Seminars

KYLA seminars are designed for students and sponsors from across the state to leave their school campus for a one-day training on various components of leadership. The day is filled with hands-on application of leadership skills, character traits and civic engagement sessions. Students have the opportunity to meet other students from surrounding area schools, and the chance to experience the leadership learning process with one another.

KYLA provides leadership strands in rotating sessions in which the event facilitators emphasize specific areas of leadership. KYLA’s learning model, which consists of Character Education, Leadership Education and Civic Education, provides the foundation for each session. Students are challenged to think beyond the surface and outside the box to complete their hands-on activities. Then, they are challenged to return to their schools and share their new skills with others in attempt to make differences within their schools and communities.

Hidden Heroes

The Hidden Heroes program is a collaborative effort joining community service organizations with KYLA to reach an identified population of young people who have yet to discover their leadership skills. The program pays particular attention to students who may not have the opportunity to attend a seminar, specialized training or camp due to personal or financial circumstances. The focus of this program is to provide equal opportunities for these children.

Summer Camps

Summer camps are always a memorable experience for youth, and KYLA summer camp is no exception. Middle-and-high school camps provide students with the opportunities to develop new friendships, share ideas and experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of the many facets of leadership. Students often establish a close bond with their college student camp counselor who aids in clarifying and connecting the day’s sessions. More importantly, students leave camp with a real sense that they can make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR CAMP! Plan to join the fun!

Below is a glimpse at this past summer's camp activities:

Middle School Camp

Middle school students, grades 6 – 8 as of August 2007, spent three days and two nights on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Students stayed in the university dorms rooming with another middle school camper. A variety of daily camp activities engaged students in building their leadership skills, advancing their knowledge of character development, and bringing awareness to civic responsibilities. Students participated in team building activities that moved them from the Hays Aquatic Park, to gyms in Gross Memorial Coliseum, to activities in the campus Quad area, to classroom facilities. Meals ranged from morning wake-up breakfast, box lunches and cafeteria style lunch, and an evening barbeque. Parents were invited to attend our closing ceremony which included a slide show presentation of each day’s events, and time for a final farewell to their newfound friends and college counselors.

High School Camp

High school students, grades 9 – 12 as of August 2007, spent four days and three nights on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Students stayed in the university dorms rooming with another high school camper. A variety of daily camp activities engaged students in enhancing their leadership skills, while providing a focus on character development and civic responsibility. Community members, college faculty and certified leadership trainers facilitated sessions on team building, networking opportunities, brainstorming ideas to become civically engaged in their own communities, staying motivated, thinking outside the box, problem solving skills, classroom etiquette and risk leadership. High school students celebrated the end of their camp experience with a formal dinner and dance. Parents were invited to attend the following day for closing ceremonies which include a slide show presentation of each day’s events, and a final farewell to their newfound friends and college counselors.

Leadership on & off the field: leadership development for the student athlete is a new initiative by the Kansas Youth Leadership Academy (KYLA) and is designed to provide Kansas high school student athletes, regardless of sport, with comprehensive leadership training. This program has two objectives: first, to nurture and enhance the leadership behaviors that many young student athletes are beginning to display; and second, to help student athletes transfer these skills from the athletic arena to other areas of their lives. Utilizing leadership experts, coaches, athletic directors, and community leaders from across the country, this specialized curriculum focuses on character development, leadership and teambuilding skills, and citizenship.

Today our young student athletes face many societal and personal challenges. The negative influences in their lives are often overwhelming and too difficult to overcome without proper training, guidance, and direction. These young student athletes also face unique pressures from their peers, schools, and communities to always perform at the highest level. Leadership on & off the field is designed to help develop young people with strong character who practice positive leadership and serve as active citizens.

Conference Information - Fall 2007

Location: Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
                Wichita, KS

Dates: Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday, March 26th, 2008