Leadership Development Program

The Leadership Development Program at Camp Greenville gives teens entering 10th-12th grade an opportunity to develop character, establish a leadership style, provide service, and build community. This program is for those who love camp and want to learn the skill needed to transition from camper to camp staff member. Participants in the program (LDPs) get a chance to learn to how to lead others, facilitate camp activities, create an experience for the campers of YCG, and be a positive role at camp and in life. Those who successfully complete the program will earn a skill set that will transfer to any career path.

LDP Overview

All LDP levels are based on the grade you are entering in the Fall of 2027. The three levels of the program are Sophomore, Junior, and Senior LDP. There is an optional part of the LDP Program called Service Corps that is available to Sophomore and Junior LDPs. Participants must be enrolled in the program in order to participate in Service Corps. Details on the specific levels and Service Corps can found below.

If campers do not have any interest in our LDP Program, there are still Division 4 adventure and base camp sessions available throughout the summer. There is also the opportunity to do both LDP and a D4 adventure/base camp session.

  • Sophomore LDPs

    (current Freshmen/9th grade)

    Parents: register your camper for preferred training week via our camper registration system.

    First come, first served.
    Registration process is the same as campers. See Date & Rates page for registration opening dates.

    More Info

  • Junior LDPs

    (current Sophomores/10th grade)

    Parents: register your aspiring LDP for the application process first. Then, participants submit their application in Parent Portal.

    Applications for Summer 2027 are now open!

    More Info

  • Senior LDPs

    (current Juniors/11th grade)

    Participants complete an application for employment through the YMCA of Greenville hiring system.

    Applications for Summer 2027 are now open!

    More Info

  • Service Corps

    (Sophomore LDPs & Junior LDPs)

    Depending on level, candidates submit their interest and are assigned weeks accordingly. See each LDP section for more details on Service Corps interest submission.

    More Info

LDP Retreats

The best way for your camper to learn about the LDP program ask any questions is to attend our LDP retreats. We host one in the Fall for general information and interest, and we host a Spring retreat for those accepted into the program, where they will receive training for the upcoming summer.

Fall Retreat Details - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Date: November 6-8, 2026

Cost: $150/person

Registration Closes: October 28,2026

Spring Retreat Details

Date: Coming soon

Cost: $150/person

After clicking “Register Now”, log in and click “Adult/Family Application” and then 2027 from the drop-down menu for “Season”, then follow the remaining prompts to register.

Register Now
Set up your account now for October registration!

Sophomore LDPs

Participants will go through a week-long training session where you will learn the skills needed to support and lead at camp. Find out how to work with kids, what it means to operate in a camp community, learn your leadership style, and how your experience at camp applies to every aspect of your life. From magic moments and camp songs to creating smiles and building confidence, the sophomore level is the first step to take to be a successful LDP and begin your leadership journey here at Camp Greenville. This LDP level may also participate in Service Corps for no additional charge.

  • Sophomore LDPs stay in a cabin with other training week participants.

  • Parents must register their participant for a week of LDP training via the Parent Portal. Spots are first come, first served.

  • Once registered, the Parent Portal will populate a form for you to complete regarding your participant’s interest in Service Corps

  • Sessions offered: Sessions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7

  • Registration Opens:

    • October 6, 2026 at 8 PM for returning campers

    • October 13, 2026 at 7 PM for new campers

Junior LDPs

For individuals who are rising Juniors in Summer 2027 and are looking to apply their skills in a cabin/trip setting. Be assigned to a cabin or adventure trip in a support role and help create and enhance the overall experience of our campers.

Use the skills you gained during your training week to help manage the flow of camp and your cabin dynamic, carry out magic moments, assist in program areas and begin the understanding of “working” in the camp setting. You will gain confidence, directly lead campers, and have the support/feedback to grow and enhance your leadership. Assignments can be for up to 2 weeks (consecutive or one at a time) plus Service Corps for either Adventure or Base camp.

  • Apply to serve as a volunteer in-cabin with staff and senior LDPs.

  • Potential participants must first be enrolled in the application process via the Parent Portal and then complete the application that follows (see “How to Apply for JLDP” block for more info). There is no cost to be a Junior LDP. After initial enrollment in the application process, the application must be completed by the participant, not by a parent.

  • Weeks are assigned based on a participant’s availability (as indicated during the application process) and the needs of camp.

  • Participants will have the opportunity on their application to indicate their interest in signing up for Service Corps.

  • If you are a first-time LDP, attendance at the Spring LDP Retreat is highly encouraged.

  • Applications Open: October 5, 2026 at 5 PM

  • Applications Close: November 9, 2026

Apply Now!

How to Apply for JLDP:

  1. Sign up for or update your camper’s registration profile by logging into our Parent Portal.

  2. Log in after October 5, 2026 at 5 PM, click “Camper Application” under Your Camper, then follow the steps to enroll you camper in the “Junior LDP Application Process” (you will not be charged a deposit or program fees).

  3. Once your enrollment is submitted, a link to the JLDP application will be available both on the confirmation screen AND in your confirmation email. Your camper must complete this application (which includes Service Corps interest) before Nov. 9, 2026 in order to be considered for the JLDP program. After submission of the application, you camper will receive further details about acceptance into the program via email.

Apply now!

Senior LDPs

For individuals who are rising Seniors in Summer 2027 and are looking to make the next big step towards understanding how to work, lead, and make an impact in the camp setting and beyond.

With the help of your assigned staff member you will have a direct role in managing day-to-day activity at camp and within the camper community. You will continue to refine your skills, have additional responsibility, further develop your leadership identity, and get the best sense of the role that suits you best at camp.

  • Apply to serve as an assistant cabin leader for up to 4 weeks of the summer, with at least 2 weeks preferred.

  • Senior LDPs apply via a typical employee hiring process. The participant/employee must complete the application & hiring process, not the parent. Those accepted into the program will be compensated with a stipend.

  • If you are a first-time LDP, attendance at the Spring LDP Retreat is extremely encouraged.

  • Service Corps is not available to senior LDPs.

  • Applications Open: October 5th, 2026.

Service Corps

Sophomore LDPs (once enrolled) and Junior LDPs (during the application process) will have the opportunity to add on an additional week of Service Corps for no additional charge. This is an optional add-on and does not impact success in the LDP program.

Service Corps is the service side of the LDP program where individuals will live and work within their peer group, learn about the different departments at camp, and play a supportive role in many areas. Time in Service Corps will be spent contributing to the food services team as well as in various service projects.

This part of the Leadership Development Program is an opportunity for your camper to give back to camp, operate in a work setting, earn service hours for school, and forge a bond with others while helping to keep camp running smoothly.

All service corps sessions are assigned based on participant availability and the needs of each camp session.

  • Sophomores: After registering for your camper’s Sophomore LDP week in the Parent Portal, a form for Services Corps interest will become available under “Forms and Documents”. Your Sophomore LDP must complete this form to demonstrate their interest (and availability) in signing up for Service Corps.

  • Juniors: On your Junior LDP application, you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in signing up for Service Corps, as well as your availability.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell Phone Policies for each particular level of the LDP program & Service Corps volunteers are in effect during the attendee’s registered/accepted LDP session(s) and Service Corps session(s). During Stayover weekends and when LDPs also attend D4 base or Adventure programs, cell phones (possession of and use) are not allowed at any time. Phones may be securely kept in the camp office for the duration of these program periods.

  • No phones will be used or be in the possession of Sophomore LDPs. Phones may be securely kept in the camp office for the duration of the program.

  • Phones brought to camp will be securely kept in the camp office and will be given to Junior LDPs for use during their scheduled break times. Availability will be at the discretion of the camp directors.

  • Senior LDPs will receive training about appropriate phone usage while on-the-job. Phones are permitted for Senior LDP use with the understanding that excessive or inappropriate phone usage will result in escalating disciplinary action up to and including loss of phone priviledges.

  • Phones brought to camp will be securely kept in the camp office and will be given to Service Corps participants for use during their scheduled break times. Availability will be at the discretion of the camp directors.