By Harper E Warne | Bend Senior High School, OR
Every fall in the great state of Oregon, two DECA chapters from District 2 in Central Oregon travel to Silver Falls to spend several days immersed in nature. At first glance, a group of business-minded, goal-driven students may not seem like the type to hike trails, make s’mores or play an intense game of capture the flag, but that contrast is precisely what makes the experience so meaningful.
Between our roles as officers, competitors, students and everything in between, it is easy to lose sight of what truly connects us. As we move through routines, tests and significant life moments, we often forget to nurture the reason many of us joined DECA in the first place: community.
When we step off the bus at Silver Falls, there is an immediate sense of clarity in the air. Breathing in the cool morning mist, we are met with the damp, fresh air that defines the Pacific Northwest. After this brief, almost meditative pause, the quiet is quickly replaced by the familiar buzz of our chapter, friends laughing, conversations starting, energy returning.
Walking into the old barn-style cabin, with its high ceilings and large fireplace, brings an unexpected sense of nostalgia, even to first-time visitors. It feels like summer camp did when I was growing up. The chapters spend three days at Silver Falls, balancing DECA-focused activities such as practice tests and role-play preparation with something just as important: fun.
About a mile from the cabin, a waterfall draws everyone together. The walk is filled with laughter, shared stories and genuine conversations. Near the trail, a small café offers a place to warm up with a drink or snack before continuing. We walk behind the falls, take pictures, and make jokes about moments of connection that are difficult to cultivate within the walls of a classroom.
While experiences like Silver Falls may seem informal, they play a critical role in shaping stronger leaders and more engaged members. Stepping outside of competition rooms and meeting agendas allows officers and members to see one another as people first, not just titles or familiar faces at club meetings.
Trust begins to form in shared moments outside daily routines, whether navigating a trail, working through a practice role-play or sitting by the fire after a long day. These experiences translate directly into chapter meetings, conferences and competitions, where communication feels more natural and collaboration comes more easily. By investing in relationships, chapters become more united, reminding us that leadership is rooted in understanding, trust and shared experience.
Experiences like Silver Falls reflect DECA’s mission to prepare emerging leaders beyond competition alone. While awards and placements often measure success, authentic leadership is built through connection and collaboration. By creating space for relationships to grow and shared experiences to unfold, DECA chapters help shape future leaders, entrepreneurs and teammates.
Silver Falls serves as a reminder that DECA is not only about winning events, but about becoming the kind of leaders we aspire to be. Experiences like Silver Falls bring DECA’s mission to life by preparing emerging leaders beyond competition alone. While events and awards measure skill, leadership is ultimately built through trust, connection and shared experience. By stepping outside our everyday routines and into the community, chapters return more united, confident and prepared.
The basis of leadership is trust and connection between all. By creating a space for relationships to strengthen and for shared experiences, people grow into future leaders, entrepreneurs, team members and more. In these chapters, Silver Falls serves as a reminder that DECA isn't only about competitions and winning; it's also about becoming the leaders we want to be in the future.
