Teen Leadership Camp

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“Higher Ground gave me a chance to try things and meet people I never would have before. It’s fun, but it’s also so much more. It taught me I can make a difference.”
-Jared, Camper 2008

“Climbing a mountain, mentoring little kids, kayaking for the first time, performing in front a whole group. I feel like I can do anything now. Camp has made me a better student, a better friend.”
-Julia, Camper 2008

Higher Ground Teen Leadership Camp

Since 1999, Higher Ground has helped students entering grades 8 to 12 realize their leadership potential through a challenging, fun and supportive camp experience.

Campers become leaders at Higher Ground through a mix of outdoor adventure, building construction, team sports, group challenges and self-discovery projects. Higher Ground offers teens entering grades 8-12 an unforgettable summer focusing on building confidence, character, friendships and memories. Campers learn the power and value of hard work and community service as they become peer mentors to one another and role models for younger campers–leading building, sports and other challenge activities.

Higher Ground offers three one-week sessions beginning July 25, August 1 and August 8 at the West Suburban YMCA’s Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. One of the country’s premiere residential camps featuring over 1000 feet of sandy shoreline against 52 sprawling acres of natural woodland, Camp Day provides Higher Ground with impressive facilities including its historic dining hall, tennis and basketball courts, athletic fields, performing arts center and new camper bath houses. Campers enjoy the dining hall's healthy menu planned by a certified nutritionist.

With a camper to staff ratio of 4:1, experienced and trained NCSC counselors provide an exceptional degree of individual attention to each teen. The camp provides a 24-hour infirmary staffed by registered nurses and an on-call doctor. The expansive aquatics program is run by American Red Cross certified lifeguards and instructors, while the climbing tower is supervised by certified outdoor educators.

Teens get involved in:

• Carpentry/Building
• Tennis
• Kayaking
• Archery
• Basketball
• Boating
• Hiking
• Soccer
• Coaching
• Mentoring
• Swimming
• Water Skiing
• Team building
• Climbing Tower