The Day is Finally Here!

The night before Youth Leadership Camp, some of us campers did not have a good sleep as we were getting antsy about YLC. Even though some of us didn’t sleep well, we still were so excited and curious to find out what YLC had in store for us. On the way to the camp, we each were trying to visualize many things like what the campground looks like and what would happen. One thing we all knew was that YLC would be a rich experience and that we all would have a blast while being in YLC for a month! When we arrived at the Portland airport, we finally encountered the kids and staff that we will be living with for a month! When we got on the bus, we travelled from Portland to Stayton for approximately an hour and 15 minutes. While on the bus, we were chatting and making new friends. When we got off the bus, we finally saw the campground. The camp ground is in the middle of the woods, it has cabins, a leadership hall, a basketball court, a swimming pool, and etc. We were bewildered that the campground wasn’t what we expected but we were very happy to be here. We met more staffs and more kids. We all gathered to listen to YLC’s rules and expectations. When the lecture was finished, we chatted for a few minutes--it was hard to believe that we actually are at YLC! We were so worn out and tired. We were so ready to say good night to YLC and we got in our beds and had a long good sleep.

Eager beaver campers!


Camilla Crump is ready to check out the cabin and claim her bunk!



Dolan Edney is meeting his new YLC mates after months of anticipation.


Campers interacting outside of the Leadership Hall while getting checked in....



Tory Sampson is about to get her first taste of camp grub!



Keaunna Bolden and Shanice White know not to talk with their mouths full!



Campers doing the famous YLC chant for the first time!



Jesse Jones III, The Camp Coordinator outlining Camp Policies for the campers.



Travis Clevenger, Camp Director and campers watch as Allie Rice, the Coordinator of the NAD Youth Program and Jesse Jones III introduce themselves.