Rising Leaders: A Month That Lasts a Lifetime

It’s said that real growth begins the moment you step outside your comfort zone. Now in its second year, SMUS’s Rising Leaders camp brought together 63 teens from 10 countries this summer who discovered just how far that step could take them — forming friendships that cross borders, building leadership skills they didn’t know they had, and experiencing a summer they will carry with them for life.

Over four weeks, campers immersed themselves in SMUS life, learning together and getting a taste of life on campus. Meals in the sunlit Graves dining hall offered fresh, flavourful options far beyond typical cafeteria fare. Evenings in the modern boarding houses brought laughter, late-night conversations, and the camaraderie of residence life.

Beyond campus, west coast adventures awaited — paddling kayaks along sheltered shores, soaring through the treetops at WildPlay, taking in sweeping mountain and ocean views from the Malahat SkyWalk, testing their outdoor skills at Camp Barnard, and enjoying the vibrant streets of downtown Victoria, where city life meets nature at every turn.

Along the way, they learned to work with people from different cultures, communicate across language barriers, and lead with empathy, creativity, and confidence.

New Experiences and Growth

For Julius, a 15-year-old from Germany who researched and compared leadership programs across North America before choosing SMUS for its location and approach, the month was as much about personal growth as leadership skills. He arrived expecting strategy sessions and formal workshops but left with a network of friends from across the world and a new understanding of what it means to lead.

Penny, also 15, moved from China to Victoria a year ago to attend high school. She joined Rising Leaders to expand her connections and challenge herself.  Here she found a supportive, close-knit community that gave her the courage to be more outgoing.  She shared how the experience has changed her: “Now I’m not afraid to talk to new people. I wasn’t like that before.”

By the end of the month, campers who once hesitated to speak up were confidently leading activities, addressing groups, and forging connections across cultures. “Usually you don’t meet this many new people at once, especially from so many different places,” Julius said. “If you do — and it works — it gives you so much confidence.”

“They’re from all different backgrounds,” said camp leader Sarah. “Everyone comes in shy and a little nervous, but the nerves are only temporary. Once you find support and community all around you, 24/7, you’ll feel silly for ever being nervous.”

Leadership Through Action

Rising Leaders blends structured programming with camper-led initiatives. Participants take the reins in planning and running their own workshops — from obstacle courses and arts-and-crafts sessions with Junior School students to team trivia challenges and talent showcases. Every aspect of the projects are up to the students, including managing a budget. The focus is on trying new things, solving problems together, and learning from both successes and setbacks.

“I expected leadership training to be more about strategy,” Julius admitted. “But I learned it’s just as much about empathy, decision-making, and being there for others.” Penny agreed: “We had to learn responsibility, patience, passion — then use it to lead something real.”

Julius also surprised himself with how much he enjoyed the physical activities: “I wasn’t a very athletic person before, but I played squash for the first time and discovered I really enjoyed it. Also volleyball, and dodgeball — those were fun. We play a lot here and learn about each other from that too.”

A Two-Way Journey

For the team of camp leaders — including first-year facilitators Sarah and Gunel — the month was just as transformative for them as it was for the campers. They arrived ready to guide, but quickly realized they were also learning alongside the teens. Every day brought moments of discovery: seeing shy arrivals blossom into confident leaders, learning how to adapt their approach for different personalities and cultures, and even being inspired to rethink their own perspectives.

“They’ve inspired me with the way they see the world — it’s so unique and constantly changing,” said Sarah. “As much as this is a leadership camp for them, I’m learning about my own leadership too.”

One Month, Lifelong Impact

From deep bonds to newfound confidence, Rising Leaders leaves a mark that lasts far beyond the summer — shaping not only how these young people lead, but how they live. The best way to understand this is to hear from more of the participants. Emma from Mexico summed it up simply:  “The whole camp was the best part . . . this is the best camp I ever went to.” Bruno, also from Mexico, called it “one of the best summers of my life.”

For many, the friendships formed here are just as valuable as the leadership lessons.  Ole from Germany said, “The best part was meeting all these new people and making new friendships, which I will definitely remember." Ryoto from Japan shared a similar feeling: “What I will remember most about camp are the friendships from around the world.”

For some, the whole month felt unforgettable. “Wow, just wow! This camp is the best camp ever, everything was so memorable,” said Quinten, who came from Hong Kong. “Even crying our eyes out when people left. I would definitely come back next year.”

“I’d love to stay a few more weeks,” Julius said with a smile. And for Praevar from Thailand, the only downside was that it had to end: “I love this camp and I wish I could stay forever. The worst part of the camp is leaving.”

Registration for Rising Leaders 2026 opens November 4, 2025. Find out more and register online.