WWU Hosts Missouri Association of Student Councils

6/7/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

The Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC) will hold its annual summer leadership institute June 10-15 at William Woods University. The institute is open to all students in grades 7-12 from both public and private schools in Missouri, and each year approximately 500 students from across the state of Missouri attend.

“MASC is always excited to return to the campus of William Woods University each summer for our Summer Leadership Workshop.  This campus has been our workshop home for more than 35 years,” said Terri Johnson, executive director of MASC and the camp director.
 
The curriculum is an active, hands-on and high-energy learning experience. Daily topics and breakout sessions include problem solving, project planning, self-esteem, parliamentary procedure and meeting skills, teambuilding, large and small group activities/projects.
 
All of these skills will be taken back home to assist the students and their home councils improve their schools and communities.  
 
"Our student leadership workshop is one of the largest in the country.  This year we have more than 500 students spending a week learning the skills necessary to be outstanding student leaders in their schools and communities,” Johnson said.
 
For the 10th year, a free children’s carnival will be held on campus from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 12. Twenty-six booths will be set up for students in preschool to sixth grade. Booths include face-painting, ring toss, milk jug throw, moon bounce and a basketball shoot. Drinks, popcorn and cotton candy will also be available at no charge.
  
The purpose of the annual carnival is two-fold.  First, it teaches campers the necessary steps in planning a project and seeing it to completion.  Second, it allows the students to do a community service project for the children of the Fulton area,” Johnson said.
 
“Our organization stresses the importance of teaching service,” Johnson said.  “Part of our mission is to help Student Council leaders learn the value of doing good deeds for their schools and communities.  True leadership is serving your fellow man.” 
                                                           
Special Olympics has been the MASC charity for 24 years, and again this summer Special Olympics athletes will attend the MASC summer leadership workshop to enhance their own leadership skills.
 
For the past nine years, MASC also has held a “Duck for a Buck” race to support Special Olympics. Campers and others are encouraged to adopt a rubber duck for $1. The ducks are then “raced” across WWU’s Senior Lake at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 13, with the help of the Fulton Fire Department.
  
All proceeds from the race are contributed to Special Olympics.  Over the years, MASC schools have raised more than $250,000 for Special Olympics and participated in 15,000-plus-hours of volunteer activities.  
 
Members of the Fulton community can adopt a duck by visiting the workshop headquarters inside the McNutt Campus Center before 2 p.m. the day of the race.
For more information about the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC) annual summer leadership institute, contact Johnson at (816) 261-7079 or Mark Blakley at (314) 805-6724.