LOOKING BACK AT PHI PSI’S FIRST LAUNCH PROGRAM
The Launch Pilot Program took place at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, IN from October 18-20, 2024. There were 31 students who attended the program from 5 different chapters. Archons Max Pratt and Jaylen Jude also attended to offer their perspectives and feedback. Participants and facilitators stayed at Camp Tecumseh the entire weekend for a “camp-like” experience!
Designed for Phi Psi’s newest members who aspire to become leaders in their chapters, communities, and future workplaces, Launch is an amazing opportunity for members to continue their Phi Psi development, build connections with members from other chapters in their region, and grow their core leadership skills.
The participants arrived on Friday, Oct. 18 and immediately dove into the material. Day 1 content covered introductions and an overview of the structure and purpose of Lauch, introduced the Adaptive Leadership Model, and had participants explore more of their personal leadership styles with the True Colors Assessment. The sessions also discussed general leadership topics such as diagnosing and responding to problems, managing personal wellness while holding leadership positions, and preparing for inevitable challenges as a leader.
The content on Day 2 educated participants on how to create buy-in, navigate conflict, identify and work with stakeholders, celebrate and motivate others, and lead with values. In between the educational sessions, participants worked together on a series of high ropes courses and outdoor activities. They ended the night with a campfire and s’mores to share ideas, recap what they had learned that day, and get to know members from other chapters.
Day 3 wrapped up the event by covering how to prioritize responsibilities and manage time effectively. Participants also created an individual blueprint that outlined what their goals were upon their return to campus, how they can work towards achieving those goals, and who they can recruit to help them in their endeavors. Each group of participants was recognized for their hard work and sent back to their campuses to initiate effective change in their communities.
When asked for feedback about the program, participants stated that the “discussions and lessons were greatly valuable” and they “felt like it was helpful overall for the betterment of our fraternity and lives in general.” Launch helped some students “learn a lot about themselves and their chapters, and what actions they need to take in order to improve.” One participant summed everything up well by saying, “I believe that this has given me a passion for leading that I didn’t show up with, and I am glad it has opened my eyes to what I can do for my brothers.”
Huge shoutout to our amazing programming staff for curating a successful pilot program, especially Shelby Fete Alpha Delta Pi, Director of Programming!
Thanks to all the volunteers and Phi Psi staff who helped facilitate our first ever Launch program:
Phi Kappa Psi Staff:
- Jakob Davis Indiana State ‘19, Director of Expansion
- Dylan Lax Indiana State ‘19, Associate Director of Chapter Services
- Cam Lemons Indiana State ‘21, Associate Director of Recruitment
- Jaryd Wright Ball State ‘19, Associate Director of Chapter Services
Friends of Phi Psi:
- Alicen Fimple Kappa Kappa Gamma, Student Life Specialist, Grand Valley State University
- Cristian Patino Ball State ‘18, Senior Student Success Coach at Ivy Tech Community College
- Jeremy Paul Phi Delta Theta, Assistant Director of Student Life, Grand Valley State University
- Nolan Spaenhower Sigma Phi Epsilon, Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement for Delta Chi
