SLEMAN – The Leadership Camp and Lingutopia organized by Al Azhar 34 Senior High School Yogyakarta’s was held for 2 days and 1 night on November 21st–22nd, 2025, located at Asram Edupark. This program was attended by all Grade X and XI students with the aim of developing leadership skills and fostering tolerance toward linguistic diversity, as the event featured four language collaborations: English, Indonesian, Javanese, and Arabic.
The program concept combined leadership training, team building, public speaking, and Language Month activities, including drama performances by each team. Its main objectives were to enhance communication skills, strengthen teamwork, build confidence in decision-making, and deepen students’ appreciation for linguistic and cultural richness. With an outdoor learning approach and reflective night sessions, the program was designed to provide meaningful and memorable learning experiences.
Activities on the first day were divided into several sessions. The first session was delivered by a guest speaker with the theme “Self-Leadership and Problem Solving”. During the session, the speaker stated, “A great leader is not the strongest, but the one who listens the most and brings positive influence to those around them.” This message became the most memorable quote for the participants as it reflects the essence of humanistic leadership that is highly relevant.
In the second session, participants were introduced to the concept of self-management through the priority matrix, an essential tool for understanding how to manage time and activities effectively. The speaker explained the four main categories of the matrix: important-urgent, important-not urgent, not important-urgent, and not important-not urgent. The discussion continued with an activity where students classified examples of their daily tasks into the four quadrants, helping them recognize which tasks required immediate action, which needed planning, which could be delegated, and which should be avoided due to their lack of value. Many realized that they had often spent too much time on tasks that were not important but felt urgent, causing them to neglect truly important matters. This session emphasized that true leadership begins with self-management, setting priorities, and choosing actions that create positive impact.
The activities continued with a team-building games session designed to enhance cooperation, communication, and group strategy through challenges across seven stations that had to be completed in sequence. Each station presented a different mission. Participants had to divide roles, plan quick strategies, and support one another to complete each challenge effectively. The lively atmosphere, filled with enthusiasm and cheers, demonstrated that simple games can successfully build strong teamwork and solidarity.
In the evening, the program continued with the Language Month Closing Night, which took place in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. Participants showcased their creativity through team drama performances. This closing event became a touching and proud moment, demonstrating that the program not only strengthened leadership but also fostered a deep appreciation for linguistic tolerance.
The following morning, the entire series of activities concluded with an outbound session, featuring exciting and educational challenges to strengthen teamwork and participants’ confidence. Through activities such as transporting water without spilling it, strategic group games, and simple rescue missions, students learned the importance of effective communication and courage in making decisions in dynamic situations. The morning felt energetic, filled with laughter and a spirit of togetherness, making the outbound the perfect closing activity that reinforced the leadership values they had learned over the two-day program.
Throughout the event, participants provided positive feedback. Many expressed that they became more confident in public speaking, gained a deeper understanding of their personal strengths, and felt more united with their peers. One participant shared that the program made them “more willing to take on roles and unafraid to express ideas within the group.” The enthusiastic atmosphere was evident in every session, with students actively participating from start to finish.
Overall, the two-day, one-night Leadership Camp and Language Month program proved to be an inspiring character-building experience. Participants returned home not only with new experiences but also with a more mature perspective on leadership and language. With great enthusiasm, the school plans to make this program an annual agenda to help shape a generation that is critical, communicative, and full of integrity. (Novita Arumdany)
