MUPU Middle School's Dynamic Leadership Camp With All It Takes
In early November, Mupu Middle School brought all but a few of their middle school students to participate in an overnight leadership camp program with All It Takes. I had the privilege to be a facilitator and first hand witnessed these amazing students and their staff dive into an array of experiences that created a community each of us long to be a part of.
This 2-night, 3-day program was a culmination of work between Mupu and AIT that began in the summer of 2023 with an engaging day on their campus with all their middle school students. From there Mupu sent 10 of their students + 3 staff to our Legacy Leadership camp last January, and a full school one-day program last February.
Immersive Camp Experience
During this immersive experience the students and staff of Mupu grew their SEL Skills in areas such as: resilience, courage, communication, teamwork, inclusionary actions, independent problem solving and so much more. Students found that they are stronger together when they each give their own unique strengths and talents solid effort. They found that they could go 2-steps further than they thought possible or wanted to go. Watching them have fun together, struggle and succeed together, and sometimes even fail together without finger pointing or heckling, was truly an amazing experience that reinforced my commitment to AIT and the work we do.
I was once again reminded of the gifts our young people offer each other and the world when they experience trust and support. Personal potential is identified and leaned into when they believe in themselves and see the best in others. Having the chance to see these young people help others who they do not hang with at school is like watching magic at work. To hear them talk about not missing their phones and pushing through obstacles gives me great hope for them and their future selves.
Camp Highlights
The growth from their initial training to now was definitely noticeable during the camp. Some of the standout activities included:
Community Building
Writing Rainy Day notes
Problem Solving and Action Planning
Racing Boats They Built Themselves
Nighttime Scavenger Hunt
Trust Walk
Campfire with S’mores + great meals
Ropes Course
Feedback from Parents and Teachers
I love that at AIT we pride ourselves on our commitment to not just offering a great time but to also offer skill development that is transferable to real life settings back at school and home. It is important to all of us who work at programs to create real shifts in campus culture and student wellbeing. And we realize that what we think may not be what others think, so we work with the school and ask them - not just students but also staff and in Mupu’s case, their parents.
A teacher on the trip noted, “I was able to deepen my relationship with a few key students, which has led to improved classroom behavior. We have been able to continue discussing some key takeaways—especially ‘MY BAD, ALL GOOD’ to move on from minor issues. The patience between students and their openness to problem-solving together is improving.”
A parent expressed gratitude, saying, “As a very cautious parent who was hesitant about letting my child attend AIT, I am glad that he had such a good experience. He expressed enjoyment in a variety of new activities and showed amazing emotional growth and confidence.”
When asking parents what they are experiencing in their children post program here are the first 5 responses:
Helpfulness at Home
Patience and Understanding
Taking an initiative to do chores without being asked/reminded
'My child broke out of her shell'
Eager to Learn
Power of Peer Mentorship
One of the most special parts of the AIT Leadership Camp program is our work with High School mentors. Mentors are heroes - a backbone of the program and a highlight for participants. I had the gift of working with the mentors to get them to the program and I was moved by their commitment and tenacity. They were ‘on’ with their group all day and night. They offered to the Mupu students what other mentors had offered them, a safe landing spot, offering guidance, encouragement, and belief in them. These mentors may only be a year older than participants but their leadership capabilities and strength are years ahead. They make a commitment to make a difference and they do. All while also having fun and learning more than they could ever imagine.
The principal of Mupu, Dr. Bautista, noted that, “Mentors were getting so much more than what they would be getting in class. This experience is a priceless opportunity for growth in the most important skills. They worked SO hard and never stopped being present and supportive of their students.”
Our mentors return year after year and several have even become facilitators and employees after they graduate high school. They truly are a pivotal part of our overnight programs and we are so deeply grateful for them. Mentors for this camp came from High Schools in both Ventura County and Los Angeles County.
Mupu went ALL in and the students are benefitting in ways no one could have imagined, including me! But don’t take my word for it, check out the anonymous survey results here.
MUPU’s camp experience with All It Takes was not just an event; it was a celebration of growth, teamwork, and community spirit. We look forward to more opportunities like this in the future!
-Sarah Bernson, AIT Staff, Trainer/Facilitator, and MFT
Shifting School Culture with All It Takes Camp
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