This past weekend, we had the joy of hosting our 2024 Leaders in Training (LIT) reunion at Camp Mini-Yo-We. The reunion serves as a milestone for these young leaders—a final gathering as campers before they step into the next phase of their journey as staff members. It’s also a time to reconnect with the friends and leaders who have been such a big part of their lives and to keep the momentum of growth and development from the summer going strong.
Why Do They Come Back?
When talking with LITs about what draws them back to Camp Mini-Yo-We, they have a variety of reasons:
- Emily & Will: They remember how much they looked up to their cabin leaders as campers. Those leaders made such a positive impact on their lives, and now they want to do the same for their future campers.
- Caleb: He had an absolute blast during his practical experience and volunteer weeks as an LIT last summer. For him, Camp is about having fun and creating more amazing memories.
- Kristian & Nadia: They’re focused on growing in their relationships with God and want to be role models for the campers they’ll lead next summer. They want to be a leader who their campers feel comfortable talking with.
What stands out in all of their stories is the LITs’ desire to give back and to create for others the kind of meaningful experiences they’ve had at Mini-Yo-We.
A Community That Shows Up
This weekend was a success because of the incredible people who made it happen. Nine out of ten small group leaders returned for the reunion—our highest turnout yet—along with both LIT directors. Many of these leaders are deep into their fall post-secondary semesters, juggling final projects, exams, and busy schedules, yet they chose to spend their weekend at Camp.
When asked why they made the trip, their responses were simple: they care deeply about their LITs and want to see them thrive. For these leaders, being there wasn’t a question. It’s just what you do when you’re part of a community like this.
Making It Happen
It wasn’t just the small group leaders who made the weekend possible. Parents of LITs ensured their kids could attend by getting them to Muskoka. Our 2024/25 Mini-Yo-We interns worked behind the scenes to make sure Camp was ready. And then there’s Avery Malloch, one of our LIT directors, who has been planning this weekend since the summer ended. Every detail was carefully thought out and purposeful. Avery’s dedication ensured this weekend was one to remember!
More Than Just a Weekend
When reflecting on the reunion, Avery and her co-director, Hunter Birch, described it as an extension of the summer. As soon as everyone arrived, it felt like no time had passed. That’s the kind of community Camp fosters—one that feels like home, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve been together.
The reunion ended with a moment of gratitude. Avery invited the LITs to share what they were thankful for, and the responses were incredible. For example:
- Some expressed gratitude for peers like Tyler, who has been investing in his friends’ faith journeys and offering consistent encouragement.
- Others highlighted leaders like Josh “Fender” Matthews, whose care and intentionality have made a lasting impact.
- Many LITs shared how much they appreciated their small groups and the support they’ve received from their peers.
It was a reminder that what makes LIT and Mini-Yo-We so special isn’t the physical property (although we all love the beauty of Camp). It’s the people and the community they form and strengthen year after year.
You Can Join the Team!
If you missed last week’s blog post, be sure to read Welcoming 2024 LITs to Our 2025 Summer Staff Team to find out more about our leadership pathway and the many benefits of being on staff at Mini-Yo-We. Want to be part of this amazing community? Apply for a summer staff role now! Positions are filling quickly—about 75% of last summer’s LITs have already started their staff applications, and many were hired during the weekend.