JUNCTION CITY – Breaking the ice isn’t overly complicated or intimidating at the Kansas Association for Youth Leadership Camp. 

“The atmosphere is just so loving and caring,” said Caney Valley junior Ally Wade. “Even if they're a little nervous at the beginning, you can really see people come out of their shells here.”

There was no shortage of creative ways to spread positivity during last week’s five-day, four-night camp at Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City. 

One tactic in particular proved popular. 

“All the area presidents brought about 150 clothespins with different motivational quotes or slogans,” said Mill Valley senior Jordan Powell. “We pass them around for the week. They say things like ‘You rock!’ or ‘You look beautiful!’ – just positive messages that everyone can benefit from hearing at least once a day.” 

“Some people try to clip you sneakily,” Wade said. “It’s a really fun way to show that people notice you.”

KLC numbers increased to a capacity level this year with 255 total campers – 188 high schoolers and 67 middle schoolers. Picturesque weather for most of the week was an added bonus for the energetic group of campers eager to hone their leadership skills. 

“It’s a special, special place,” KAY State Director Sarah Smith said. “They meet kids from all over the state, work as a team, collaborate and use their creativity. 

“Sometimes they find hidden talents they didn’t even know they had. Many of them make life-long friendships.”

Camp activities include team meetings (brainstorming skills, designing and presenting a project, serving a camp meal), creative period sessions (creating/contributing to a camp activity), leadership labs (understanding leadership techniques and responsibilities, sharing ideas) and Laugh, Love and Lift sessions (presentations on special interest topics). 

“(Leadership) can come natural, but you realize you don’t have it all until you come to camp,” said Wamego senior Joel Schiel, who was attending the KLC for the fifth year. “You’re able to gain the experience and learn the skills.”

“I was a very shy middle schooler,” said Powell, also a fifth-year camper. “KLC has definitely been the No. 1 thing to get me into a leadership role. I’ve grown into it because of this organization.

“It truly does teach kids  – who aren’t able to learn it in other ways – things like leadership, integrity and dependability.”

Recreational activities at the KLC include aerobic/yoga, archery/rifle range, biking, canoeing, crafts, dance, games, horseback riding, lawn games, rock wall climbing, swimming, sand volleyball and whiffle ball. 

Each evening is capped with programs largely put together by campers. 

“Everything feels new each year,” Schiel said. “The food is new, the energy is new. It makes it a really fun place to be.”

A highlight for many campers was Wednesday’s Fun Night, which included humorous skits from each of the color-coded teams. 

“Our color group was representing enthusiasm, so we did the Lorax as a skit. I ended up being the Lorax,” Wade said. “That was probably my favorite thing.”

The camp runs like a well-oiled machine, which is no surprise considering the vast experience of the KLC staff, adding up to over 400 years of combined camp service time. 

“The staff is fantastic,” said Smith, who is entering her third year as KAY director after joining KSHSAA as an assistant executive director in July 2023. “They’re passionate about the KAY program, they’re passionate about this camp and they’re passionate about the kids. They see leaders in all of these kids and all of the potential they have. 

“It’s a testament to how great this camp is that they come back every year.”

KLC associate directors Marlene Cailteux and Trish Bandré have served on the camp staff for 42 and 38 years, respectively. Camp nurse Carol Lutz is also a 38-year staffer. 

All three are in the Cheryl Gleason KAY Leadership Camp Hall of Fame along with fellow current KLC staff members Jenny White (35th year), Kelly Garcia (30th year), Stacey Merando (28th year), Teresa Clounch (27th year) and Jolene Goodheart Peterson, who joined the camp staff hall of fame this year in her 25th year of service. Gleason, who was KAY director from 1989 to 2021 before retiring, served the camp for 54 years. 
 

This year’s camp was especially meaningful for camp director Smith, whose daughters Sydney and Belle both attended KLC. Sydney joined the camp staff this year while Belle, a senior at Doniphan West, was a camper.
 
Rock Springs, nestled in the Flint Hills, has been home for the KLC for over 70 years, providing a perfect set-up. 

“They’re so accommodating,” Powell said. “The facilities are very well maintained. All the staff members here love the campers and we love them.”

KAY was formed in 1946 under the direction of Wanda May Vinson. Its mission statement is to empower Kansas students with lifetime leadership skills and an attitude of service to others. 

“We’re all here because we like to help and serve other people,” Wade said. “Seeing how many different types of people love to do that, it’s just amazing.”

Joining Powell and Wade as KAY area Presidents are Lillie Weiser (Onaga), Mason Rohleder (Ellis), Louis McVey (Otis-Bison) and Indigo Nichols (Norwich). 

“Being an area president is definitely different compared to a regular camper, but I’ve been able to enter a leadership role and take on more responsibility,” Powell said. “You’re able to do outreach with more people. It’s really fun and really rewarding.”

The last night of camp included a banquet, preceded by a tradition in which the boys serenade the girls with a song. The evening session featured a choir performance and poetry readings before a traditional campfire and lowering of the U.S. and KAY flags closed the night. 

By Friday afternoon, campers were headed back to their communities, ready to attack the new school year. 

“We see kids come here and they’re bashful and a little unsure of themselves,” Smith said. “By the end of the week, they’re completely different kids. Their confidence is incredible. They meet new friends and really come out of their shells. 

“They find the leader in themselves. That transformation that we see in our kids is what brings me the greatest enjoyment from this camp.”