Enhance Group Dynamics through Leadership Roles, by Christine Varga, + Molly Cancian & Miles Heyse

Identifying the leadership styles of a group can enhance the overall experience participants have on an outdoor adventure excursion whether it is a day trip, casual weekend, week or month-long trip. Knowing how the group dynamic is impacted by natural leadership styles serves as a useful tool in planning and facilitation. Everyone has a natural leadership style. Understanding how people lead helps groups relate to the reasons people make certain decisions and can furthermore create a more cohesive group making for smooth planning and execution of a trip or outdoor experience.
The National Outdoor Leadership School uses the No-Doze Leadership Styles model to help leaders pinpoint personal strengths and weaknesses as well as areas for improvement. This is helpful when working with others to better understand their leadership style. Finding your leadership style using the No-Doze Leadership Styles can be accomplished through a simple group activity.
The program presentation will utilize a combination of hands-on activities to identify leadership styles, conversations about utilization of leadership styles and playing to personal strengths as well as discussions on how to work with other leadership styles within a group dynamic. Understanding where others lead from can be beneficial to the overall experience of participants in a group, planning and execution of a trip.
The NOLS No-Doze Leadership Styles activity helps leaders pinpoint strengths and weaknesses as well as areas for improvement. It can also be beneficial when working with other strong leaders to better understand their leadership styles and the why of how people are interacting or leading.
The presentation will engage participants in ways that involve the sharing of personal experiences, application of concepts and ways to implement into trip and program planning.

Christine Varga presented at the 2020 Adventure Summit, highlighting the significance of NatureRx and the positive effects of outdoor engagement on mental health. Demonstrating expertise in outdoor adventure programming, Christine has conducted multiple presentations elucidating the intersection between outdoor experiences and leadership growth. In 2022, Christine initiated the Outdoor Leadership Institute (OLI) at Baldwin Wallace University. OLI integrates principles of personal and team development, utilizing outdoor settings, challenge courses, NOLS leadership methodologies, and the joy of outdoor pursuits to foster vital skill enhancement in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, and attentive listening.

Christine’s extensive portfolio encompasses delivering presentations at numerous national and state workshops within Campus Recreation, covering diverse aspects of Outdoor Adventure and recreational programming. With 27 years devoted to Baldwin Wallace University as the Associate Director of Campus Recreation Programming, Christine actively contributes to various campus committees, aiming to establish inclusive outdoor programs catering to students, staff, and the wider community. Passionate about facilitating accessible nature experiences, Christine is dedicated to nurturing leadership development across all age groups.

Beyond her professional engagements, Christine serves as the National Collegiate Rugby Growth and Development Director and has held positions on the ACA state board. Sharing her love for hiking, paddling, and rock climbing, Christine enjoys these activities with her family and students, fostering connections and shared experiences beyond personal enjoyment.