First time leader? Read this!

For more information, be sure to read the churchs' camp guide!

"Oh no! I've just been asked to be leader over the girls and I don't know where to start"

Oh boy, do we understand this feeling! Being assigned as a level leader can be intimidating if you don't know where to start. But don't you worry, we are here to help! You can do this!

First of all, here's what a typical day in the life of a leader/camper will look like.

There's an optional polar bear swim at 6:30am. The girls who want to wake up and go are welcome to walk down as long as they bring a buddy. No campers can walk around alone.

We have a wake up call at 7 am, everyone gets up and ready to meet at the flag pole by 7:45 where we raise the flag and start our day in the cafeteria for breakfast at 8. After breakfast, one leader from each level will stay for a staff meeting while the other leader takes the girls to camp devotional and scripture study as a group.

After that we have activity rotations, with choretime and lunch in the middle. We also bring around a little icecream truck and snack cart so no one should EVER go hungry at camp. We have more than enough food. Everyone is back at the flag at 5:45 for songs and dinner and a special program each night. Afterwards at 8:30 everyone goes back to their campsites for time together and as a leader you will host a devotional together. Many leaders also use this time for smores or other campfire fun. Its a great time to unwind and connect after a busy day. Lights out at 10pm and get some sleep to do it again the next day!

Every level will have their own assigned YCL leaders (campers ages 16-17) and they are the biggest help of all! They have been involved in nearly every aspect of camp and during that week we turn the majority of it over to them to run things so please let them shine and use them as your greatest asset. Click here for more information on working with the YCLS

You do get a budget of $350 (4th year more because of their trip), so please use it and save receipts. Some things the budget has been used for are decorations for camp, Feel free to create a level theme if you want or just decorate it in the camp colors for your year! Purchasing level color bandanas for each camper for them to wear! It's a great way to easily spot who belongs in your group. Pillow treats or fun surprises for them to find on their beds as they return to camp each night. And of course, smore supplies!

Here are some words of wisdom from one of our most seasoned level leaders, in no particular order:

"LOVE THEM!!!!

Be excited to be there!

Know how many girls you have in your level, pray for the girls, pray for your own preparation, take time to Listen to what the spirit has to share with you about the time you will spend at camp.

Level colors ? – 1 st years pink, 2 nd years green, 3 rd years blue, 4 th years yellow, YCL’s purple, stake leaders red

Know your budget and follow it. Don’t buy any specific item unless there is enough for all the girls as you may not find extras at another store location.

Know what the camp theme is.

Don’t be afraid to ask former camp leaders what they recommend but always follow the spirit.

Prepare get to know you games. It will help the girls get to know each other, but it will help you get to

know them more.

Review for allergies prior to buying any snacks/treats

Have a garbage can for each cabin – they are more likely to keep it clean if they have somewhere to put their trash

Bring a cooler for any food the YW bring to reduce little critters in the cabins.

Pillow treat each night to go with level devotional. Silly/childish gifts are okay too just remember to treat the young women as their age.

Have back up plans/activities (UNO, coloring books, colored pencils) in case of inclement weather or other interruption but don’t force the use of them, sometimes the young women improvise on their own and it creates a better bonding experience

Bandanas

Snacks for campfire ie. Smores supplies, Reese’s pb cup minis, Swedish fish, trail mix,

Decorate the campsite, simple or elaborate, go by the spirit

Bring a couple extra water bottles, someone will have forgotten theirs or lose it at camp. Keep up withthe girls to make sure they are drinking enough water, camp can get VERY HOT.

There are no exceptions to the buddy system. Lovingly reinforce that rule.

Listen to the girls, get to know them as you walk around camp. Pray to have help to remember their names and the things they share.

Encourage them to participate. Be an active participant with them.

Glow sticks are always a favorite

Be positive in all you say about camp, before, during and after, even if you are struggling.

If you have a Pinterest account, it’s a good place to keep your ideas

Dollar Tree is your friend

Encourage questions, don’t be afraid to say you don’t have the answer but be willing to guide them to

where they might find the answer.

***I always tell the YW that they must be in the cabin at lights out time and lights must be out or very dim and also that I will never tell them they actually have to go to sleep. As long as they stay in the cabin and are quiet, they can stay up as long as they want but there is no sleeping in, they have to get up on time. It is camp after all. Be patient, let them be kids, this is their week.

Campsite supplies

Feminine products *one package of pads is usually enough (make sure the girls know where they are)

Baby wipes

Paper towels

Dryer lint and newspaper for Firestarter ***know how to build and start a fire. Know how to sharpen a

pocketknife and how to use one safely so you can show the YW if they bring one.

Matches or lighter

Gloves

Clothesline for towels/swimsuits

Bring a small backpack with a small first aid kit

Bring a couple extra rain ponchos

A stadium cushion is great for use in the amphitheater (for leaders of course)"

We believe in you and we know where ever the spirit guides you as you prayerfully prepare for camp will be exactly what its meant to be! Thank you again and we can't wait!