Leadership | Empowerment | Advocacy | Development
~Applications Open 2026 ~
LEAD is a week-long camp experience where young people experiencing disabilities explore outdoor-related jobs during the day, get paid to work with outdoor professionals, and then have summer camp afternoons and evenings. Campers cook meals together, set up their sleeping quarters and tents, and participate in Camp LEAD games and curriculum. 2026 will be the 11th year of this life-changing opportunity to refine skills, set goals, have a ton of fun, learn employment skills, and build camaraderie.
Age | 16-22 |
Location | Near Suttle Lake, Oregon (15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon) |
Compensation | $16/hr. |
2026 Camp Dates | Week One: Monday, July 6th-Friday, July 10th Week Two: Monday, July 13th-Friday, July 17th Week Three: Monday, July 20th-Friday, July 24th |
Additional Camp Information
- A t-shirt, work-shirt, personal protective equipment (PPE), and all tools, camping equipment, and food are provided!
- Each group of up to 10 youth will be supervised by at least 4 counselors.
- Bathroom facilities are available at the campsite (porta-potties).
- Youth will be working 21 hours over the course of the week on projects including light trail maintenance, tree trimming/fire fuels reduction, facilities maintenance, painting, etc.
- Participants will work on projects, learn job skills, and participate in LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy, Development) curriculum and team-building.
- Applicants should be able to complete light physical labor for approximately 6 hours per day with some accommodations.
- Campers will need to be dropped off and picked up from the camping area near Suttle Lake.
- We will again be offering the COYCC bridge program for up to 8 LEAD participants: youth interested in the program can work M-Th for an additional 3 weeks with COYCC crews (click here to see COYCC description) starting July 27th and ending on August 13th.
Application Process
1. Submit online application (Click Here)
2. You will be notified by a staff member that we have received your application (if you don't hear from us right away, please don't worry!)
3. Application deadline is May 2026
4. An email will be sent out after the application has closed with the next steps and enrollment paperwork
5. Enrollment paperwork will be due June 2026
5. If you are concerned that your application was not properly submitted or you have questions/concerns, feel free to give us a call at our Bend office at 541.633.7834
