Leadership takes many forms
Through its leadership programs, YMCA of the North helps teens and college students figure out who they are, what they can achieve, and start them on a path to success.
BOLD & GOLD
Grades 8–12 | Teen Wilderness
BOLD & GOLD trips are ideal for beginners and experienced canoers alike. BOLD & GOLD trail groups intentionally bring together participants from many different backgrounds to explore leadership with a focus on building courage, emotional intelligence, confidence, community awareness, and a sense of wonder for the natural environment.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Leadership Development Program (LDP)
Grades 10–12 | Family Camp
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is our challenging outdoor leadership progression for teens attending Family Camp. LDP instructors coach on group facilitation and leadership, teach technical outdoor skills, and ask participants to collaboratively make consequential decisions.
Counselors in Training (CIT)
Grades 11–12 | Overnight Camp
Counselor in Training (CIT) is a four-week session for teens attending Overnight Camp that want to develop mentoring and leadership opportunities as Camp Counselors. CITs build counseling skills by working together on team-building and leadership skills necessary in guiding younger participants. For the last weeks of their experience, CITs will apply their new skills by shadowing experienced counselors in a cabin of younger participants and leading all camp activities.
Junior Leaders
Grades 10 | Day Camp
Junior Leaders are assigned to a group and assist the counselors in leading and carrying out a variety of Day Camp programs. Junior Leaders help participants acquire feelings of high self-esteem, self-worth, and competence in an outdoor setting. Previous experience in the LIT program or working with children is required. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process.
Leaders in Training (LIT)
Grades 7–9 | Day Camp
Discover your leadership qualities by leading Day Camp participant activities and assisting in planning the week for your participants! You will have opportunities to shadow counselors and assist staff in camp activities. Come experience camp from a whole new perspective!
Internships
Grade 12 | Various Experiences
Internships are for 17 and 18-year-olds who are ready to begin their camp counselor careers! The internship provides workshops and skills training that our accomplished camp staff experience during their pre-camp staff training. It is designed to provide young leaders with more skills when entering the workforce. These skills will be transferable to camp and non-camp jobs.
Work Leadership
Grades 8–12
The Work Leadership program is designed to provide youth a service-learning program focused on developing personal leadership style and character building. The first week of the session is focused on Service Learning. The next phase is a week-long river canoe trip that develops their trail and group leadership skills. The last week is focused on leadership skill-building and personal development while shadowing a seasoned camp counselor or program lead.
Engagè Program
Grades 6–12 | Teen Wilderness
The Engagè program is a great way for campers to connect with camp outside of their trail session, give back, and earn credit toward their camper fee.
NO APPLICATION IS REQUIRED.
This program is specific to Camp Menogyn.
Activities vary by location
Find out what activities are offered at each location.
Available At
Youth Leadership opportunities are available at all YMCA adventure centers.
Making adventure more affordable
The Y offers need-based financial assistance to help people access the programs that are important to them.
May we help you?
Please let us know if you have questions, would like more information, or need help with registration.