RAFI Center for Leaders

Our Milestones

• 

  1997-2014

  A Soaring Start

  The idea for Center for Leaders, then Kool Adventure Camp, was inspired by a team building exercise organized by trainers of the Pecos River Adventure program from the United States and attended by leaders of the Aboitiz Group in 1996.
  
  The experiential adventure program paved the way for the establishment of a ropes course and adventure camp facility in Punta Engaño, Mactan to serve the youth development program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).
  
  In October 1999, the Kool Adventure Camp program was formally launched under the guidance of then-RAFI president Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz. In August 2000, a pilot camp was held at Camp Marina (Boy Scouts Camp), participated by students from various schools in Cebu.
  
  Since its establishment in 1999, the program has benefitted hundreds of camp batches and thousands of participants, mostly students from public and private schools in Cebu, out-of-school youth, wards of welfare institutions, members of the Sangguniang Kabataan and individuals from RAFI-affiliated community projects. The increasing number of campers and partnerships established the program as a partner in providing powerful learning experiences.
  
  After a decade of successful implementation, the 10-hectare Adventure Education Center and Campsite in Cansomoroy, Balamban was constructed in 2010 and opened in 2014. The fully landscaped facility can train up to 6,000 participants every year.

• 

  2018

  Taking Flight as Center for Leaders

  In 2018, the program known as Kool Adventure Camp changed its name to Center for Leaders. This rebranding effort was to emphasize the program’s expansion and new courses, which are now offered within the camp, at schools and offices, or online through virtual learning sessions.

• 

  2020

  Virtual Shift

  During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, RAFI was forced to temporarily close Kool Adventure Camp in adherence to health and safety protocols. With the Camp’s sudden closure, program facilitators strategized and looked for ways to continue shaping the next generation of leaders amidst a global pandemic.
  
  Harnessing the power of technology, the program shifted gears and started offering a variety of virtual learning sessions for students and professionals. It included work effectiveness sessions to aid in work from home and virtual work set-ups; leadership development sessions to help participants understand the leadership challenges of the ‘new normal’ and maximize their leadership skills for tough times; and the Resilient Me session that focuses on promoting awareness and wellbeing of teams and their organizations.
  
  

• 

  2021

  A New Logo

  The rebranding paved the way for a fresh, new logo in 2021, which features the Camp’s iconic structure, Three Birds in Flight; the yellow and red tones lifted from the RAFI colors. The logo depicts the image of flying, which mirrors one’s life experiences and journey in leadership– the highs, lows, and everything in between.

• 

  2022

  Back at Camp

  Once health and safety restrictions eased in 2022, the Kool Adventure Camp reopened to campers, and Center for Leaders resumed its face-to-face sessions, this time offering courses within the camp and in venues convenient for schools and organizations. The program also unveiled their expanded catalog of services with new courses tailored primarily for students like "Developing Resilience in Youth," equipping them with vital life skills to navigate today's complex world with unwavering confidence. For student leaders in public schools, "iRipple" offers a transformative school-based project management program, empowering them with effective leadership tools.
  
  Center for Leaders also re-introduced "iQuest," a dynamic team development course fostering collaboration and leadership skills among youth, and "iChoose," which provides young individuals at the crossroads with decision-making and goal-setting abilities.
  
  By bringing these comprehensive learning experiences directly to schools, the program nurtures resilient, well-rounded youth, fortifies educational leadership within the public school system, and prepares the next generation for a post-pandemic world of opportunities and challenges.
  
  In addition, Center for Leaders also equipped public school leaders and teachers for school re-opening through the Upya: School Renewal Program wherein principals and teachers underwent a three-day training workshop on Crisis Management, Technology in Education and School Reopening preparation.
  
  

  Forming Trailblazing Leaders at Foressa

  
  

  Also in 2022, Center for Leaders forged a partnership with Foressa Mountain Town, an Aboitizland Community, for the use of Foressa’s mountain terrain to implement experiential learning programs, including the Foressa Trails expedition. This partnership aims to enhance family dynamics, team building and development, nature appreciation, stewardship, and conservation of the environment among participants.

LOAD MORE