Leadership Development Program
In today’s world there is more need than ever for strong, positive leaders. At the Des Moines Y Camp, we believe we’re called to help build up the leaders of tomorrow and so we created the Leadership Development Program.
Each step within the program, be it Volunteers in Progress (VIP), Leader Assistants (LA) or Leader in Training (LIT), will focus on skills essential to good leadership. Service, knowledge and vision are all components of what makes a good leader, and each part of the program will emphasize a separate proficiency within a fun, supportive, character-driven environment.
To apply for VIP, LA or CIT programs, each year campers must submit an application and two letters of recommendation from the following list: teacher, family member, adult family friend, pastor/clergy/faith leader, current or former Y Camp Leader, Y Camp Board member or a local community official.
Applications are open yearly beginning September 1st for the following summer.
THIS APPLICATION PROCESS IN ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.
A fully completed Application and 2 Recommendations MUST be received before your Application will be processed for the weeks chosen.
Once your Application has been processed Y Camp Staff will confirm weeks and process the registration. A $50 deposit per week is required and the balance is due the Friday prior to each session attending by logging into your registration account and using the Return to Pay feature.
Please contact Y Camp at ycamp@dmymca.org with questions or concerns
regarding the Leadership Development Program.
Campers who are part of the Leadership Development Program do not stay over on weekends unless registered for a weekend session.
Weekend sessions are available between weeks 5 - 6 and weeks 6 - 7.
Campers must register for the weekend session. Cost is $25 per weekend.
VIP (Volunteer in Progress)
Ages 14 – 17
As a VIP, campers take the first step in becoming a Y Camp Leader. This two-week program teaches campers about service to others. Their primary function is working in Cownie Dining Hall, where they will do dishes after each meal, clean the dining hall and help provide a great environment for the other campers on camp. When they aren’t serving others, they will take opportunities to enjoy camp and will go through several team-building exercises with their peers throughout the week. This program is a great first step into the Leadership Development Program and lays the foundation for good leadership: service.
2025 PRicing - $85 Per Week (minimum of two-week commitment required; maximum of 5 weeks)
| Week | Date |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | June 15-21 |
| Week 3 | June 22-28 |
| Week 4 - Heart Connection | June 29-July 5 |
| Week 5 | July 6-12 |
| Week 6 | July 13-19 |
| Week 7 | July 20-26 |
| Week 8 - Family Camp | July 27- August 2 |
| Week 9 | August 3-9 |
| Week 10 - Summer Send Off | August 10-16 |
Apply Here
- Heart Connection is a partner camp dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by cancer. During this week, as our partner camp takes the lead, VIPs still focus on their work in the dining hall. However, in the evenings, they’ll have greater flexibility, allowing them to collaborate and design their own schedules and plans as a group, as Heart Connection will be running their own evening programs.
- Family Camp offers a unique experience, focusing on bringing families together. While VIPs will go about their work in the kitchen as usual, evening activities will differ from the typical camp schedule.
- Summer Send-Off, our final and smaller week of overnight programming, features a "Color War"-style theme packed with challenges and competitive activities. VIPs will continue to work in the kitchen as usual but may also have opportunities to take part in the activities and challenges once their time in the kitchen is complete.
LA (Leader Assistant)
Ages 15 – 17
LA is the step between the VIP and LIT programs. Knowledge is essential to the success of a Y Camp Leader and is an element of good leadership. The LA program focuses on learning more about the activity areas on camp as well as supporting others. Participants are placed in “tracks” based on their interest and are assigned to assist in any one of Y Camp’s program areas: archery, ranch, climbing tower, building and grounds, aquatics, nature and cabin assistance. During their track they will practice the fundamentals of program delivery and gain experience “behind the scenes” of some of camp’s most iconic activities. This is great for campers wanting to learn more about becoming a staff member but who are not yet eligible for the LIT program.
2025 Pricing - $300 Per week (minimum of two-week commitment required; maximum of 5 weeks)
| Week | Date |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | June 15-21 |
| Week 3 | June 22-28 |
| Week 4 - Heart Connection | June 29-July 5 |
| Week 5 | July 6-12 |
| Week 6 | July 13-19 |
| Week 7 | July 20-26 |
| Week 8 - Family Camp | July 27- August 2 |
| Week 9 | August 3-9 |
| Week 10 - Summer Send Off | August 10-16 |
Apply Here
- Heart Connection is a partner camp dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by cancer. During this week, as our partner camp takes the lead, LAs will primarily focus on assisting with Day Camp activities and supporting program areas. In the evenings, they’ll have greater flexibility, allowing them to collaborate and design their own schedules and plans as a group, as Heart Connection will be running their own evening programs.
- Family Camp offers a unique experience, focusing on bringing families together. While LAs will assist with Day Camp and program areas as usual, evening activities will differ from the typical camp schedule.
- Summer Send-Off, our final and smaller week of overnight programming, features a "Color War"-style theme packed with challenges and competitive activities. LAs will continue to support the program similarly to a regular week but may also have opportunities to take the lead in facilitating some of the challenges and activities.
LIT (Leader in Training)
Ages 16 – 17
Formally known as CIT, the LIT program is the final step toward becoming a Y Camp Leader. This three-week extensive program is aimed at teaching teens how to becoming exceptional Y Camp Leaders. Skill development in leadership, safety, relationship building, character development and program facilitation are all part of their experience. All of these culminate in educating our campers in the value of vision and mission when leading. Through observation, discussion and hands-on experience, LIT’s expand their knowledge of great Y Camp leadership.
As part of the program, LITs participate in a certification course to help prepare them for potential future roles as Y Camp Leaders. LITs will either take a Y Camp-led Red Cross Lifeguarding course, which, upon successful completion, will certify them as lifeguards, or participate in a Y Camp-led Ropes Belay Training, which, upon completion, certifies them to safely operate the camp's climbing courses. The specific training they receive depends on the session and staff availability, meaning they will complete only one of these certifications, not both. If you want to become a Y Camp Junior Leader, want to hone your leadership skills or simply want to learn more about working with children, this program is for you!
2025 Pricing - $850 PER Session
| Session | Date |
|---|---|
| LIT Session 1 (Weeks 2- 4) | June 16- July 6 |
| LIT Session 2 (Weeks 5- 7) | July 4- 27 |
