These hands-on experiences are designed to teach teens the skills, attributes and strategies that are important traits of exemplary leaders and camp counselors. Leadership skills learned at the Y can carry over to their schools, homes and communities.

We offer several age-based summer leadership programs:

Counselors in Training

For students entering grades 11-12

Teens who want to apply for a job at camp the next summer should consider the Counselor in Training program. In this program, teens learn specific skills for working with kids and co-workers, and get experience planning and leading activities. Counselor in Training is available at:

Junior Leaders

For students entering grade 10

Combining leadership, service learning and the great outdoors, the Junior Leaders program involves campers in planning their daily schedule—including the canoe trip route and meals.

Leaders in Training

For students entering grades seven through nine

Kids interested in being a future Day Camp counselor attend the two- or three-week Leaders in Training program. They have opportunities to shadow counselors of younger campers and assist staff in their camp activities. Summer Leaders in Training programs are available at:

Leadership Development

For students entering grades 10-12

The Leadership Development program is a progressive leadership and outdoor training program. In Leadership Development, students are challenged to be positive role models, leaders in their community, and possible future staff members at YMCA camp. Leadership Development is available at:

Leadership Training

For students entering grades nine and 10

In this three-week program, teens spend the first two weeks learning leadership skills. In the third week participants put their new leadership skills into action by leading activities and field trips for younger children in summer Child Care at the Y.

Work Leadership Camp

For ages 15-17 years

Participants develop and practice the leadership skills they need to become a camp counselor, then embark on a week-long canoe and camping trip, and finish the session shadowing a camp counselor. Work Leadership Camp is available at: