Conversation with a BLC Alum |Benefits of Leadership Training for Teens
- tafcamp
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Every year, the Broyhill Leadership Conference warmly welcomes a diverse group of students from various backgrounds for an enriching week filled with learning, fun, and motivation. This unique conference provides leadership training for teens and serves as a platform for young individuals to immerse themselves in a comprehensive program designed to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Delegates engage in a variety of interactive workshops and seminars that focus on developing effective communication skills. Additionally, participants are guided through the process of setting achievable goals, enabling them to envision their future aspirations and map out realistic steps to attain them.
Throughout the week, students delve into the dynamics of working as both a leader and a team builder. They participate in group activities that foster collaboration and teamwork, allowing them to understand the importance of collective effort in achieving common objectives. This hands-on approach not only builds camaraderie among delegates but also instills a sense of responsibility and accountability. Furthermore, the conference emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are vital for navigating the challenges of high school, college, and beyond. By the end of the conference, participants leave with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with the tools and confidence necessary to succeed in their academic pursuits and future endeavors.
Often students want to know the value of attending Broyhill Leadership Conference. Karen Broome recently had a conversation with Hildi S., a BLC delegate who attended in 2024, to learn more about her experience.

Hildi was homeschooled and during her senior year, applied to attend Gardner-Webb University and was accepted! Although she was in the last year of eligibility to participate in BLC, she made the choice to join us for a meaningful and eye-opening week.
It has been over eight months since BLC and Hildi responded to my inquiries with enthusiasm. And although she is taking 6 classes (that translates to 18 hours) and was studying for major exams, she found the time to speak to me about her BLC experience.
Hildi is a thoughtful, intelligent, and well-spoken young woman who consistently impresses those around her. She approaches life with a strong sense of purpose and has developed a deep understanding of the importance of setting solid, achievable goals that guide her actions and decisions. This goal-oriented mindset shows in Hildi's remarkable level of self-awareness, which is a vital trait in any leader. She recognizes that her words and actions carry weight and influence, demonstrating leadership qualities regardless of whether she holds an official title or is elected to a formal position. She is a role model for her peers. While she possesses these admirable attributes naturally, we like to think that her time at BLC has played a significant role in refining these skills further. At BLC, she had the opportunity to gain leadership experience through participation in activities and discussions.
Q: What convinced you to attend BLC last summer?
A: For a practical reason, I was interested in BLC because the conference was being hosted at GWU. Since I was an incoming freshman, it would give me a chance to familiarize myself with the campus. I am also interested in positions of leadership.
Q: What did you enjoy the most about BLC?
A: I enjoyed the fun stuff we did – the Great Experience was my favorite. I really liked the way information was presented at BLC so that I could apply it in my life. The topics that the staff talked about were helpful and easy to understand. The activities that the staff led also helped all of us make connections and achieve teamwork.
Q: What were your takeaways?
A: I found that I could put myself out there and take initiative in situations that were scary to try. I actually auditioned for the Talent Show – my first time ever! It was a lot of fun and ended up being a really good and memorable experience. I also liked the goal setting activity – this helped me write my goals in a practical and clear way and gave me more confidence in achieving them.
Q: Would you recommend the leadership training for teens you experienced at BLC to other high school students, even those who have just graduated?
A: Yes, I would! There were several other recent high school grads in my council and we could all relate to one another well. In a few short weeks, we were heading to COLLEGE!
BLC wishes Hildi all the best in her future endeavors.
We invite you to join us and immerse yourself in the transformative BLC experience, whether you are a rising sophomore in high school or are on the cusp of graduating! This is an incredible opportunity for teens to engage in a dynamic and supportive environment to cultivate essential skills that will serve you well throughout your academic and professional journey. BLC provides leadership training for teens to build leadership abilities, enhance communication skills, strengthen team-building capabilities, and set meaningful goals for personal aspirations. Our activities are designed to be both enjoyable and educational, ensuring that you not only learn but also have a great time. We are committed to creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that fosters collaboration and creativity among participants. We promise that this week will be filled with unforgettable moments, lasting friendships, and invaluable lessons that you will carry with you long after the program concludes. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover your potential and make memories that will last a lifetime!
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