SDP Program

SDP

STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Staff Development Program is a four-year leadership program for high school students that focuses on character development and service. This program is for teens who want to learn the skills necessary to transition from camper to camp staff. SDPs learn about leadership, camp counseling techniques, including how to be a positive role model for the campers, and how to facilitate camp activities. SDPs who successfully complete the four levels of this program will have a skill set that will transfer to any career path.

Year 1

Year 1 SDPs, typically campers entering 9th or 10th grade in the fall, are required to attend one of the Year 1 SDP Training Weeks. During this week of camp, they will live with other first-time SDPs and will grow as leaders under the direction of the SDP Manager. Teenagers going into 9th or 10th grade are not required to have attended YCB before to join the program.

Training Week Dates:
Training Week 1: June 28-July 4
Training Week 2: July 12-18
Price: $625 Members, $675 Non Members

*Discount Applied by the Camp Director after registration.

Year 2

Come to camp for as many weeks as you like and live with the campers and counselors serving as a role-model for the cabin. Training intensifies becoming more program specific, as Year 2 SDPs will be in charge of campers throughout the day. You will also have a daily meeting with the camp’s Leadership Staff in which you will talk about the process and learn new skills to help you become a better SDP. Year 2 SDP’s are also able to apply for the KIT program at this point.

Dates:
Adventure Week 1: June 28-July 4
Adventure Week 2: July 5-11
Adventure Week 3: July 12-18
Adventure Week 4: July 19-25
Adventure Week 5: July 26-August 1
Price: $525 Members, $575 Non Members

*Discount Applied by the Camp Director after registration.

Year 3

Year 3 SDPs are eligible to participate as an SDP for as many weeks as they like. Year 3 SDPs have increased responsibility, time with campers and expectations. Camp Benson is much more selective of who progresses to this level as we will seriously begin to talk about their role as future staff members at YMCA Camp Benson. Year 3 SPDs are also eligible to enroll in the KIT programs at this point.

*Discount Applied by the Camp Director after registration.

Year 4

Year 4 SDPs are allowed to come to camp for as many weeks as they like. Year 4 SDPs will experience top level responsibility including cabin responsibilities and leadership. Year 4 SDPs are the largest pool of potential staff members. Year 4 SDPs may be granted a formal staff interview in the winter, prior to the start of camp. Year 4 SDPs are also eligible to enroll in the KIT programs at this point.

Dates:
Adventure Week 1: June 28-July 4
Adventure Week 2: July 5-11
Adventure Week 3: July 12-18
Adventure Week 4: July 19-25
Adventure Week 5: July 25-August 1
Price: $100 Members, $125 Non Members

*Discount Applied by the Camp Director after registration.