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Challenging leadership in ’91 By Cin dy Ashton The sky was a glow as the sun set behind a quiet lake surrounded by fear thousand acres of lush Ontario forest. The farter cry of the loan was heard while a pair of fox stole noiselessfy by in the dark. This was the scene on Wednesday evening September 11th as more than fifty panicipants of the Leadership in Action (LIA) Conference sat around the campfire, singing. And it was only one of many similar scenes as trust, leaderâ€" ship and team work developed during the weekâ€"long conference. More than fifty delegates from various rural organizations par» ticipated, each one hoping to improve their leadership skills, and therefore benefit their respective organizations. The Federated and the Junior Women’s Institutes of Ontario were amongst the many groups represented. A team of great facilitators included Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) staff, volunteers from rural organizations, and an LIA graduate. The team was effectively led by Chuck Bokor, a Rural Leadership Consultant with OMAF in Guelph. The fiveâ€"day, four-night workshop took place at the Ontario Camp Leader- ship Centre located on Bark Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. Amidst a beautiful, rustic setting we enjoyed the purity of nature and wildlife. Chip- munks and red squirrels frolicked everywhere and we were visited every night by a pair of red foxes. During our free time, we were able to swim, canoe, kayak, hike, and fish, orjust relax in the beautiful surroundings. The majority of our time, however, including evenings, was spent in sesâ€" sions designed to improve our leader- ship skills. Some of these sessions covered topics such as recruiting volun- teers, public speaking, parliamentary procedures and program planning. Guidelines for identifying and dealing with problems in your organization were also outlined, as well as hints on how to increase your interpersonal skills and effectiveness. The workshops, held both indoors and out, were presented to groups ranging in size from three to fifty. The highlight of the conference - called "Challenging Leadership" - took place on Saturday. We were divided into groups of ten or eleven people varying in age and physical ability. We were challenged by our facilitators to perform various physical and mental feats. Each one reinforced the training sessions. These feats taught us team‘ work, trust, planning, coâ€"operation and leadership. "LIA is an intensive, successful, ac- tion-packed program... This workshop offers a wide range of experiences lhal contribute to leadership development and personal growth." Many friendships were developed and a great many more ideas were ex. changed. Indeed, Leadership in Action is a fulfilling and funfilled learning ex‘ perience, and one I won’t soon forget. Cindy Ashton is the President of the Junior Women ’s Institutes of Ontario. Sign up now for a little PG & R ByJane Croft Two Personal Growth and Renewal (PG & R) courses will be held at CriefinIls Retreat and Conference Centre, near Guelph, from February 10-14, 1992. The courses - "More Pleasure in Music" and "Battenburg Lace“ - can accommodate 29 participants, on a first come, first serve basis. More Pleasure in Music Would you like to experience some- thing new, or just roe-acquaint yourself with an old friend? Music is an easily accessible art; the only tool you need is a willingness to listen and enjoy. We’ll break into song, play some simple tunes (if you have a portable instrument, bring it along), tap out a few rhythms, listen to how some great music composers "put it all together," and, learn a great deal about ourselves at the same time. Rosanne Warren, a resident of Pusâ€" linch Township, is the course instructor. Rosanne has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto and an ARCI‘ from the Royal Conscrvatory of Music in Toronto. Presently, she plays in a flute and keyboard due, as well as various chamber ensembles. Rosanne also gives private music instruction. Assisting her will be pianist Lois Walshe, a resident of Milton. Battenburg Lace Recently, Battenburg lace has wit- nessed a revival in popularity. It is used on collars, tablecloths, napkins and bed linens. In this course you will learn ten dif- ferent stitches used in the making of Battenburg lace. And, you will make a handsome doily using these stitches. Many samples will be shown, and the history of this craft will be explored. The course instructor is Dora Galv loway from Waterloo. Dora has designed Battenburg lace patterns and has taught classes since 1987. And.lshe has taught other sewing skills since 1969. Sign up now for a little PG & R! Applications are available from your Branch; and remember, the closing dalB for applications is January 15”!- Jane Croj? was a PravincialBaardDirec- torfar the FWIO. 1989-1991. w 4 H 6‘: C October, November, December 1991