Saturday May 29, the Eagles leadership team met early to prepare for the summer. The leadership retreat provided the opportunity for the 7 leaders and staff made up of both men and women to get to know each other and begin developing the qualities leadership. The retreat was not only a good bonding opportunity but also a valuable preparation for this summer.

They began the retreat with team building exercises at Lincoln Marsh, continued with prayer and worship, sessions on the qualities of being a leader, our specific leadership roles, and even discussing our spirtitual gifts. Student leader Alan Walker, a student from D. L. Moody Bible Institute said the retreat was similar to what he expected. It was good for him to get re-oriented with what the Eagles are all about.

"It was good to spend that time together ahead of time," said Walker. 

There was lot's of joking around from some experiences they had at the obstacle course. Walker has spent many previous summers with different sports ministry organizations. Participating in the student leadership training program with the Chicago Eagles was the next step in pursuing sports ministry training in the future.

While the student leaders are excited about getting the opportunity to serve as leaders, they know their will be challenges to face. Walker knows it can be a challenge to stay humble in a leadership position. Learning humility means thinking of others more than yourself, and being able to receive and learn from other people in various positions.

"It was a great time to bond and get to know the people we are going to be serving with," said Johnathan Smith, student at Trinity International University.  The team building at Lincoln Marsh was a cool experience to learn that we can rely on each other and trust each other."