Information for Guidance Counselors

Welcome! 

My name is Jarrod Blundy, and I am thrilled to invite your students to Leadership Development Retreat (LDR). This retreat was developed to help 7th through 12th grade students unlock their potential as leaders. 

At Great Lakes Adventures, a new outreach program from the Boy Scouts of America in Northeast Ohio, we take pride in developing respected and capable leaders. Our exceptional outdoor programs have reached millions of Scouts over the last 110 years. Now, this adapted program is available to any young person who demonstrates potential to motivate and inspire their peers. 

Although the name of our course, “LDR,” is new, the course’s content has been used for many years. Here’s what former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has to say about it: 

"It was the only formal management course I've ever had in my life. Can you imagine a better experience for learning leadership? Being thirteen years old and figuring out how to get a bunch of kids your own age to do what you want them to do and what they may not necessarily want to do and do it willingly." 

LDR is a 6-day, 5-night summer experience. Students will learn how to build a team for a common goal, navigate the challenges that will naturally arise from teamwork, and as a result of these lessons, form meaningful relationships. They’ll become effective communicators, better problem-solvers, and confident decision-makers. A week with us at LDR is invaluable for these reasons. 

Students will unplug from their devices and focus on connecting with their peers and camp counselors during the week. Accommodations will be rustic yet convenient, with students lodging in canvas tents with wooden platforms underneath. By spending a few nights under the stars, this foundation for a lifetime of leadership becomes even more memorable. 

Cost for this retreat is $500 per student. Students arrive on Sunday morning and leave on Friday evening, and can choose from multiple weeks this program is offered. 

Here’s the ask: We need your help identifying the right students to invite to our prestigious retreat. You know who they are – a club member who could grow into a club leader, an athlete who could become the team captain, or a student who, with a nudge of confidence, can blossom with success. Your faith in their potential can do wonders. We’re hoping that you know up to 20 budding leaders who could benefit from LDR and can send them our way! 

Once we have your candidates, we will send you their personalized invitations to join us this summer. 

How to get in touch: I’d be happy to set up a one-on-one meeting to discuss LDR and our other opportunities further. Feel free to email or give me a call! Otherwise, you can email back a list with the students’ names, and optionally some background on why they were chosen to jarrod.blundy@greatlakesadventures.org. Please also include your school’s name and town when sending. 

Together, we will build the leaders of tomorrow! 

Yours in the Great Outdoors, 

Jarrod Blundy 
Director of Outdoor Education 
Great Lakes Adventures 

440-299-8075 
jarrod.blundy@greatlakesadventures.org 

Who Should I Nominate?

Drum Majors
Student Council Members
Sports Team Captains
FFA and 4H Members
Choir Section Leaders
Debate Team
National Honor Society Members
Members of the Student Government
And other Club Presidents

School Assistance

Does your school have funds to sponsor students for development courses? That’s a great way to help! We can reflect any funds your school is able to apply toward its students in our registration portal, or we can point the student toward those resources at your school.

If you think the student will need extra encouragement to try LDR, which might be outside their comfort zone, I encourage you to discuss with them why you think they can succeed. Tell them why they stood out to you as a candidate. Show them why they have your vote of confidence!

How else can we serve your school? Allow GLA to be a resource for your school year-round! Check out our additional opportunities for schools here on our website, or contact us to set up a meeting.