Teen Leadership (ages 15-16)

Teen Leadership (15-16 years old)

The Teen Leadership Program at YMCA Camp Santa Maria gives campers the opportunity to build leadership skills and work through challenges in a small group setting. This program includes a 3-day 2-night backpacking trip and a day of white water rafting in Buena Vista. Upon returning from their trip, Teen Leaders participate in planning evening programs and work on a service-learning project at camp. Campers have the opportunity to lead younger campers in evening programs and in daily activities at camp. Teen Leadership campers will also get a chance to evaluate their own leadership skills and provide feedback for each other in a supportive environment.

While in camp the Teen Leaders stay in our Tent Village with the Teen Adventure campers. It is a rustic setting that also allows the Teen Leaders the opportunity to build their community. When you register for the Teen Leader Program, you will receive additional documents providing more information about the program and expectations from participants.

The Teen Leaders do not take part in the Skill Tracks offered in the Trekkers program.

Session Dates (overnight camp – 2 week sessions)

Session 1: Sunday, June 10 – Saturday, June 23rd

Session 2/3: Sunday, June 24th – Saturday, July 7th

Session 4/5: Sunday, July 8th – Saturday, July 21st
Session 6/7: Sunday, July 22nd – Saturday, August 4th

Session Rate

$1195 YMCA Member Rate. $1245 Non-Member Rate.

Daily Schedule

7:15-8:00 All Camp Wake-Up & Cabin Clean-up
8:00-8:45 Breakfast & Morning Announcements
8:45-9:30 Camp Chores
9:30-12:00 Morning Activities
12:00-1:00 Lunch & Afternoon Announcements
1:15-2:15 Rest Hour
2:15-5:00 Afternoon Activities
5:00-6:00 Lodge and Meadow Games & Camp Store
6:00-7:00 Dinner & Evening Announcements
7:30-8:45 Evening Program
8:45-9:00 Friendship Circle and Recognition
9:30 Cabin Time
10:00 Lights Out

Activities

  • Teambuilding – Focuses on relationship building and problem solving amongst the Teen Leaders
  • Backpacking Trip – Three days, two nights, Teen Leaders bond and learn to work together
  • Large Group Management – Experience planning and facilitation all-camp and large group activities
  • Rafting – A day of rafting on the Arkansas River
  • Service Learning Project – Develop a lasting contribution to camp and give back to the camp community
  • Small Group Management – Practice working with younger campers, planning and leading small group activities
  • Evening Programs – Campfires, games and skits, learning how-to and participating as a group
  • Friendship Circle and Recognition – Sing songs, spend time with cabinmates, and learn about camp ceremonies. Also learning how and why we do these programs
  • Closing – Participate in closing ceremony with younger campers as well as Teen Leadership program closing activities