It contributes significantly to the realization of Culver s leadership mission, accentuating the importance of public service and commitment to others. It teaches students to value the communal good on a small scale, i.e. at the level of the club, the team, the living unit, thereby preparing them to understand and appreciate the common weal of their respective nations once they assume the responsibilities of full citizenship. In addition to the moral dimensions of leadership study and training, Culver s programs emphasize particular principles of leadership. Effective leaders understand that they serve the unit for which they ve been given responsibility. Successful leaders take an interest in the individuals with whom they work, recognizing that loyalty and respect do not come automatically with title or rank.
Good leaders are change agents, persons who set high standards and establish challenging goals.
They are also able to motivate and to inspire others by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and by establishing clear visions of the overall significance of their group s projects. Culver s leadership programs are based on a psychological model of pro-social development. Extrinsic rewards, often embedded in significant rites of passage, are used to motivate young people who inevitably take time to internalize sophisticated norms and practices. Regular chores and responsibilities, frequent opportunities for role-playing and immediate performance feedback are also emphasized in recognition of the fact that complex skills develop only through practice. Culver s leadership programs include a structured progression of activities and roles, as well as opportunities for the transfer of training from older to younger students.