Simply put, Quests would not succeed without dedicated and energized student leadership.

Student leaders guide the planning and execution of each trip while using The Crossing’s staff and board members as advisors and resources.

When brainstorming about a future Quest, our first priority is finding good student leaders who can take the reigns and help make the Quest a meaningful, comfortable, thought-provoking, and exciting experience for each fellow traveler.

Quest leaders participate in a short training seminar designed to help prepare them for whatever situations may arise along their journey, and to help them approach their leadership responsibilities with a good mindset.

Being a Quest student leader is a remarkable opportunity to develop leadership skills, and express commitment to helping other students grow and learn about the world around them. If you are interested in becoming a student leader for a future Quest, please contact The Crossing staff.

We have been blessed with fantastic student leaders in the past and look forward to working with this year’s leaders.

Below we’ve listed the most important qualities and actions of a Quest leader. We hope that you’ll consider them whenever you have the opportunity to serve as a leader for your organization or community: 

Build bridges. Make connections between people and ideas.

Keep it together. Know where your group members are, both locationally and emotionally.

Value the process. It’s often not where you end up, but how you get there.

Connect with the group. Don’t be aloof; model the importance of connecting with everyone, and show that you’re approachable.

Be open. Embrace new ideas, new opportunities, and even criticism.

Be patient. Things often don’t turn out as you expect, at least not right away. Go with the flow and be flexible, and everyone will be happier. Sing a song when you get a flat tire.

Be trustworthy and responsible. Enough said.

Be a “non-anxious presence”. Don’t let your feathers get ruffled and add stress to an already tough situation. Have a sense of humor; it’s contagious.

Be genuine. Fellow travelers will look to you as a model of spiritual and emotional energy and curiosity, but also stability and integrity.

Be consistent. Don’t play favorites, or cave in to peer pressure. Say what you mean, mean what you say.

Be fair. Never make yourself, or anyone else, an exception to group rules.

Be a good participant. Show how to engage and make the most of opportunities.

Make sound judgments. Get the information you need, and ask for help when necessary.

Protect the integrity of the group. You are all on a journey together, so ensure that everyone is included and accounted for. Encourage your group members to always consider whether their actions will help the group, not just themselves, have a good experience.

Communicate. Remember that listening is often more important than speaking, and that it’s your job to help the group stay on the same page. You are a facilitator of decision-making, not just the decider.

Have clear expectations. Talk with your group about what you’re all hoping to get out of your trip, and how you’re going to work toward those goals. It’s difficult to make huge adjustments in midstream.

Be aware of your own skills and limitations. Be helpful where you can, but don’t try to do or know everything. Delegate authority when appropriate.

Have compassion. Work to understand where each person is coming from, and be supportive and encouraging of everyone. Embody grace, and be willing to forgive.

Be grateful. Model appreciation for your hosts and all the people who help you along the way.

Show your passion. Enthusiasm goes a long way.

Be prepared. Help your group make the most of meetings and travels. The more organized you are the less stressful everything will be.

Be humble. Every good leader is willing to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll do my best to find out.”

Keep your eye on the theme. Ensure that the trip stays true to its goals and mission.

Educate yourself. Learn about the places you’ll go and the cultures you’ll interact with.

Be Strong. Sometimes being a leader means making unpopular decisions, but you should be willing to do so to protect the integrity of the group and the mission of the trip.


Learning to be a good leader is a constant process. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, there is always more to learn. We are very grateful for Barb Hummel, who has helped us learn a great deal about what it means to be a successful leader.