Our proud tradition of outstanding leadership stems from continued success and dedication to developing our own leaders. This program trains and encourages past campers and others to become staff members. The staffed LC cabin will learn leadership skills, complete a project, and gain hands-on experience with campers of all ages. LC’s will have the opportunity to be “junior counselors” during the last 2 weeks of the program. They will do almost everything as a junior leader of their cabin group. However, the age group and program they will be involved in will be determined during the course of their program.
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Hayo-Went-Ha Camp’s LC program is to develop leadership skills that can be used to become outstanding staff members. This program is designed for people who want to lead youth in the Hayo-Went-Ha’ Camp’s programs, be a positive role model, and provide a transformative camping experience to youth. GOALS: Collectively decide on and complete a project as a marker of the group’s commitment to the camp community Realize your leadership style, understand how to use that as a counselor, and be open to growing and improving your leadership skills Practice selflessness, flexibility, and projecting a positive attitude Gain the confidence to lead your peers and make thoughtful decisions Learn to relate and stay engaged with campers of all ages Develop communication and conflict resolution skills Complete 100 hours of community service
LC PROGRAM SCHEDULE
WEEK ONE: Orientation, expectations, goals, rules, and regulations. Meet other staff members. Group project development and planning, start gathering materials. Communication, social justice, self-esteem, conflict resolution, decision-making, and counseling scenarios, along with general training. Teambuilding activities to build cohesion among the LCs.
WEEK TWO: Begin project. Cabin time – learning responsibilities within the cabin, working together. Assist with five-day instruction and learning program areas and job skills. Camper interaction at G-Swim and Counselor Swim. Development and implementation of an evening activity. Assistance in many areas of the daily camp running. Daily debrief.
WEEK THREE AND FOUR: Assigned to a cabin group, spend meals, cabin times, evening routine, and trips with that cabin group. Help with end-of-session responsibilities like camper reports, paper plates, and ditties. The LC experience and general discussion about future counselor positions. Wrap up and debrief Learn what being a counselor is all about!
TECHNOLOGY
Camp is a great place to unplug and build strong, genuine relationships. Limiting the use of electronics will preserve the rustic feel of the camp and enhance the camp experience. To do this, please do not bring any laptops or iPads. Cell phones are allowed and may be used between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. only. If parents/guardians need to reach their camper, please call the camp office (12:40 p.m. is the best time) or email the Camp Director.
VEHICLES
If LC participants are driving themselves to camp, they will need to turn in their car keys at the office to the Camp Director. LCs will not be allowed to drive while participating in the LC program for liability reasons. Days off are preferably scheduled as a group activity; however, if participants would like to schedule individual time off with family or friends, they must get written permission from their parents/guardians to do so.
END OF PROGRAM
At the conclusion of the LC program, all participants must be checked out by a parent/guardian. If LCs have their own vehicle or their parents/guardians are unable to check them out, a written and signed letter from a parent/guardian is required, along with a call to the Camp Director to discuss this further. No LC will be allowed to check themselves out without written permission. Once an LC has been checked out of the program they are free to leave camp and plan their own off camp activities, this may involve interacting with camp staff who are 18 years or older and are on their own time off. There are no planned or organized camp activities at this time.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Along with an enrollment contract and a $500 deposit, the following questions must be answered and submitted before May 15th. Why do you want to be a part of the Leadership Corps program?
- Describe one experience at camp or in your life that has prepared you to be a leader.
- Why will you be a valuable addition to this program and to future camp staff?