This past July, 14-year-old Mikayla Hocker attended Camp Ford, a week-long outdoor leadership camp for teens who are starting their freshman year at Siskiyou County high schools. The camp is a collaboration of four partners: The Ford Family Foundation, Siskiyou Family YMCA, Rural Development Initiatives and Adventure White Water. In 2014, the Camp Ford name changes to Camp L.E.A.D., an acronym for “Leadership Education. Adventure Driven.” Along with specific training in leadership development, an array of fun camp activities and adventures further develop participants’ skills, and foster new friendships too.
Mikayla describes her experience at the camp: “The thing that I was most passionate about at Camp Ford was the amazing leadership activities. We got to find out what kind of leader we are, and learned how to help others more effectively according to our leadership type. We learned the four stages of performing with a group, how to open up and come out of our shell, and we also got to go river rafting every single day.”
NSP: What is it that got you involved with Camp Ford?
MH: “My sister went to Camp Ford the year before I did, and we are both very involved with leadership and volunteer work.”
NSP: What has contributed to helping you apply what you learned during your camp experience?
MH: “The friends that I made at camp have helped me become a better leader.”
NSP: What are you most proud of?
MH: “I am most proud that Camp Ford helped me break out of my shell and that I learned to take responsible risks. We had campfire almost every night, and at every campfire we had performances of some sort. The campers made up their own skits and sang songs in front of everyone. I have stage fright, but I loved being able to go out in front of everyone and sing without being scared.”
NSP: Do you recommend the camp experience to others?
MH: “Camp Ford was an absolutely amazing experience for me, and I strongly suggest that students attend. The camp is in the summer for 8th graders entering high school. All the camp counselors are Camp Ford graduates. It is sponsored by the Siskiyou Family YMCA so if you want to go, get in touch with them.”
To find out more about Camp Ford, contact Brady Svilich at (530) 842-0613 or visit the YMCA website at http://www.siskiyou-ymca.org. To contact Mikayla, email 9389@sisuhsd.net.
Posted in: Youth & Teen
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
A Blastoff Birthday Bash
Children love birthday parties that cater to their special interests and parents often have a lot of fun planning a themed bash. This year, while homing in on a birthday […]
Teaching Your Teen How to Drive Safely
Parents often want to supplement the official driving lessons of their teenage children with their own parental instruction behind the wheel. And that is a great idea. Studies show that […]
A Cuddly, Candy-Free Halloween Gift That Children Will Love
Before we know it, Halloween will be here to enchant children big and small. If you are looking for a candy-free Halloween gift for your children, consider giving an adorable, […]
Teen Drivers Don’t Have to Drive You Crazy
Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone most teens look forward to, but many parents approach this day with trepidation. As the mother of a teenage driver, I have […]
