Get Ready to Lead!

We are excited to offer teen leadership opportunities at Camp Orkila to help teens become multi-cultural leaders. Counselor in Training, Islanders, and Orkila Summer Intern programs all require an application and interview process. The Orkila Summer Intern program also requires references.

Islanders

Grades: 10th-12th in fall 2026
Cost: $5600 / $4900 / $4200
Dates: Session 5C: August 1 - August 28

Participants learn advanced boat handling, advanced navigation, and expedition planning. Working as a team, groups will plan their own trip through the San Juan Islands. This trip will challenge perseverance, kayak skills, and leadership abilities. Islander participants will take what they have learned and practice leading their peers at least once as Leader of the Day.

Counselor in Training (CIT)

Grades: 11th-12th in fall 2026
Cost: $5600 / $4900 / $4200
Dates: Session 1C: July 6 - July 31 OR Session 5C: August 1 - August 28

Participants take the first step in becoming a cabin counselor. Participants focus on team building, leadership skills, and counseling techniques while at camp. This four-week program includes a week of training and team building, a week "in unit" working directly with a traditional or specialty cabin group, a week focused on service both at camp and in the greater Orcas Island community, and a final week to celebrate and reflect.

Orkila Summer Intern (OSI)

Grades: 12th in fall 2026, and under age 18 for duration of program
Cost: $1100 / $1000 / $900
Dates*: Session 1C: July 6 - July 31 OR Session 5C: August 1 - August 28

* Please note that all OSIs will attend training June 29 - July 6.

Teens will participate in a unique, multi-faceted leadership experience that prepares them for future positions of responsibility. The internship offers a great chance to develop your resume, gain work experience and build friendships. Participants will attend training and then will fulfill various roles around camp during an exciting four weeks, expanding their leadership knowledge and enhancing the camp experience.

OSI applicants will be required to submit references as a part of the application process.

Application priority deadline is December 15, 2025

First decision letters will be sent out starting December 19, 2025. For applications submitted after December 15, decision letters will be sent out on a rolling basis until programs fill. Please allow 5-7 business days for follow-up instructions once your application has been submitted. If accepted, registration instructions will be included in your decision letter.

Applicant Information

Please provide your personal information below.

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name or Nickname

Email Address

Phone Number

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Parent/Guardian Information

Please provide the contact information of the parent or guardian.

Parent/Guardian 1

First Name of Parent/Guardian 1

Last Name of Parent/Guardian 1

Email Address of Parent/Guardian 1

Phone Number of Parent/Guardian 1

Add Another Parent/Guardian

Parent/Guardian 2

First Name of Parent/Guardian 2

Last Name of Parent/Guardian 2

Email Address of Parent/Guardian 2

Phone Number of Parent/Guardian 2

Questions for Applicant

Please provide answers to the questions below.

Date of Birth

What grade will you be entering in the fall of 2026?

Available Programs

There are multiple programs that you may apply for. Please read the following in regards to eligibility.

Islanders: Entering 10th-12th grade.
Counselor in Training (CIT): Entering 11th-12th grade.
Orkila Summer Intern (OSI): Entering 12th grade, under 18 for duration of program.

Please rank the programs you are applying for.

1 is your top preference. If you are not applying to a program, please choose "Not Applying."

Questions	1	2	3	Not Applying
Islanders	1	2	3	Not Applying
Counselor in Training	1	2	3	Not Applying
Orkila Summer Intern	1	2	3	Not Applying

If accepted into the CIT Program or the OSI Program, which session(s) would you be available for? As this is a competitive program, higher priority will be given to those who are flexible. Please check all that apply.


Session 1C: July 6 – July 31	Session 1C: July 6 – July 31
Session 5C: August 1- August 28	Session 5C: August 1- August 28
Unsure	Unsure

* Please note that all OSIs will attend training June 29 - July 6.

We are currently planning to run only one Islanders session this summer, from August 1 to August 28. We may open an additional session depending on interest. Which session(s) would you be available for? Please check all that apply.


Session 1C: July 6 – July 31	Session 1C: July 6 – July 31
Session 5C: August 1- August 28	Session 5C: August 1- August 28
Unsure	Unsure

Why would you like to be a part of the program(s) that you are applying for?

What is a group that you have been proud to be a part of, and what role did you play in that group?

What is a specific aspect of your life that demonstrates your commitment to the YMCA Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Caring, and Passion for Excellence?

Please describe your previous kayaking or outdoor experience, and what were the top three things you learned from those experiences?

Camp Orkila Teen Leadership Application