Young Pilot Leaves a Legacy Through Leadership Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– Kids come from all sorts of backgrounds. With opportunities like the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum, they can all learn something from one another.

An opportunity like no other. 120 kids across Minnesota unite for one reason.  Over the course of a week, they learn leadership, and life advice from one another. Students like Olivia Morin-Swanson, a Proctor high school junior, has already learned so much.

“They take kids from all over the area. And what’s great about that is you get to meet a ton of other kids your age that are eventually going to become leaders like you are.” said Morin-Swanson

The Scott Anderson Leadership Forum meets at St Scholastica every summer. Named after an accomplished Duluth East alum, they honor him and his efforts through this camp.

“Well, Paul and Carol Anderson’s son Scott Anderson was an important part of our community.” explained Bill Zwak, a director of SALF.

Scott was naturally gifted in music, an author and a skilled canoe adventurer. He led a life full of positivity and creativity. He died while flying and testing a Cirrus airplane.

“And when he perished in that test pilot crash, they decided they wanted to have some sort of leadership legacy.” Zwak continued.

The program allows kids to experience an environment of zero judgement, and open mindedness. Because of this, it gives those students a push at their leadership potential.

“I think it’s very important to have a safe space where you can practice that. A safe space where you can make those mistakes. Before you have to go out in the real world.” Morin-Swanson said.

The students experience team bonding activities, inspirational guest speakers, community service, and other ice breakers. This leads to deep connections, and the privilege to learn and grow. The goal is for these kids to share those new skills.

“Take what they learned here, and bring it into their schools, communities, and make those places a better place.” said Zwak.

It’s not only the students that have been impacted. The staff has been just as influenced.

“It’s been going on for 21 years now. I’ve been doing it for 15 years. It has an incredible impact on many, many kids.” said Zwak.

The hope is that this program will lead to the next generation of kindhearted, confident, and open-minded leaders.