Planning for the conference began in the spring of 2006, when 18 student leaders were chosen to organize the conference. In the fall, the leaders met once a week, choosing a theme, organizing workshops, buying materials and planning two very busy days of activities.

On Tuesday October 24 after school, three school buses pulled up in front of KCVI and loaded the participants and leaders (and all of their bags!) and drove them to Camp Iawah. Upon arrival, participants were placed into their “small groups” and given their t-shirts with the slogan “Yarrr a leader now” proudly showing for all to see. They were then sprung into a jammed packed two days full of student and teacher run workshops, group challenges, games, a guest speaker presentation, and an atmosphere of acceptance, encouragement and true KCVI enthusiasm.

The leadership conference is about much more than developing leadership skills. For all who attend, it is an opportunity to meet people of all grades and social groups, and to step away from the pressure and expectations a regular school environment can sometimes impose. The leadership conference allows KC spirit to flourish,

and to show students that leadership need not be defined as solely Head Boy or Girl or Athletics Association chair. It teaches participants to learn about themselves and invites them to take the skills they’ve learned and fulfill any role they can that can make a difference, whether it be to start a new club, initiate a project, or protest for a cause they believe in. Leadership is designed to make change. Hopefully from this year’s Leadership Conference students not only reminisce about the good memories they’ve created, but also feel compelled to further improve KCVI.