Welcome to Youth Development & Camp Management

The Youth Development and Camp Management degree provides students with the skills and training to work in a variety of youth development programs including after school programs, day camps, vacation and summer programs, public recreation departments, and wilderness schools.

Goals for Youth Development and Camp Management majors

• To develop into an entry level leader for the growing recreation industry capable of filling positions in program and facility management at the director, coordinator, or supervisor level.

• To gain high quality balanced training and education experiences in theory and practical knowledge.

• To gain individualized student development in and out of the classroom through projects, electives, practicum, internship and self-designed opportunities.

• To meet or exceed the accreditation standards for college recreation programs as established by the National Recreation and Park Association.

• Depending on area of concentration, to gain the ability to pursue graduate study in fields of adventure education, recreation management, leisure studies, youth development and camp management.

Optional professional certification tracks (ADV courses) allow students with a particular interest or focused career goal to seek appropriate levels of certification and obtain college credit with the American Canoe Association (canoe, kayak, raft instructor), Association of Challenge Course Technology approved providers, Professional Association of Dive Instructors (scuba dive instructor), American Mountain Guides Association, Professional Ski Instructors of America or American Association of Snowboard Instructors.

Career opportunities within this major include, but are not limited to:

• Youth program director for community recreation department or private club

• Program director for youth agency (Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Youth Ministry).

• Resort or cruise ship youth activity/day camp director. 

• Resident camp or retreat center director.

• Teen center or after school program director.

Download the degree requirements (PDF format)
Click here for the GMC Adventure Education program.