School leaders need spaces to connect, grow, and grapple with challenges.
In 2021, World Leadership School and the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) embarked on a design process to imagine new ways to support school leaders. We began with a simple question: What if we convene 20 school leaders for a deep wilderness journey and then continue to gather during the following school year in order to connect, renew, and reflect?
The result was a 5-day program on Idaho’s Salmon River, and a series of peer coaching sessions during the following school year, which one head describes as a “deep and special time that is one of the best, and most transformative, of my life.” The conversations are trusted spaces where leaders can bring their true selves, share inspiration, and engage in critical conversations.
For the summer of 2024, we are pleased to launch the third Salmon River Program for School Heads, in conjunction with the California Association of Independent Schools. Leaders from around the world are invited to join us to step away from the pressures of work and into the restorative space of deep wilderness. All details are below.
“It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience, both professionally and personally… the ongoing conversations between trip participants this school year are equally rewarding.”
“The program created spaciousness for me to think, reflect, unpack, deconstruct, claim successes, go to vulnerable places, and just relax! I feel stronger! The conversations on anti-racism inspired me to ‘keep on keeping on.’”
Salmon River Program for School Heads
July 13–18, 2024
For current or entering Heads of School, limit: 24, including facilitators
Program Overview
Now in its third year, this unique program for heads on Idaho’s iconic Salmon River creates a deep space for heads to build community, gather energy for the year ahead, and explore game-changing ideas. Each morning on the river, after a delicious breakfast, we explore critical questions in small groups. We then board rafts and duckies as we explore Class III rapids on the “River of No Return.” Afternoons are for fly fishing and hiking and evenings are for delicious dinners and campfire discussion. We will meet six times virtually during the 2024-25 school year to create a “peer coaching” space that deepens our relationships and learning. This is a challenging year-long learning program that is designed for personal and professional renewal and growth. Watch the video below!
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