Teen Leadership Program
YMCA Camp Immokalee | Where Campers Become Leaders
Help Your Teen Discover Their Strengths
Watching your teen grow into their own confidence is one of the best parts of parenting — but it’s even better when they have the right environment to shine. At YMCA Camp Immokalee, we’ve designed our teen leadership programs to give campers the tools, mentorship, and friendships they need to become leaders, all while having the time of their lives.
For 10th–12th graders, we offer two distinct paths:
- 🛠 Pathmakers (10th & 12th) → Build confidence through creativity and service, helping make camp better for everyone.
- 🌟 Counselors-in-Training (11th & 12th) → Step into hands-on leadership, mentor younger campers, and gain real-world skills.
New for 2025: Lower program costs, no references required, and the launch of our Pathmakers program!
Which Program Is Right for Your Teen?
| Pathmakers | Counselors-in-Training (CIT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who It’s For | 10th OR 12th graders | 11th OR 12th graders |
| Program Focus | Creativity, service, and finding ways to make camp better | Leadership, mentoring younger campers, and “staff-lite” experience |
| Experience Style | Camper energy + leadership mindset | Hands-on leadership + closer mentorship |
| Session Length (Summer) | 1 week | 2 weeks (must attend both weeks) |
| Summer Cost | $250 | $500 |
| Off-Season Cost | $100–$200 | $100–$200 |
| Application Required? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fingerprinting? | ❌ No | ✅ Winter & Summer only |
| Perks | Pathmakers shirt + leadership credential + community service hours | CIT shirt + leadership credential + community service hours |
Safety First:
All CITs attending Winter Camp and Summer Camp complete YMCA volunteer clearance, including fingerprinting and online trainings, ensuring the highest standards of camper safety.
Earn Community Service Hours
- Both Pathmakers and CITs qualify for community service hours that typically count toward school and Bright Futures requirements.
- Hours vary by program length and responsibilities.
- We’ll provide documentation after each session for your teen’s records.
- Exact hour totals will be confirmed before the start of camp.
Pathmakers: Build Confidence Through Creativity
For 10th & 12th graders
Some teens need a space to find their voice — to start leading in small, meaningful ways. Pathmakers gives them that space.
Guided by the YMCA’s four core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—Pathmakers work on creative projects, serve the camp community, and learn how their contributions make a difference.
As a Pathmaker, your teen will:
- Build confidence through leadership-focused service projects
- Learn how to collaborate, create, and problem-solve
- Discover ways to make camp better for everyone
- Leave with a leadership credential and camp pride
Counselors-in-Training (CITs): Lead, Mentor, Inspire
For 11th & 12th graders
If your teen is ready for hands-on leadership, CIT is their next step. CITs are “staff-lite” — learning from experienced counselors while mentoring younger campers and helping run camp activities.
CITs gain real-world leadership experience that looks great on resumes, scholarship applications, and college essays — but more importantly, they grow into role models campers admire and trust.
As a CIT, your teen will:
- Mentor younger campers and make a real impact
- Shadow counselors and learn what it takes to lead
- Build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships
- Earn a CIT credential and leadership shirt
Safety First: CITs at Winter Camp and Summer Camp complete YMCA volunteer clearance (fingerprinting + online trainings), giving them more independence while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Year-Round Leadership Opportunities
Whether your teen wants to lead this fall, winter, spring, or summer, we’ve built opportunities throughout the year:
| Session | Dates | Cost | Apply By | Decisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Camp | Oct 24–26 | $100 | Sept 20 | Sept 24 |
| Winter Camp | Dec 28–Jan 3 | $200 | Nov 17 | Nov 19 |
| Spring Break #1 | Mar 13–15 | $100 | Feb 10 | Feb 12 |
| Spring Break #2 | Mar 20–22 | $100 | Feb 10 | Feb 12 |
Summer 2025 Leadership Programs
- Decisions announced Apr 1
- Pathmakers → One-week session | $250
- CITs → Two-week program | $500
- Applications open Oct 1
- Applications due Mar 15
Teen Leadership Means Teens Take the Lead
Part of growing as a leader is taking ownership — and that starts now. Teens applying for Pathmakers or CIT are expected to:
- Complete their own application
- Watch their email for decision updates
- Communicate directly with our team when needed
Parents, you’ll still play an important role! Once your teen is accepted, you will complete their official registration and any required waivers through our registration system — teen leaders cannot complete those forms themselves.
We encourage parents to support and guide, but allow your teen to own the process. This helps prepare them for leadership, independence, and success at camp.
How to Apply
- Choose your program and session.
- Complete the online application by the deadline.
- Watch for your acceptance email on the decision date.
Important Notes:
- Spots are limited and fill quickly.
- Acceptance is based on application quality, not timing — but don’t wait until the last minute!
- No references required for any program.
Need Help?
For application or program questions, please contact Camp Director Serena Rogers at srogers@fcymca.org.