What is a Rising Star?

The YMCA Mid America Camping Conference is actively seeking pre-professional staff members to gain experience and networking opportunities while attending the Mid America Camping Conference through the Rising Star program. Applicants should be selected for their potential as future YMCA Camping Professionals and for their leadership in your local YMCA Camping program. 

How does it work?

• Identify no more than two college age students, who are at least 18 years of age, who have worked for you and clearly have the potential as a future YMCA Camping Professional. Individuals may not be on a camp staff as a fulltime employee, but may be 18 month VISA international staff.
• Discuss the opportunity and Rising Star Expectations with potential applicants.
• Ask identified individuals to download and complete an application form
• Secure a letter of recommendation from their immediate supervisor.
• Submit all of their documents to Joel Sieplinga at joels@camptecumseh.org for review and acceptance.
  
• After all paperwork has been received and reviewed, a registration form for MACC will be sent to the Rising Star to be completed along with payment.
• MACC Registration will not be accepted until all paperwork has been received.

What is my Local YMCA’s Responsibility?

• Provide a letter of recommendation for the Rising Star
• Arrive with Rising Star by 11:00am on Tuesday, January 19
• Attend the introduction session from 11:00-12:30pm on Tuesday, January 19
• Attend Tuesday evening Rising Stars meeting
• Attend breakfast with Rising Star on Wednesday morning
• Debrief Rising Star after conference
• Complete end of conference Rising Star Program evaluation

What are the duties of a Rising Star?

Participants will take on an active role in the MACC Conference including:

• Completely fill out Rising Star Application including resume and letter of recommendation
• Serve as Room host for assigned interest sessions-Rising Stars must stay at the interest session for entire time
• Introduce Speaker
• Distribute and Collect evaluations
• Return evaluations to committee office
• Attend nightly Rising Star meetings
• Each night following reflection
• Help with Auction setup and tear-down
• Perform skit with other Rising Stars at Tuesday night campfire
• Attend breakfast each day
• One day with mentor, two days with other conference participants as assigned
• Attend every session of conference
• Complete end of conference evaluation

What is the Cost?

In return for their active participation, the rising stars registration fee is reduced to $175. This includes the conference, lodging and meals. Additional information can be provided by Joel Sieplinga at Joels@camptecumseh.org.