so they partner with ME to WE Leadership to bring together 75 young leaders for in-depth leadership training, issue exploration, and personal reflection.
During last year’s camp, participants were able to immerse themselves in leadership training, engage in meaningful conversations with their peers and have fun against the backdrop of StFX. They stayed in dorm-style residences, toured the campus, visited the McKenna Centre for Student Leadership, explored the Coady Institute, and participated in conference sessions with university professors.
In particular, their time at the Coady Institute stuck out to all participants. During the visit, participants learned about the Institute’s commitment to connecting Canadians with people from the global South to exchange innovations in order to end poverty. Addy Strickland, an Ontario student currently in Grade 11, describes it as one of her camp highlights. “I’m considering development studies for post-secondary, so visiting the Coady Institute and learning about their approach to development was really amazing!” says Addy. “I learned so much, and have found so many ways to connect what I learned to my own social justice initiatives, as well as to the campaigns run by my school social justice group.”
Beyond the opportunity to learn more about post-secondary options and social justice issues, camp participants formed strong bonds and built long-lasting friendships. Meghan Luft, an Alberta student, speaks highly of the friends she made at XLeads. “I met the most amazing people who were not only awesome to hang out with but also shared a passion to make a change in the world just like me!” says Meghan. “The best part is that I’m still in touch with all of them even though we live all across Canada.”
Meghan’s thoughts were echoed by fellow camper Nekki Forbes, a student from Nova Scotia. “You’re going to sing, you’re going to dance, you’re going to laugh, you’re going to cry, and you’re going to make memories that you’ll carry with you forever,” says Nekki. “This camp changed my life.”
Applications are now open for this year’s program, taking place July 11- July 17, 2016. Successful applicants will be awarded entrance to the program, which includes training, accommodations and meals, but are responsible for their own travel to the Halifax Stanfield Airport. Any student that is currently enrolled in Grade 10, 11, or equivalent is invited to apply to the program.
ME to WE facilitator, Chris Tse, considers the program one of his highlights of the year. “The youth who attend XLeads are among the brightest, most passionate, swaggiest young people I have had the opportunity to work with,” says Chris. “It gives me a tremendous sense of hope for the future to see the growth, camaraderie, and awareness they achieve during the course of the week.”
To learn more, email [email protected].
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