The wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round—all the way to Camp Twin Lakes on the other side of town. As I boarded the bus, I had flashbacks of childhood summer camp. We were greeted and directed to our cabins, while the nostalgia filled the air. Into the woods we went, and the activities that the Board of Directors had planned for us for two days were amazing!
 
From classroom instruction to game night, every minute was filled with excitement and learning opportunities. Work-life balance is difficult to maintain, and this retreat allowed a break from the monotonous cycle. The Clifton Strengths workshop highlighted our attributes and showcased how similar we all are, yet so unique. I was shocked to have two strengths (Woo and Command) in my top five that were not shared with any other class member.
 
The outdoor challenges and team building activities were not only physically and mentally challenging, but also provided a heightened awareness of team mentality and strategic problem solving. Spending this quality time with other Henry County leaders allowed for group exposure to multidisciplinary talents and cultivated community relationships.
 
Overall, the retreat was an eye-opening experience and the start of a legacy. From Dolly Parton’s distant cousin to an NCAA record-setting athlete, our group of 30+ charismatic individuals came together as one with our sights set on becoming the best class ever!
 
This update was provided by Jessica Johnson, Health Services Manager and Registered Nurse at Kaiser Permanente and 1 of the Class of 2020 participants in Leadership Henry. A one-year resident of Henry County, Johnson is certain she will make meaningful relationships within her community through this experience.