Phantom Lake YMCA Camp offers a unique opportunity in our resident camp program for teenagers age 15-18. The Staff Development Program (SDP) is designed for adolescents who are dedicated to camp, love working with kids, and have a lot of energy to give. The program is three years long, and is designed to give more responsibility and challenges each year.

As a Camper in Training (or CIT) 15 year olds attend camp for one week, and stay in a tent with other CIT's. They are assigned to assist another tent with a staff counselor and possibly another SDP.

As a Leader in Training (or LIT) 16 year olds attend camp for two weeks and stay in a tent with the campers and the staff counselor.

As an Assistant Counselor (or AC) 17 year olds attend camp for three weeks, the last of which they counsel their own tent with the help of their own LIT or CIT.

During the day, the SDP's will work at program areas (boating, craft shop, outdoor adventure, etc) and help plan activities along with the staff.

SDPs attend two weekend training retreats, one in October and one in April which help SDP's make the transition from camper to counselor. New CIT's do not attend the October retreat but begin their work as an SDP at a February "CIT only" retreat that is designed just for their needs.

People interested in the SDP program should have a strong desire to work with children. SDP's can join at any time between the ages of 15 and 18 and do not have to have been a camper at Phantom Lake.