BRADENTON KIWANIS KEY LEADER CAMP
BY Shelly West
If you know a young person eager to develop leadership skills, connect with like-minded peers, and grow through hands-on experiences, the Bradenton Kiwanis Key Leader Camp is now accepting applications! This dynamic, life-changing event will take place from March 7 to 9, 2025, at Camp Flying Eagle in Bradenton.
Key Leader is more than just a leadership workshop; it’s a transformative weekend retreat designed to foster service leadership, social skills, and personal growth in middle and high school students. Through interactive experiences, participants discover that true leadership is rooted in helping others succeed—a key insight that will shape their personal and academic journeys long after the program ends.
Since its inception, the Key Leader program has empowered thousands of young leaders worldwide, instilling in them the value of service and the belief that leadership starts with kindness and positive action. This program provides the tools and inspiration students need to leave a lasting impact on their communities.
The weekend kicks off with a Key Leader Conference, a series of team-building exercises, leadership workshops, and small-group discussions designed to challenge students in new ways. Throughout the weekend, participants will:
– Learn how to collaborate with others effectively.
– Gain confidence through interactive activities that highlight the importance of empathy and teamwork.
– Develop lifelong friendships with students from different schools and backgrounds.
In addition to leadership training, students will have the chance to engage socially in a welcoming environment, free from judgment. The friendships and networks formed at Key Leader often continue beyond the weekend, providing ongoing peer support and motivation to excel.
This year’s camp will also introduce a summer employment component, where local employers will meet with interested students to explore job opportunities. This is a great way for participants to connect with potential employers and jumpstart their job search.
The Key Leader program focuses on developing the social-emotional competencies that are critical to effective leadership. Students will leave the camp with a deeper understanding of themselves and how to build positive relationships with others. The five core areas of emotional and social learning emphasized throughout the program are:
1. Self-Awareness
Participants will explore their personal values, strengths, and emotions while building a solid sense of self confidence. This skill helps students recognize what drives them and allows them to make thoughtful, intentional decisions.
2. Self-Management
Students learn techniques to manage stress, control impulses, and express emotions constructively. They also set personal and academic goals and monitor their progress, helping them become more resilient and focused in their daily lives.
3. Social Awareness
Through group activities, students practice empathizing with others, appreciating differences, and recognizing the resources available within their families, schools, and communities. This component nurtures a greater sense of connection and
responsibility toward others.
4. Relationship Skills
The camp emphasizes how to build healthy and rewarding relationships, manage conflict respectfully, and resist negative social pressure. Students also learn how and when to seek help, ensuring they develop strong networks of support.
5. Responsible Decision-Making
Participants will develop strategies for making sound decisions rooted in ethics, safety, and respect. Whether it’s handling academic pressures or navigating friendships, students will walk away equipped to contribute positively to their schools and communities.
This is sure to be a weekend to remember and will take place at Camp Flying Eagle, located at 6009 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212. This sleepover weekend offers students in grades 8 through 12 the perfect opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, develop essential life skills, and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
The camp is completely free and allows for up to 50 students from Manatee County to attend. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot—space is limited, and there’s often a waitlist.
It’s easy to apply, and the registration window is open now! Don’t wait—apply
early to ensure your student has the chance to take part in this incredible leadership experience. Visit the Bradenton Kiwanis Key Leader website at www.bradentonkiwanis.org/keyleader to reserve a spot today.
The Bradenton Kiwanis Key Leader Camp offers young people more than just a fun weekend—it provides the skills, insights, and connections they need to become confident, compassionate leaders. Whether students want to make a difference in their school, their community, or the world, Key Leader gives them the tools and the support to get started and become the next generation to grow into tomorrow’s leaders.