One of the most remarkable parts of life on our campus is how we practice self-reliance at Cumorah Academy. Nestled in the Czech Republic, our school is more than a place to study—it’s a community where leadership, service, and growth come alive in everyday experiences.
Classrooms are designed for focus and interaction. Spaces for sports, dancing, and creative activities fill campus life with energy. But beyond the classrooms and recreation areas, there’s a unique feature that often surprises visitors: our very own apple orchard.
An Orchard That Teaches Leadership
Yes, the apple juice that students, mentors, staff, and guests enjoy here comes directly from apples grown on our campus orchard. More than a source of fresh juice, the orchard embodies a vital principle: self-reliance at Cumorah Academy.
By cultivating and managing our orchard, we cut costs, provide for our community, and—most importantly—teach valuable lessons in resource management. Students see firsthand that leadership involves not only working with people but also taking responsibility for the resources entrusted to them.
This simple orchard reinforces a timeless truth: when you learn to manage what you have, you can create opportunities, save money, and even turn challenges into blessings.
Lessons from the Apple Picking Activity
Every semester, students gather for one of our most beloved events: the Apple Picking Activity. On the surface, it’s a fun tradition. But underneath, it’s also one of the most practical ways to teach self-reliance at Cumorah Academy.
The objective is straightforward: collect as many apples as possible within the time limit. Students head into the orchard with bags, baskets, and plenty of determination. They quickly discover, however, that teamwork and creativity are the keys to success.
Some shake branches with long sticks. Others throw small rocks to reach the hardest apples. Some even form human ladders—climbing onto the shoulders of friends—to grab the fruit at the very top. The strategies may be unconventional, but the results speak for themselves: bags upon bags of apples brought back to campus storage.
Yet, the real achievement lies beyond the harvest. Students encourage one another, share laughs, and celebrate together. They learn that success is not just about how many apples you collect, but about how much joy and teamwork you bring into the process.
Hard Work, Real Growth
By the end of the day, hundreds of apples are gathered, stored, and prepared to provide for campus needs. But more than apples are gained.
Students walk away with lasting lessons in focus, perseverance, and unity. Working toward a single goal without distractions helps them build discipline. Spending time outdoors, disconnected from screens, sparks their creativity and strengthens their friendships.
This is why self-reliance at Cumorah Academy matters so much—it’s never just about the task at hand. It’s about who you become while completing it.
Voices from the Orchard
“For me, it was an experience where we were able to strengthen our relationship as a family. Everyone was very engaged and excited to do this. Interestingly, each person had a specific task—for example, some men were shaking the trees to make apples fall, others had a tarp to catch the falling apples, the women were removing the stems, and others were bagging the apples. When everyone knows and fulfills their role, the work flows more effectively.”
— Gabriel Hilamatu, Brazil
“I had such a great time during the apple-picking activity! The best part for me was working side by side with my group, Nephi. Everyone was super excited, and we made a great team. We even had music playing while we worked, which made everything more fun and kept the energy high. Plus, the view was just amazing—it felt like the perfect mix of work and joy. I’m really thankful I got the chance to be part of this experience.”
— Iana Cris, Brazil
“It feels great—it was a very nice activity to restore the mind and share time with friends.”
— Carlos Hernandez, Honduras
From Orchard to Classroom: A Consistent Lesson
If something as simple as apple picking can teach students discipline, teamwork, and leadership, imagine what they gain inside the classroom. Every project, lecture, and mentorship session at Cumorah Academy is designed to create meaningful growth.
Students learn how to lead with vision, manage resources wisely, and inspire those around them. They discover how to turn ordinary situations into extraordinary opportunities. Just as they transform apple picking into a memorable lesson, they learn how to transform their lives with creativity and purpose.
This consistency is what makes self-reliance at Cumorah Academy such a powerful principle. Whether in orchards or classrooms, the focus is always on building habits that prepare students to lead in their families, careers, and communities.
Why Self-Reliance Shapes Leaders
The world needs leaders who can do more than solve problems. It needs leaders who can adapt, innovate, and inspire. At Cumorah Academy, we believe these qualities are best developed through lived experience. That’s why apple picking is more than a fun day in the orchard—it’s an exercise in creativity, resilience, and leadership.
Our students leave with more than memories. They leave with the confidence to face challenges, the skills to organize teams, and the mindset to make the most of every resource available. These are the very qualities that will shape their futures as leaders.
More Than Just Apples
At its heart, Cumorah Academy is not defined by what students do—it’s defined by the people they do it with. The Apple Picking Activity illustrates this beautifully.
Students laugh together, lift each other up, and accomplish far more than they could alone. Leadership is not about standing above others—it’s about standing with others. And that’s a lesson that stays with our students long after the harvest ends.
Experience Self-Reliance at Cumorah Academy
If one afternoon of apple picking can create so many lessons, imagine what three months at Cumorah Academy can do for you. Every moment here is designed to help you grow as a leader—whether you’re in the classroom, serving others, or yes, even picking apples.
Here, leadership is not just an idea. It’s a way of life. From orchards to classrooms, every experience pushes you to think differently, work harder, and discover your own capacity for greatness.
Apply today and discover how self-reliance at Cumorah Academy can shape your future. Step into a community where ordinary moments become extraordinary growth.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
