Leadership Lab, a youth ministry program of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), successfully returned to meeting in person on the Augustana College campus from June 20th - 25th. The Grand Canyon Synod saw participants from Living Hope Lutheran - Las Vegas, Good Samaritan- Las Vegas, Central Lutheran, Arizona City & Casa Grande AZ, and Holy Trinity Lutheran- Chandler. 

More than 50 students, ranging from high school students to adults, and 29 staff traveled to the Quad Cities for the program.

“While the pandemic had forced us to a virtual platform in 2020 and 2021, we were excited to finally be returning to Augustana to meet in person,” said Nick Rex, co-director of Leadership Lab. “This year was particularly exciting as it marked the 60th anniversary of the first Leadership Lab”. In past years, participants have come to the Quad Cities from several states outside of Illinois and Iowa, including Nevada, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Georgia. “While our post-pandemic numbers are lower than what we saw in the years immediately prior to the pandemic, we have expanded our reach across the country, adding participants from Texas, Arizona, and Washington.” said Nick. The Grand Canyon Synod saw participants from Living Hope Lutheran - Las Vegas, Good Samaritan- Las Vegas, Central Lutheran, Arizona City & Casa Grande AZ, and Holy Trinity Lutheran- Chandler. 

In its 60 years, the weeklong camp typically occurs each year in mid to late July. Volunteer pastors and lay leaders, many who have been involved with Leadership Lab for decades, write and teach the curriculum. Augustana College has hosted Leadership Lab nearly all of the past 60 summers. “We are so excited to be back in person and give students a chance to learn, worship and grow together; it has been tough for everyone to be apart these last two years” remarked Marissa Metevelis , co-director of Leadership Lab.

For more information, please contact Nick Rex or Marissa Metevelis, co-directors of Leadership Lab, at LeadershipLabDirectors@gmail.com or via phone, Nick (630) 742-5836 or Marissa (702) 373-1805