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Young Adults Leadership Program

Empowering young adults who’ve experienced cancer to confidently pursue adult lives of intention, service, and leadership.

Young Adult Leadership Program participants
The group in the kitchen area

As you move into the next stage of your life, you likely have many questions— what makes you unique? What things are you passionate about and how can you make a difference in the world? What does a good leader look like and how can you be one? 

These questions and others will be addressed in this one-week program for individuals ages 18-21. It will be held at Camp Timber Tops, August 11-17, 2024, alongside but as a separate program from the Ronald McDonald Camp. The focus of the program is to have a great time while you learn more about yourself, develop your leadership skills, and enjoy being part of a group of people your age.  

Note: If you are a high school senior and still uncertain what you will be doing in the Fall (ex.—if you plan to go to college and don’t know which school/what week freshmen orientation will be), please fill out an application anyway and we will work with you closer to August to determine what works for you.  

Year 1: 

In your first year of the program you will spend the majority of your time with other members of your YA cohort exploring and developing your strengths as identified using the Clifton Strengths Assessment (provided by RMC, and to be completed prior to the start of the program). Through various Leadership Sessions, team building activities, and regular camp programming, you’ll examine the complementary nature of Strengths Based leadership. You will work with your fellow Year 1 YA’s to act as Consultants for the Junior and Senior Camp Program Directors to develop and lead a program for each camp at the end of the week. 

Year 2: 

This year, you’ll get the opportunity to put your strengths into action in two main ways. First, you’ll get the opportunity to share your experiences with the Year 1 YA’s through co-leading and facilitating some of the Leadership Sessions with the YA Program Advisors. You will also be partnered with a seasoned RMC Counselor/staff in developing and leading an activity that benefits camp. Depending on your availability, some of this coordination will be done prior to the camp week via email, phone calls, virtual calls, etc. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the Year 1 Leadership Sessions as your schedule allows throughout the week. At the completion of the week, you’ll receive a certificate of participation, and we’ll celebrate your contribution to camp. 

Both years will have opportunities to participate in regular camp activities, such as the Ropes Course, the Lake, Cooking, swimming, and other activities as decided at camp. While the week has a structure and set goals for the YA participants, there is the opportunity for changes during the week based on the interests and dynamic of the group.   

Eligibility:  

  • Childhood cancer patient or sibling (siblings must have been a former RMC camper) 
  • Ages 18-21 
  • Able to live independently  
  • A physical exam within 12 months of camp, using the Ronald McDonald Camp YA physical form 
  • Background clearances (PA child abuse, FBI, criminal background check) 
  • A willing spirit!