Growth Academy: Mind Over Matter – The Great Michigan Race

Event Description

Get ready for a leadership experience unlike anything JCI Michigan has offered before.

Growth Academy: Mind Over Matter – The Great Michigan Race is a reimagined version of our traditional Growth Academy, designed to make leadership development more accessible, affordable, and action-packed. Inspired by The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, and classic field day games, participants will spend the day navigating a series of team-based challenges that test communication, trust, problem-solving, resilience, and leadership.

Throughout the course, teams will travel across a private outdoor property completing physical, mental, and comfort-zone challenges while collecting clues that lead to one final treasure hunt. Every challenge is intentionally designed to strengthen leadership skills through hands-on experience rather than classroom instruction.

Whether you’re a first-time JCI member or an experienced leader, you’ll leave with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a renewed confidence in your ability to lead.

 

Event Schedule

8:00 – 9:00 AM
Registration & Team Formation

9:00 – 9:30 AM
Welcome, Event Kickoff & Safety Briefing

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Morning Challenge Course

12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Team Reflection

1:00 – 4:00 PM
Afternoon Challenge Course

4:00 – 4:45 PM
Final Treasure Hunt

4:45 – 5:15 PM
Group Reflection & Closing

5:30 PM onward (Optional)
Campfire Social & Networking

 

Campfire Social (Optional)

The adventure doesn’t have to end when the race is over.

Participants are invited to stay for an optional evening campfire social featuring great conversation, networking, games, music, and the opportunity to connect with JCI members from across Michigan in a relaxed setting.

Attendees are welcome to:

• Camp overnight on-site (where available)
• Book a nearby hotel if they prefer indoor accommodations
• Join us for the campfire, even if they choose not to stay overnight

Whether you stay for the evening or head home after the event, you’ll leave with new connections and memories that extend well beyond the challenge course.

 

Who Should Attend?

This event is open to all JCI Michigan members looking to:

• Build leadership skills through hands-on experiences
• Meet members from across the state
• Challenge themselves outside their comfort zone
• Have fun while developing personally and professionally

No special athletic ability or outdoor experience is required—just a willingness to try something new and work together as a team.

 

Save the Date

📅 Date: Saturday, September 26th

📍 Location: Jess’s house

🏕️ Optional: Campfire social and overnight camping