Girls Summer Leadership Camp
Patsy Collins Adventure in Leadership
(PCAL)
be yourself. be a leader.
Overview | Our Programs-What do we offer? | PCAL | YGIRLS Day Camp (PCAL in the City) Dates and Prices | Financial Assistance | How to Apply | Guiding Principles | Motivation | Location and Facilities | Staff and Guest Speakers
Our Namesake | Testimonials | Volunteer/Employment Opportunities
Join us this summer! Have fun while learning leadership skills, creating lasting friendships, and building self-confidence! 
Overview
PCAL is an exciting program designed for middle school girls. The program helps girls develop to their fullest potential through leadership, service and wellness. Girls participate in adventure activities such as rock climbing and attend workshops focused on leadership skills. Group projects strengthen team building and create lasting friendships. We encourage girls who have a desire to work towards a positive future for themselves and others to apply.
Our Programs--What do we offer?
Choose between our two unique girls' leadership programs! Alumnae of the program can rekindle the PCAL spirit on a kayak trip through the San Juan Islands.
Patsy Collins Adventure in Leadership (PCAL): Spend 14 amazing days on beautiful Orcas Island with other girls in middle school, a dynamic female staff and influential guest speakers.
YGIRLS Day Camp (formerly PCAL In The City): Stay close to home while still experiencing the PCAL spirit in this four-day long day camp.
PATSY COLLINS ADVENTURE IN LEADERSHIP (PCAL)
Who?
Girls entering 8th & 9th grades in Fall 2009
When/Where?
Choose one 14-day session: (dates for summer 2009)
*June 30 - July 14
*July 14 - July 28
Located at YMCA Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. Accommodations include spacious cottages equipped with hot water, electricity, full kitchen, lounge area and two bathrooms.
What's it all about?
PCAL is an intensive, residential camp that empowers girls with the self-confidence to lead, the spirit to give back to their communities, and the awareness to live a healthy and balanced life by providing active leadership development workshops, service learning projects and group building opportunities.
How Much?
Recognizing that families have varying abilities to pay, we have instituted a three-tier fee schedule.
Financial Aid is available, so please contact us for information.
Questions?
Contact Tina Throm at 206-223-1622 or tthrom@seattleymca.org for more information.
YGIRLS Day Camp (formerly PCAL IN THE CITY)
Who?
Girls entering 7th & 8th grades in Fall 2009
When/Where?
August 3rd-7th, or August 10th-14th 9am-5pm each day
Participants meet daily at the Downtown Seattle YMCA located at 909 4th Ave, Seattle
What's it all about?
YGIRLS is an exciting summer day program that encourages middle school girls to develop their leadership skills, serve their community and engage in fun and healthy activities. Participants willl meet each day in Seattle for a day filled with fun leadership activities and service. YGIRLS Day Camp is the perfect option for girls who want to experience the PCAL spirit closer to home.
How Much?
Prices for 2009 are not yet established--check back soon!
Financial Aid is available.
Questions?
Contact Tina Throm at 206-223-1622 or tthrom@seattleymca.org for more information.
PCAL Alumnae Trip
Who?
Join your friends and make new ones while kayaking throughout the San Juan Islands. Days will be packed with camping, tide charts, paddling, leading others, and fun, laughter, sunshine and good times!
When/Where?
Kayak Trip: August 18-25 Camp Orkila & San Juan Islands
Dates & Prices
| YGIRLS Day Camp | Aug 3-7 or 10-14th | TBD |
| PCAL Session 1 | June 30 - July 14 | TBD |
| PCAL Session 2 | July 14 - July 28 | TBD |
Alumnae Kayak Trip
August 18 - August 25
TBD
*Realizing that families have different abilities to pay, we have instituted a voluntary three-tier fee program. You may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. The first tier is our historically subsidized price for families, while the third tier more closely reflects the actual cost of the program.
Financial Assistance
Financial Aid is available based on family size and annual income. Please inquire about financial assistance if needed.
How to Apply
PCAL Program
Metrocenter YMCA
909 4th Ave
Seattle WA 98104
Contact us: 206-223-1622 or tthrom@seattleymca.org for more information.
For More Information
If you have any questions or need more information about PCAL or YGIRLS Day Camp, please contact our Girls' Leadership Program Director, Tina Throm, at
(206) 223-1622 or tthrom@seattleymca.org
Guiding Principles
Leadership: Girls develop their leadership skills and personal style in fun, interactive workshops on topics such as conflict resolution and public speaking.
Service: By working with other motivated young women to complete hands-on service projects program participants are able to take their leadership skills to the next level. They also meet inspiring community leaders and learn how to make a difference in the world.
Wellness: Exploring activities like yoga, karate, ultimate Frisbee, BMX biking, hip hop dance and boating gives girls the chance to be active in a non-competitive environment. Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking part in low and high ropes courses and Camp Orkila’s climbing wall.
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Motivation
Middle school is a critical time in the lives of adolescent girls. Negative media images and societal expectations can damage girls’ self-esteem. The Patsy Collins Adventure in Leadership program was designed by women leaders in the YMCA to empower girls to become leaders during these pivotal years. Personal reflection, engaging workshops and experiential opportunities create a positive environment where girls build their self-confidence. Staff, volunteers and peers encourage healthy risk-taking. Girls thrive in the supportive atmosphere which allows them to develop authentic friendships based on mutual respect and trust. This program is a life-changing experience.
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Location and Facilities
The program is based at the Dederer Family Conference Center at YMCA Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. Accommodations include spacious cottages for 12 girls and 3 staff members. The cottages are equipped with full kitchen, lounge area, two bathrooms, and comfortable bunk beds.
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Staff and Guest Speakers
Our staff is a talented group of women who care about girls and the unique issues they face. All staff members are trained extensively by the YMCA and bring a wealth of experience in youth development to the program. Our staff to camper ratio is 1:4, which makes it possible for each girl to receive the personal attention and mentoring she deserves. Visiting female role models from a variety of backgrounds lead workshops and activities. Guest speakers have included politicians, athletes, scientists, artists and businesswomen.
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Our Namesake
Adventure in Leadership was named in honor of the late Patsy Bullit Collins, an influential role model who made a tremendous impact on the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest. Her civic involvement was legendary - she gave her boundless energy and financial commitment to many causes including civil rights, women and families, the arts, and the environment. Patsy was personally involved in the program as a guest speaker until 2001.
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Testimonials
“The program exceeded our expectations. Our daughter was absolutely thrilled.”
“The program gave me the confidence to speak up for what I believe in.”
“My daughter came home ready to conquer the world. She couldn’t wait to start applying the values and skills that she learned about to her life.”
“PCAL is the most amazing experience I have ever been through!...I met so many new people, and I know we will be friends forever. PCAL has changed my life in so many ways. ”
“PCAL challenged me – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.”
“I will take what I’ve learned at PCAL with me wherever I go.”
“PCAL didn’t teach me how to make friendship bracelets or French braid hair like normal camps, it taught me how to love life and other people, be positive, and it taught me that you can make true friends by being yourself.”
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Volunteer/Employment Opportunities
Share your leadership and passion for empowering young women by becoming a PCAL Cabin Leader, guest speaker or volunteer. Contact Tina Throm, Program Director, at tthrom@seattleymca.org or Sarah Binner, Volunteer Coordinator at sbinner@seattleymca.org for details.