Camp L.E.A.D.
Camp L.E.A.D. is a week-long outdoor leadership camp for incoming freshman (current 8th graders) in Siskiyou County. Camp L.E.A.D. 2024 will be held from June 15th-21st. The application will come out in February and the deadline to apply for camp is May 10th. A parent and camper information session will be held in Yreka leading up to the application deadline in May. L.E.A.D. stands for Leadership Education, Adventure Driven and is formerly known as Camp Ford.
What is Camp L.E.A.D.?
The Siskiyou Family YMCA annually facilitates Camp L.E.A.D. for incoming 9th graders in Siskiyou County. This week-long outdoor leadership camp continues to be facilitated by by the Siskiyou Family YMCA and is supported by dedicated partners who support leadership programs for our Siskiyou County youth. Over 650 local youth have participated in this resident camp from 2010-2023.
Camp L.E.A.D. – “Unpacking The Magic”
A 2-year case study was conducted on Camp L.E.A.D. by the nationally recognized Search Institute. Their goal was to Provide a detailed picture of the Camp L.E.A.D. experience to inform future planning, evaluation and innovation. Research was collected and guided by the following questions: What do participants experience at Camp L.E.A.D? How do these experiences impact them? What goes into creating those experiences? Click the button below to see what they found out about this incredible camp!
How do I apply to be a camper?
To apply to Camp L.E.A.D., you must be a Siskiyou County graduating 8th grader going into a Siskiyou County High School. This can be public, private, or homeschool. Camp L.E.A.D. is a competitive application process which selects about 50 campers throughout the entire county and invites them to come to camp. Applicants must submit their own application. Any application filled out by anyone other than the student will be flagged. Any flagged applications may be rejected by the selection committee.
Camper References
To complete an application, two reference forms must be turned in before the deadline. One reference must be from one of the applicant’s teacher or administrative school staff. The other can be from a school administrator/staff. Another option for the second reference can be a family friend who has known the applicant for at least 2 years. Any forms should be turned in by the reference themselves, and will be kept confidential.
How do I apply as a counselor?
Counselors must have been a former Camp L.E.A.D camper and be a current high school sophomore or junior in Siskiyou County to apply. Counselors will support incoming freshman, to better prepare them for their transition to high school, connect with the outdoors and learn and practice leadership skills are invited to apply for counselor positions. This is a volunteer position. All food, rafting, training and travel is included. Please contact Program Director, Brandon Eller at brandon@siskiyou-ymca.org for more information and to access the counselor reference form.
