By New Life Academy
On Tuesday, October 28, New Life Academy’s Student Council stepped away from the classroom for a day of connection, community, and team-building at Colby Lake Park in Woodbury. Students were excused from classes to attend the first ever Student Council Leadership Retreat, made possible through an Innovation Grant submitted by teacher and Student Council Advisor Jessica Kjelshus and funded by the New Life Academy Education Foundation (NLAEF).
The all-day retreat gave student leaders a chance to grow together as a team as they strengthened relationships, built trust, and discovered what it means to lead with both faith and purpose. Centered on the theme “Leadership: God’s Way,” the day set a meaningful tone for growth as guest speaker Matt Swigart of Enhance Ministries guided students in exploring what it means to lead with humility, integrity, and a heart for service.
Learning From Scripture
Throughout the day, students explored what the Bible says about leadership. From Daniel 4, they discovered King Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling journey and how real power comes from recognizing God as the ultimate authority. Then, in John 13, students reflected on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet—the ultimate example of servant leadership.
These passages sparked meaningful conversations about what leadership looks like in action. Students were reminded that leading isn’t just about planning events or making decisions. It’s about serving others well and building relationships that reflect Christ.
Team-Building and Trust
The group also dove into several creative team building challenges that kept everyone laughing and learning together. One highlight was “blind dodgeball” where pairs learned to rely on verbal direction and trust, creating the perfect mix of chaos, laughter, and learning. Another activity, “trackball,” involved moving golf balls through half-pipes as a group, testing patience, strategy, and teamwork.
Digging Deeper
Smaller breakout sessions gave students time to discuss integrity, honesty, and what it means to lead with authenticity. Guided by Matthew 7:28-29 which reminds us that the heart behind leadership is what matters most, students wrestled with ideas like owning mistakes, distinguishing between being “bossy” and leading with authority, and reflecting Christ in everyday actions.
Matt Swigart led a memorable object lesson using magnets and metal shavings to demonstrate the power of influence. His challenge to “be a thermostat, not a thermometer” reminded students that leaders don’t just react to their environment. Instead, great leaders set the tone and shape the culture around them.
The day wrapped up with one powerful question: Are you a monument or a pillar? Monuments might look impressive from a distance, but pillars hold others up. Student Council members were encouraged to be leaders who strengthen, encourage, and uplift everyone around them.
From Retreat to Real-World Impact
By the end of the day, it was clear that this retreat was more than a break from the school-day routine, and instead served as a unique opportunity for students to grow in confidence, faith, and Christ-centered leadership.
Thanks to the NLAEF Innovation Grant Program and the vision of Mrs. Kjelshus, this experience will continue to impact how Student Council members lead and serve throughout the year.
