Among our six guiding principles, the final pillar is “Mission.” This essential aspect of our philosophy centers on developing tomorrow’s leaders. We firmly believe in each generation’s power to help mold the next, with the purpose of transforming communities for Christ near and far! At Camp Mini-Yo-We, we are dedicated to growing and nurturing young leaders and equipping them with skills and experiences that will serve them throughout their lives.
“The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already.” – John Buchan (Novelist, Historian, Politician and 15th Governor General of Canada)
This quote elegantly encapsulates an aspect of our approach at Camp Mini-Yo-We. We believe every young camper has inherent potential, and our hope is to unearth this greatness, transforming it into effective leadership. Their journey of learning while in our community is where their leadership potential is discovered and nurtured and eventually flourishes.
Leadership: A Domino Effect
At Camp Mini-Yo-We, our understanding of leadership is distinct and well-defined. It’s not about creating followers but about building more leaders. We are passionate about empowering the young leaders among us to inspire and lead their peers, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond Mary Lake. Our dedicated summer staff & interns are a testament to this, most of whom were once campers themselves, embodying the transformation we aim to foster in each young leader.
The Benefits of Youth Leadership
Our mission to foster leadership in young people is not just based on just observation but also backed by research. A recent study shows that young people who discover a passion for leading early in life and are supported in pursuing it show higher levels of growth and personal development, have greater success in school and avoid risky behaviours. This research underlines the importance of environments such as Camp Mini-Yo-We that foster this kind of discovery and leadership development in young people like your camper [ref].
At Camp Mini-Yo-We, we strive to be the supportive environment that ignites these sparks in our campers, driving their leadership development and aiding their personal growth.
It’s All About “Them”
Our focus at Camp Mini-Yo-We is always on the next generation, on those who are yet to come.
We deeply respect and admire our campers’ potential, and our goal is to assist in realizing this potential to its fullest extent. Our purpose revolves around guiding these young individuals to take on the mantle of leadership and pass it on in turn. We are committed to this cyclical process of nurturing, inspiring and growing leaders.
A Journey of Growth: A Mini-Yo-We Story
Imagine a six-year-old camper stepping into Camp Mini-Yo-We for the first time this summer in 2023, embarking on a transformative journey that will shape their life and create lifelong connections. As the years unfold, so does their remarkable personal development within the Mini-Yo-We community, every milestone building upon the last.
Just after their first experience, they return to school that fall with an adventurous spirit and newfound confidence, sharing their camp stories with friends and teachers. Their increased self-esteem and developed social skills, nurtured at Mini-Yo-We, is reflected in their academic performance and extracurricular participation.
In 2028, as they turn 11, they embark on the Voyageur Canoe Trip, a significant rite of passage. This immersive experience cultivates resilience, teamwork and self-reliance as they navigate the beautiful waterways of Muskoka.
In school, their growth becomes more evident. Their teamwork and resilience fostered at Mini-Yo-We, enables them to work collaboratively in group projects and excel in sports. The skills learned on the canoe trip, including patience, problem-solving, and leadership, have tangible benefits back at school and home. At church, they lean in on conversations more and ask follow-up questions because they saw other young leaders doing that Mini-Yo-We over the summer.
In 2032, at 15, they enter the Enterprise program, a pivotal stage in their growth. Through hands-on projects and service initiatives, they learn the importance of empathy, compassion and making meaningful differences in the lives of others.
This learning translates into more active participation in local community service programs and an understanding the importance of giving back. In fact, they organize their schoolmates to pack 10,000 meals for a local food bank at Christmas time that year. The principles of empathy and compassion developed at Mini-Yo-We lead them to act as a mentor and confidante to their peers.
Then, in 2033, they transition into the Leaders in Training program. As they celebrate their 16th birthday with their “camp friends,” they immerse themselves in an intensive leadership curriculum, acquiring essential skills, fostering self-confidence and discovering their unique leadership style.
Back in their daily life, they become more assertive in expressing their ideas and opinions. They discover that they can influence and inspire others, just as they were at Mini-Yo-We. They have a deeper sense of their own faith in Jesus and have launched a “Christian club” at their high school that changes the opinions of some of their peers that think that Christians are just narrow-minded people. They take on leadership roles at school and community projects, displaying maturity and responsibility beyond their years.
At 18 years old, in 2035, they return for their second summer as a staff member, assuming roles of responsibility and mentorship. They inspire younger campers, model integrity and character, and contribute to the vibrant and inclusive Mini-Yo-We community. They love the fact that they get to be a cabin leader in Discovery Camp, serving six-year-olds and reflecting on how they came to Mini-Yo-We “all those years ago” at the same age.
After graduating high school, they seize the opportunity to participate in the year-long internship program. They ring in New Year’s 2037 by hosting a group for a night torch hike to Dead Man’s Island and gazing up at the stars. They reflect on how this place has held such a special place in their life so far and wonder what the future will hold. During this transformative year, they gain valuable insights into their passions and purposes, setting a clear path for their future endeavours.
With their career choice influenced by their experiences at Mini-Yo-We, they seek to create a work-life balance that incorporates the values they have embraced at camp. They understand the value of working hard, but you also need to unplug and relax with family and friends to refuel. The commitment, discipline, and teamwork learned from their internship guide them in pursuing a fulfilling career.
In 2041, at 24, they find themselves returning to volunteer at Summer’s End, an event that marks the culmination of the summer season and celebrates the young leaders that make Mini-Yo-We happen every summer. As they contribute their time and expertise, they witness the impact of their growth and development on the next generation.
Their continued involvement with Mini-Yo-We influences their own approach to mentoring, both at work and in their personal life. They decide to take up being a volunteer at their church’s student ministry. Trying to create some of the magic they experienced during those high school years for kids from their community. Their volunteer work reminds them of the value of a nurturing community, leading them to create similar environments wherever they go.
As the years pass, they continue to deepen their involvement. At 33 years old, in 2050, they invest a week volunteering in the kitchen for the first time and continue to donate to Mini-Yo-We, supporting the kids in need who couldn’t have access to the Mini-Yo-We experience without that assistance.
Their continuous giving becomes a source of inspiration for others. Their philanthropic work demonstrates their belief in giving everyone equal opportunities for growth and transformation. They lead a campaign at work to help direct corporate profits towards causes that make a deep impact on the lives of the next generation. It is a lesson they impart to their colleagues, family, and friends, reinforcing the Mini-Yo-We values that have become an integral part of their identity.
Finally, in 2053, at 36, they experience the heartfelt moment of dropping off their own child at Mini-Yo-We, passing on the legacy of growth and transformation. They eagerly anticipate the enriching experiences their child will have, knowing firsthand the lifelong impact of the Mini-Yo-We journey.
Camp Mini-Yo-We has become more than just a summer camp. It has become a catalyst for personal development and a foundation for a purposeful life.
Through a series of transformative milestones, our young camper’s journey becomes interwoven with our six pillars of leadership development. As they learn about Jesus, they gain a foundation of wisdom and spiritual understanding that shapes their worldview. As they strive to live like Jesus, their character is refined, molding them into compassionate and empathetic individuals.
By talking with Jesus through prayer, they cultivate resilience and perseverance, learning to find solace and guidance in their faith. Taking the initiative to help others, they develop a sense of responsibility and self-confidence, enabling them to step out of their comfort zone and act for the betterment of their peers. Through stewardship, they learn the value of leaving things better than they found them, applying this principle from their personal belongings to their shared spaces and natural environment, instilling in them a sense of respect and accountability.
Finally, our camper embraces the mission to develop tomorrow’s leaders. They learn the importance of not just becoming a leader but also nurturing leadership in others, creating a cycle of empowerment. Integrating these six pillars throughout their camp experience transforms our young camper into a confident, compassionate and resilient individual ready to make a positive difference in the world.
I’m confident that multiple young campers that will start their Mini-Yo-We journey this summer will experience this sort of lifelong transformation. It’s been happening for nearly 8 decades, and it will continue for generations more.
It’s about Future Generations
This cycle, the continuous journey of growth and transformation, lies at the heart of Camp Mini-Yo-We. It’s how we ensure our mission of developing tomorrow’s leaders continues to thrive—one generation serving the generations that come after them. It’s not about us; it’s always about them, those who are yet to come, and those who are destined to lead.
Come join us in this mission. See the difference Camp Mini-Yo-We can make in a young person’s life, fostering growth, faith, and leadership. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that lasts generations.
Together, we can build leaders for a brighter tomorrow.