Teen Leadership Camp
YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin’s 160 acres include rolling hills, fields, woods, waterfront access on beautiful Barlow Lake, hiking trails, various program areas, cabins and meeting spaces. We encourage you to schedule a tour with a staff member to see firsthand what our beautiful and historic property has to offer. Experience a week where the outdoors is the center of FUN and lasting friendships are made.
Leader in Training (LIT) - $1195
Ages: 15 or Completed 9th grade
The LIT program allows teen campers to explore and strengthen their leadership skills while developing positive character qualities, participating in service learning, and enjoying traditional camp activities. This two-week program focuses on leadership development and team building during the first week as a group. During the second week, LITs will take part in a Michigan road trip, exploring different destinations and experiences around the state.
This program is a required step for campers who wish to become a Counselor-in-Training and eventually a Co-Counselor.
Horse Track Option
A LIT horse track option is available to our campers who have previously participated in the horse program and want a more horse-focused experience. WITs will follow the LIT program structure but will spend the first week focusing on horsemanship, barn responsibilities, and advanced horse skills. During the second week, they will join the Michigan road trip.
Campers interested in this track should register for the LIT program. A member of our horse staff will connect with participants after arrival at camp to discuss placement within this horse track.
Week | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
1/2 | June 7-19 | Minecraft & Mario, The Force Awakens |
3/4 | June 21-July 3 | Passport to Adventure, Red, White and Woo-Hoo! |
5/6 | July 5-17 | Wizarding World, SummerWEEN |
7/8 | July 19-31 | Disneyverse, Waterpalooza |
Counselor-In-Training (CIT) - $995
Ages: 16 or Completed 10th Grade | Co-Ed
The CIT program allows our oldest teen campers to further develop their leadership skills while learning about youth development through the lens of a camp staff member. This two-week program focuses on staff-style training during the first week, preparing CITs to work directly with campers. During the second week, CITs are placed in cabins alongside counselors, where they gain hands-on experience supporting campers and assisting with daily activities. Upon successful completion of the program, participants may apply to serve as a Co-Counselor the following summer, the next step before becoming a YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin staff member.
Horse Track Option
A CIT horse track option is available for campers who wish to continue along the horsemanship path. HITs will complete CIT trainings during the first week and, during the second week, will be placed in a horse camp cabin where they gain hands-on experience supporting the equestrian program. This track is designed for those interested in becoming part of the horse staff in the future.
Campers interested this track should register for the CIT program. A member of our horse staff will connect with participants after arrival at camp to discuss placement within this horse track.
Week | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
1/2 | June 7-19 | Minecraft & Mario, The Force Awakens |
3/4 | June 21-July 3 | Passport to Adventure, Red, White and Woo-Hoo! |
5/6 | July 5-17 | Wizarding World, SummerWEEN |
7/8 | July 19-31 | Disneyverse, Waterpalooza |
Camp Activities
*Some activities vary by age group.