A Story of CAHPERD/PHE Canada Leadership

In 2004 CAHPERD (Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) known today as PHE Canada, embarked upon a journey of investing in the lives of undergraduate students in the related fields of Education, Kinesiology, Recreation, Sport Management, Nursing, Natural Path and Therapeutic Recreation by providing the opportunity to come together and focusing on “Leadership”. CAHPERD recognized that this investment would not only serve the various professions well but also serve to create, nurture and sustain leadership for our National Association for the years to come. A small investment for such a huge dividend! The origin of the Student Leadership Camp was spawned in the fall of 2000 when two Canadian undergraduate students accompanied Ms. Farida Gabbani (President of CAHPERD) to the AAHPERD (American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) known today as SHAPE America, Student Leadership Camp in Alabama. On their return trip the students asked Farida, “Why didn't we have this type of ‘experience’ in Canada?” It was that spark and the leadership taken by Farida that lit the fire for the work to begin by the Board and National Office Staff, more specifically, Ms. Andrea Grantham, to create the CAHPERD Student Leadership Camp. In 2004 the efforts of this group resulted in the first ever CAHPERD Student Leadership Camp held at Onondaga Farms, a Tim Hortons Children Foundation Camp, just outside St. George, Ontario. There were upwards of 75 students, including 10 students from the United States accompanying Dr. Glenn Roswal (Past-President of AAHPERD) that came together for an eventful five days in October. Many of Canada’s leaders in these related fields acted as Mentors and joined the students. There was even a ‘Touchstone’ in attendance; Dr. Jack Passmore at age 95, a Past-President and R. Tait McKenzie Award of Honour recipient was an integral part of the inspiration provided to these young, aspiring, future leaders! This time was truly remarkable with many cherished memories and resulted in CAHPERD continuing the investment for years to come!

The Student Leadership Camp continued from 2004 through to 2013 and then unfortunately was dissolved due to decisions related to funding. For those of us who were deeply involved and passionate about this work it was difficult to comprehend. Many of the “Old Guard” or “Silver Brigade”, some who presided as Mentors and Touchstones were disheartened. What transpired though was a will to ensure that this ‘experience’ would not be lost forever. Interestingly, it was an individual, Graham Hayes who attended the inaugural Student Leadership Camp in 2004 and is now President-Elect of the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA), along with President Dauneen Dash-Rewcastle that decided SPEA would make the investment in this leadership initiative. Thus, following a two year hiatus, a new and reinvigorated Student Leadership Camp was conceived in 2016 and called the SPEA Student Leadership ‘Experience’! This leadership gathering once again brought together undergraduate students identified as leaders from their respective institutions across the country to learn about and experience leadership. It has also brought together current leaders in the field who reside as Mentors for the students and of course it has brought Touchstones; those stalwart giants of our field who bring their stories of leadership. It is indeed a unique and powerful gathering that cultivates the ground and plants the seeds for leadership to flourish. In 2016 we were honored to have Mr. Jack MacKenzie at age 89 and past R. Tait McKenzie Award of Honour recipient join us as our ‘Touchstone’.

This past fall of 2019 witnessed the 4th year of the SPEA Student Leadership ‘Experience’. As with each one prior it was eventful. However, in 2019 it was even more special as it brought together not only undergraduate students from across Canada but also Past-Presidents and Presidents of the Council of Provinces and Territories, two in particular, named Graham Hayes and Justin Oliver who were students at the inaugural SLC in 2000, Mentors from previous Student Leadership Camps and Student Leadership ‘Experiences’ and even a ‘Touchstone’, by the name of Dr. Stu Robbins at the age of 80! Stu was also a Mentor at the very first SLC in 2000, and is a Past-President of CAHPERD and R. Tait McKenzie Award of Honour recipient.

What follows now are the contributions of four individuals who were at the 2019 SL‘E’. Their narratives not only speak of their experience but perhaps more importantly they (re)capture their stories from the inaugural 2004 SLC and speak to the mentorship and leadership they have engaged in since their initial involvement. Their individual narratives weave a larger narrative and, in essence, tell the story of leadership as experienced through SLC’s and SL‘E’s.

Building For the Future - Dr. Stu Robbins

I was one of the mentors at the first Student Leadership Conference at Onondaga Farms in Ontario and have attended many of the subsequent camps. I have always believed that the SLC is a jewel in the CAHPERD / PHE Canada crown. It was a unique opportunity to focus on leadership with some of the brightest and best of the students from across Canada. While most University programs provide many of the skills necessary for leadership many don’t have the opportunity to really focus on the student’s own leadership skills in a camp situation. It has been a tremendous experience for all of those who have participated. Whether they were students, mentors, participants or ‘touchstones’. Someone had the brilliant idea of inviting one of the more mature members of the association to serve as a sounding block for the students. Jack Passmore attended the first camp and at 90+ years young was the inspiration of the group. People realized that what we do is a lifetime commitment and 90 year olds could be just as enthusiastic as their first year of university. For me the ‘proof of the pudding is in the eating’. As an example, to my knowledge, three of the participants at the first Camp are still involved in leadership activities and contributing to the field across Canada. Two were actively involved in the last camp - that’s pretty impressive!

I have to assume that money reared its ugly head and became an issue which led to the unfortunate demise of the National Student Leadership Camp. Fortunately Dr. Nick Forsberg realized the value and potential of the camp and has kept the flame burning on a more local level. The last Student Leadership ‘Experience’ was an effort to bring back the National thread in the fabric.

While I understand the fact that finances are not a bottomless pit I believe that we might be able to pursue a somewhat different approach to fundraising. It seems to me that seeking project funding brings in money but limits much of what an organization might do. An organization might be able to skim off a little from the projects to run the organization and to work on a few exciting and life giving activities but they will always be a side piece and not the life blood of the organization. What if the fundraisers sort out companies with similar goals and objects which need to get to people, particularly children? I often (no! now sometimes) think about what could have been with the Tim Horton’s relationship. Tim Horton’s provided the Camp, full meals, facilities etc. AT NO CHARGE! for the first few years. If we could have looked at a WIN - WIN situation. Tim Horton’s is committed to helping underprivileged young people. Could we have linked the graduates of the SLC with Tim Horton’s for their summer Camps? Could the graduates of the SLC have linked up with their local Tim Horton’s to help run and promote Tim Horton’s Coffee for Camp Day? Perhaps with a little imagination that relationship could still be in operation. But that day is gone! There must be other opportunities to link up with people with funds who need to get to people in a positive way. Our big advantage is that kids love to play.

In the fifteen years that I have had contact with the SLC/SL‘E’ I have seen enough to say that we should not lose the opportunity to continue to develop the wonderful leadership that is in our universities. I am very comfortable that the future is in their hands.

From SLC to SL‘E’ – Mr. Justin Oliver

When like-minded individuals come together, magical things begin to happen. At least that’s what happened in 2004 when then CAHPERD decided to invest in a student leadership camp (SLC). I was fortunate enough to be selected to attend that first SLC as a third year kinesiology student from Acadia University. I can say without a doubt that the experience I received propelled me to the path I am on today. Meeting and learning from passionate leaders in my field encouraged me to realize that there is more available to those who seek it. Engaging with like-minded peers from across the country allowed me to recognize that there are others like me who want to make an impact.

When you leave an experience like this you want to tell others about it but you begin to notice that describing the experience doesn’t do it justice. You want others to experience it as well. There are some who find it difficult to justify allowing students to attend this Student Leadership ‘Experience’ (SL‘E’). It requires time away from their classes for a few days and they are worried about what the students are going to miss and I understand this reasoning. However, these same individuals also need to consider what their students learn and gain from this experience and how it will benefit their particular university, provincial organization, national body, or profession. When you invest in someone or something, the gains are not always seen right away, but usually over the long term.

I was fortunate to attend again in 2013 as a mentor. As a mentor you gain a different perspective than a student but it’s still an experience that has an impact on you. New friendships are formed, new networks are created, and new partnerships are built. They all relate back to our profession, our passion, and our students. You then begin to look forward to opportunities to meet up again, such as at national conferences. You then begin co-presenting at national conferences, working on research together, or even writing an article together. These things happen because of an experience you have.

I attended again in 2019. Although the location and organization running the SL‘E’ has changed, the results have remained the same. Believe it or not but another student who attended with me in 2004 was here again 15 years later. And so were two mentors. I don’t believe in coincidences and here’s why. I don’t think that four people who attended the first SLC were back together in another province, at another SL‘E’ by chance. I am the President of the Teacher’s Association for Physical and Health Education (TAPHE) and at the time of this writing, five members of my executive also attended the SLC as either a student, a mentor, or both. I have attended and presented at multiple provincial and national conferences and have been a part of an advisory board for PHE Canada. Coincidences? No way. These are the results of investing in the future leaders in our profession. Thank you to those who have invested into the SL‘E’. If you’ve had the opportunity to invest in the SL‘E’ but haven’t this quote is for you.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.” Chinese Proverb

Student Leadership: The Power of ‘Experience’ – Mr. Graham Hayes

As an undergraduate student attending the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina in the spring of 2004, I was encouraged by one of my professors (Dr. Nick Forsberg) to register for the inaugural CAHPERD Student Leadership Camp (SLC). The camp was being held in Ontario later that fall and was bringing together students and mentors from across Canada in an attempt to help students better understand the importance of and principles associated with their own leadership potential. Having the opportunity to learn from and network with some of the most influential mentors in the field of physical education, health education, sport, and health promotion was truly profound. I was in the midst of my university hockey career, serving as an assistant captain with the team following three seasons of junior hockey, having also served as a member of that team’s leadership group. I share the fact that I was recognized as a leader on those hockey clubs to reinforce the context that leadership was not a foreign concept to me as an individual and/or as a part of a group. However, the ‘experience’ of the 2004 SLC was unlike any other of my lifetime. I came away with a greater understanding of what it means to be a leader, and how you can challenge yourself and others to meet and exceed your goals and expectations. It was truly inspirational to be in the company of “giants” within the physical education and health community. I can still vividly recall Dr. Stu Robbins providing the R. Tait McKenzie address and Jack Passmore “carrying the torch” as part of the closing ceremonies.

While it was more than difficult to put the ‘experience’ of attending the camp into words, it was easy to recognize the sense of passion and purpose I returned with. My fellow classmate and U of R teammate, Lee Schaefer (who also attended in 2004 and is now a professor at McGill) and I continued to establish the HOPE Student Association along with Shannon Kell (who is a professor at Mount Royal and has coincidentally served as a mentor at numerous student leadership events). I also began to seek out leadership opportunities that would enhance my career in the field of physical education much more purposefully. Nearly 15 years into my professional career, I have completed my Masters of education degree, have served as the PE/Health consultant within my school division, have served as the President of the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA), served as a member of the Council of Provinces/Territories (C of P/T) and am currently serving as a school-based administrator. I truly believe that my ‘experience’ during the inaugural student leadership camp in 2004 served as the catalyst for my passion regarding leadership in education.

Perhaps, that is why I was so eager to revive the opportunity for other students to "experience" leadership within a similar context to that which I had done in 2004. In 2015, I was again approached by Dr. Nick Forsberg regarding the concept of student leadership. The SLC was no longer being held at the national level and he was looking for support to “keep the flame lit”. The decision was made to host a provincial-based Student Leadership ‘Experience’ (SL’E’). The term ‘Experience’ was intentionally incorporated within the title of our framework as we shared a similar belief in the value of experiential-based learning and the impact it has on those involved. In 2016, the inaugural SL‘E’ was hosted by the Saskatchewan Physical Education Association (SPEA) which attracted students from all over Saskatchewan. Since 2016, the SL‘E” has continually expanded its reach from Saskatchewan, to western Canada, to this past fall (2019) in which we had students attend from British Columbia all the way to the Maritimes. During these past four years, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible role that these types of ‘experiences’ play in “Inspiring Future Leaders”. 

This past year was notably special as we not only brought together students from across the country, but we also welcomed the C of P/T Presidents from across the country to ‘experience’ the event up close and personal. It was also special in that it brought together four individuals that had attended the inaugural SLC 15 years earlier (two as students, two as mentors). The conversation we shared while (re)connecting as part of that group of four and sharing our memories of the inaugural SLC was something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those four individuals share a special bond in that they, along with many other former delegates, believe in the power of ‘experience’.

Student Leadership: An Investment in Our Future - Dr. Shannon Kell

Although I never attended as a post-secondary student, I have been fortunate enough to experience the SLC and SL‘E’ as a mentor numerous times. I have also worked alongside many post-secondary students who have attended the SL‘E’ and colleagues from across Canada who are, in some form or another, directly connected to this ‘jewel in the crown’ of CAHPERD/PHE Canada.

Currently at Mount Royal University in Calgary and the Alberta representative on the PHE Canada Board of Directors, my journey began as a student in a seat, staring at someone at the front of the room who I didn’t know at the time, but who would become one of my closest colleagues and friends. Since my first year as an undergraduate student at the University of Regina, I have learned from and worked alongside Dr. Nick Forsberg who is one of the co-founders of the SLC and continues to work tirelessly to ensure students have an opportunity to experience the SLC/SL‘E’.

You see, it is not a coincidence that the people who have been connected to and/or continue to align themselves with the SLC/SL‘E’ keep emerging in various places throughout my life and career; we share similar passions about Health, Physical and Outdoor Education and more broadly, teaching, learning, and leading. In addition, a shared experience in an outdoor environment resonates longer and farther than the actual experience itself. It cannot be described in words nor can it be relived; we each have a shared experience at the SLC/SL‘E’, yet a truly unique experience all at the same time. As we reconnect down the road, we share stories, laugh and embrace, and more importantly, we know. We know the value of investing in our futures.

In our various places and spaces we work together to ensure that the legacy of our predecessors such as Jack MacKenzie, Jack Passmore, R. Tait McKenzie, Stu Robbins, and many others who came before us are not forgotten. Further, we look to contribute in our own ways to this thing we call ‘leadership’ and how it manifests in our own lives and the people whom we work with. There is no better feeling than asking undergraduate students in the spring semester to consider this opportunity, and then see it come to fruition in the fall as they arrive through the doors and begin one of the most meaningful weeks together. They do not even know it yet, but they have trusted their mentors, invested in themselves, and will look back in later years at what sparked their career and nourished their leadership journey.

A closing thought…

There is little doubt that these types of leadership "experiences" do have an impact on the lives of the future leaders. The literature is inundated with program evaluations on the positive nature of these unique gatherings. But, what is even more powerful than simple program evaluations are perhaps the words spoken in the stories of those who venture to the SLC’s and SL‘E’s. As the words written by a student that attended the 2004 inaugural Student Leadership Camp express,

“This was the chance of a lifetime. I met so many people and made new friends. I developed as a professional mentally, psychologically, physically and spiritually. Talking to all the different people made me realize how many people are pushing for the same things. The passion was amazing and made me feel as though we could make a difference. The passion that you guys put into this camp made it a life changing experience.”

Grantham, 2005

We are confident that there are many more stories out there that speak to the unique nature and the power of leadership that occurs at the SLC’s and SL‘E’s. The question now becomes, “what are we going to do to ensure that these leadership ‘experiences’ are recognized, supported and advocated for to serve the various professions and also serve to create, nurture and sustain leadership for our National Association for the years to come?" It is the very least that we can do to keep the historical legacy of leadership and the ‘story’ of PHE Canada alive!

References

Grantham, A. (2005). First-ever Canadian Student Leadership Camp: An Outstanding Success. Physical and Health Education Journal, 70(1), 36-37.