Hayo-Went-Ha Camps

LEADERSHIP CORPS PROGRAM

Our proud tradition of outstanding leadership stems from continued success and dedication to developing our own leaders. This program offered 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.

2023 Leaders Corp Program Outline and Policy

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. By limiting the use of electronics, we believe it will preserve the rustic feel of camp and enhance the camp experience. To do this, we ask that you please do not bring any laptops or Ipads. Cell phones are allowed and may be used during the designated time of 9:30pm-11:30pm only. If parents/guardians need to reach your camper please call the camp office (12:40pm 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. LC’s 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 parent/guardian permission to do so.


END OF PROGRAM

At the conclusion of the LC program all participates must be checked out by a parent/guardian. If LC’s 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.

1. Why do you want to be a part of the Leadership Corps program?
2. Describe one experience at camp or in your life that has prepared you to be a leader.
3. Why will you be a valuable addition to this program and to future camp staff?




YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha

YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha Camps is an all boys YMCA overnight camp that offers a dynamic combination of wilderness experiences and traditional in-camp activities. Located on 600 acres on the shores of beautiful Torch Lake in Northern Michigan, YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha has 119 years of tradition and experience to provide incredible adventures campers remember for a lifetime.

Campers learn to work together, to support each other and to respect what each member of the cabin has to offer. The wonderful variety of camp trips reinforce the value of teamwork. Cabin groups of two cabin leaders and eight campers meet the challenge of extended canoeing and hiking trips to Michigan’s north country, the Canadian wilderness or sailing the incredible lakes of Michigan, all the while learning to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Trained and experienced staff lead our trip programs.

The morning schedule allows campers to work together as a cabin unit. The time is also used to teach campers about the camping equipment, trip location and safety before their trips. The afternoon allows each camper to individually select any one of the following activities: sailing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery, nature studies, soccer, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, tennis, basketball, and newspaper.

Our camp motto, Each for All...All for Each is evident in all we do. The cabin group is the essence of the camping experience. We emphasize and follow the seven core values of our YMCA of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Inclusion, Teamwork, Environmental Stewardship and Responsibility in all that we do.



Please let YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha know that you found their camps on Camps Rock!