As I sat in a tiny paddle boat with three of my teammates, I looked toward the shore and watched two canoes push off. We were at the Southeastern Oregon District Leadership Camp, and the third round of the annual canoe race was underway.

Being from the Southeastern District, I knew just how important this race was. Bragging rights were on the line, and every team had its eyes set on taking home the famous golden paddle. The competition was friendly, but it was also fierce.

Halfway through the race, Claira from Paisley had an idea.

I watched as she stood up in her canoe, turned toward the Lakeview chapter’s boat, and launched herself into the water. Like a heat-seeking missile, she chased after them. A look of panic swept across the faces of the Lakeview team as she grabbed onto their canoe, sending everyone tumbling into the cold, leech-infested water.

The shoreline erupted with laughter and a sense of camaraderie began to radiate.

At first glance, this might sound like nothing more than a funny camp story. But it reminded me of an important lesson about leadership.

Earlier that day, camp felt slow.The weather was cold, campers were bundled up in oversized sweatshirts, and the energy just wasn’t there. As a state officer, I kept thinking about how I could change the atmosphere. I tried to “bring the hype”, but none of my attempts worked.Then the canoe race began.

The moment someone was willing to dive into freezing water, everything changed. Campers were laughing, cheering, and fully engaged. One person chose to get a little uncomfortable, and it completely changed the energy of everyone around them.

Leadership often starts with someone being willing to go first.

Whether it’s being the first person to introduce yourself, signing up for a new CDE, or getting uncomfortable in hopes of creating a space for others to belong, leaders step out of their comfort zone to step up for the people they serve.

You can’t expect energy, enthusiasm, or connection if you’re waiting for someone else to create it.

Sometimes, leadership simply looks like being the first one to get a little uncomfortable.

~Dylan Orr

State Treasurer