Teen Leadership

The progression of all Camp Fire programs advances youth towards greater opportunities for leadership, responsibility, independence and support for youth, peers and community. The Heart of the Hawkeye has been at the forefront of leadership programs and they remain a vital component of our efforts year-round.

Day Camp Aide Program - Entering 7-10th grades
Day Camp Aides assist counselors with summer day camp activities.  Aides volunteer and help day camp staff with daily programs and act as role-models for younger campers. At the same time, aides still participate as campers and have the opportunity to participate in recreation activities and field trips during the week.  The Aide program encourages leadership and skill building, with opportunities to both teach and learn within quality day camps. Aides are limited to four weeks per summer.

Leadership Challenge (LC) and Buckaroo - Entering 10th grade

During their 10th grade year, many youth are ready to take on the challenge and tradition of leadership. The Leadership Challenge/Buckaroo program can be the first step. During this two week overnight camp session, campers begin to define themselves as leaders at camp and in life. Activities include team challenges, studying mentoring styles, developing citizenship through service learning, and interacting as role models with younger campers.

Similarly, Buckaroos begin working on their leadership and horsemanship skills. Along with learning to be a leader and learning to give back to camp, Buckaroos spend time at Herman’s Ranch, developing their teaching abilities and horse knowledge as well as increasing their riding skills.

Apprentice and Wrangler - Entering 11-12th grades- Apprentice and Wrangler at Hantesa The Apprentice and Wrangler program at Hantesa Overnight Camp is a service oriented, 4-week program that readies high school students for future leadership roles.  Typical apprenticeships are two summers in length. Apprentices and Wranglers build on leadership, communication and program delivery skills. Lessons and live-in studies in units across camp allow apprentices to learn directly from our exceptional staff the responsibilities of role modeling and caring for our campers. Wranglers participate in the same activities as apprentices, however they conduct their live-ins at Herman’s Ranch.

An application and interview process is required for admittance into the program. Admittance into the 1st year program does not guarantee admittance into the 2nd year program.  You must submit an application, camp registration form, and deposit. Deposits will be returned in full to applicants who are not accepted to the Apprentice/Wrangler Program. 

Thrive - The Heart of the Hawkeye has been awarded a grant to take part in the Step it Up to Thrive pilot program. This program will be delivered to specific leadership initiatives within the council. Thrive’s program is a year-round initiative to help youth identify their passions, communicate effectively, and set goals. Through the program, youth will learn to be introspective and holistic in their thinking. Upon completion of the Thrive program, youth will have an appreciation for where they are in life, and where they are going in life. We are excited to be a selected council for this program. Certain youth participants will begin the program in summer 2012. Eventually, all of Camp Fire’s program will adopt this model of teaching and thriving.

Navigator Programs
Navigator offers an opportunity for middle school populations to make personal growth as individuals and leaders as they prepare to transition into secondary education.  This afterschool program utilizes Camp Fire curriculum and staff towards specific outcome based programs in central Iowa. To be effective future leaders, youth need practical experience in assuming, and thriving in, leadership roles.  To maximize this development, the Navigator program also provides a structure and process for skill development, increased understanding of self and confidence building.  Assessment of individual youth skills interests and needs fundamental facets of program delivery.   Leadership programming will be founded in team-building, goal setting, community service, as well as unique outdoor-based challenges.