Camp LEAD: A student's path over the years

I first learned about Camp LEAD back in December 2021, when I was in my first year. I felt it would be a way for me to learn more about the land and the meaning behind ‘Indigenous’. While I didn’t get to attend that year, I got an opportunity to be a part of Camp LEAD as a peer helper in Summer of 2023 as a recommendation from my manager.  I was fascinated by the takeaways from Camp LEAD, and it motivated me to keep coming back every year. 

One of my most memorable experiences happened during my first Camp LEAD as a peer helper. We had a session about Traditional Indigenous Values, and I felt a deep connection to the teaching of Humility, represented by the wolf. 

Later that day, we had an arts and crafts activity where we could draw or create anything we wanted. Even though I don't consider myself good at drawing, I decided to sketch a wolf (inspired by the picture on my phone case). I started slowly, outlining the shape with care and found myself surprisingly immersed in the process. It became a moment of reflection for me, where I wasn’t just learning to draw, but also expressing what humility meant to me.

When I finished, I felt a mix of joy and pride. Later, our artwork was displayed on the wall at Barrier Lake Field Station, and every time I return for Camp LEAD, I still see my little wolf painting in the top right corner. It fills me with nostalgia, peace, and a sense of accomplishment every time I look at it.

This year, a moment that stood out for me was our excursion to Barrier Lake, where everyone was creating fun and creative poses for a friendly tournament. I was helping take photos and noticed one group standing on higher ground with the mountains behind them. I asked them to look out toward the lake while I took the photo from below. It turned out to be such a beautiful shot and it became one of those spontaneous moments of bonding that made the whole experience special. 

It reminded me how collaboration and creativity naturally bring people together.

When I think back to Camp LEAD throughout all these years, I reflect on how it has opened up so many opportunities for me, within and outside the program. Whether that'd be in better understanding how I want to engage with Life Design or learning more about leadership through Indigenous ways of knowing from the Ótáp ímisskaan Wayfinders.

As an international student, it has opened my eyes on learning more about the history of the land I am currently residing on and I am so grateful for the opportunity. This is an opportunity to  reflect on how grateful I am for what I have been provided with—be it opportunities, experiences and lessons. I appreciate them all, for they have changed my perspective about the world as I grow. 

If you're a first-year student and you're hesitating whether you should attend, this is a great place to make friends, know more about university and leave with valuable teachings!