Success in today’s world requires focus and a commitment to be the best. Leaders in Motion was formed to teach youth about focus, commitment and other fundamental principles of leadership, so they can reach their full potential. Leaders in Motion is a non-profit division of Rapport Leadership International, which has trained thousands of executives at classes all across the country. The Rapport program has often been referred to as “Executive Leadership Boot Camp.”
Since many adults who went through the leadership program wanted to make it available to teens, Leaders in Motion was set up to focus on building self-esteem, confidence, trust, creativity and respect among the youth taking the courses, which last an entire weekend. “Our various trainings allow students to uncover strengths they were not aware they had,” said Theresa Myles, assistant youth program director at the Las Vegas office of Rapport Leadership Institute. “By having first-hand experience as leaders, they are able to go back into their lives knowing what it takes to succeed, and having the tools to do so. Our past graduates have bettered their grades, improved their family relationships and achieved their goals.”
Leaders in Motion was originally set up to serve the needs of children and friends of the adults who had completed the Rapport leadership course, and it was available by nomination only. It is now open to all children who may need it, and Myles said her goal is to impact as many children as possible – children of all backgrounds.
Rapport Leadership Youth Foundation is responsible for raising funds for scholarships to enable teens to attend the Leaders in Motion classes. The average tuition for one of the weekend courses is around $600, according to Bruce Stanley, president of the foundation. Since its inception in March 2001, the foundation has provided scholarships for more than 40 teens.
Teen Leadership Breakthrough is an intensive two-and-a-half day class for youths 14 through 18. Southern Nevada teens attend classes at Potosi Pines Camp near Las Vegas, and Northern Nevada teens go to Feather River Inn in Blairsden, Calif., about an hour from Reno. At this leadership course, teens learn how communicate effectively, focus on solving problems, speak powerfully in front of a group, trust others and set goals for themselves.
Teen Eagle Quest is an intense mentally and physically challenging weekend adventure class designed to take the teens’ leadership and communication skills to the next level. Teen Eagle Quest classes take place on the JFDI Executive Retreat Ranch, a 70-acre facility near Alamo. The $4 million ranch offers a positive learning environment in a natural setting away from the distractions of city life. The 17,000-square-foot retreat features a conference center, living quarters and dining facilities. Through such outdoor activities as climbing ropes, balancing on logs and negotiating mazes, Eagle Quest compels teens to develop new perspectives about themselves, overcome their fears, work together as a team and face challenges.
According to a Reno teen quoted in the Leaders in Motion brochure, “Teen Leadership Breakthrough brought confidence and self-control into my life. I am no longer afraid of what people think of me, so I am no longer subject to negative peer pressure.”
Action Steps
To make a donation or to inquire about a scholarship for a deserving teen, contact Bruce Stanley at 702-295-1758.
The foundation will hold a benefit golf tournament in late May in Southern Nevada. Participants and hole sponsors are needed – contact Bruce Stanley for details. The foundation is also planning an entertainment night in the fall.
Rapport Leadership Youth Foundation
2755 E., Desert Inn Rd., Ste. 100
Las Vegas, NV 89121
702-697-5335
www.leadersinmotion.org