Before eating lunch on Wednesday, students attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy at Kansas University were told to think about their day and ask themselves if they would pass the four-way test.

Have they told the truth? Are they being fair to all concerned? Are they building goodwill and better friendships? What will they do to be beneficial to all concerned?

Alia Akkerman, an incoming senior at Gardner-Edgerton High School, looks through an exhibit featuring the work of famous political cartoonist Herbert Block — “Herblock” — on Tuesday at the Dole Institute of Politics. Akkerman and other students participating in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy toured the Dole Institute as part of the leadership camp, which works to promote leadership, community service and civic engagement.

The test is one of many leadership ideas and skills taught during this week’s leadership academy for 57 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from 26 eastern Kansas rotary clubs.

The students arrived on campus Sunday and have since completed a ropes course and a case study, and have also participated in community service by “freshening up” the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum with new paint and flowers, said John Curran, the academy’s director.

The camp’s objective centers on teamwork, creativeness and an appreciation for community service.

“Leading isn’t always about being in charge,” 15-year-old Frankie Hernandez said.

Hernandez is involved in community service and multiple organizations in Ottawa. He said the academy is different from other leadership camps he’s attended because typically the students know one another.

“I really think it teaches you a lot about friendships and interacting with people you don’t know,” Hernandez said. “It’s been different. It is something that will really stick with you.”