Open Call for YMCA 2026 Summer Youth Leadership Camp Staff
Latest News Open Call for YMCA 2026 Summer Youth Leadership Camp Staff YMCA Macedonia is calling for vibrant, dedicated volunteers to join the staff of our Summer 2026 flagship camps, core events within our youth leadership program: Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) and Young Men’s Leadership Program (YMLP). YMCA has implemented these camps, which have existed for more than 20 years with the support of Peace Corps volunteers and local alumni. If selected, you would undergo orientation and pre-camp staff training before the 4-day camps begin: Saturday, April 25 Staff Orientation_____ Monday-Tuesday, June 29-30 GLOW Staff Pre-Camp Training Wednesday-Saturday, July 1-4 GLOW Camp_____ Monday-Tuesday, July 6-7 YMLP Staff Pre-Camp Training Wednesday-Saturday, July 8-11 YMLP Camp Why Lead GLOW & YMLP? By joining the camp staff in Bitola and Pelister National Park, you become a vital part of a mission to empower the next generation of active community leaders. It’s also a solid base for your own leadership journey. Volunteering offers transformative benefits: Refine Your Leadership: Gain hands-on experience in experiential education, team management, and youth transformation Build Your Professional Portfolio: Develop highly transferable skills in program development, counseling, communications, and logistics Join a Diverse Network: Work alongside Peace Corps Volunteers and local camper alumni, fostering cross-cultural connections and lifelong friendships Personal Growth & Wellness: Immerse yourself in nature while practicing mindfulness, creativity, and resilience Make a Lasting Impact: Be the mentor who helps a young person discover their inner courage and potential Your Role in the Adventure YMCA is seeking locals (18+) and Peace Corps Volunteers to lead in these areas: Programming: Design activities in leadership, environmentalism, civic responsibility, career development and personal growth Counseling: Mentor and guide groups through high-energy camp experiences Communications: Capture the magic of storytelling through social media and PR Logistics: Master the inventory and facilities that keep the camps running smoothly Recruitment Timeline February 16: Application Deadline March 2: Virtual interviews begin (not all applicants will be interviewed) March 16: Notification of Decision April 25: Staff Orientation APPLY HERE: Locals (18+) and Peace Corps Volunteers Download the full info packet.
GLOW Club 2025: New Energy in GLOW club
Latest News GLOW Club 2025: New Energy in GLOW club The excellent GLOW girls’ camp this summer was a great additional energy and motivation for the continuation of the GLOW club. After the successfully implemented GLOW club program last year, we started this school year again with new ideas, fresh energy and dedication to creating a space where young girls can learn, grow and be inspired. On October 11, 2025, an information session was held for the new generation of the GLOW club, where the participants were introduced to the program and activities that will follow throughout the school year. A novelty this year is that the leadership of the club was taken over by two former participants – Emma and Mila – who now, as club leaders, take care of communication, logistics and support of the club in coordination with the YMCA team. GLOW club workshops We launched a series of workshops on November 1, 2025, starting with an interactive session about communication and teamwork! YMCA youth worker, Jovche Krsteski, led the group through dynamic, fun activities, including practical demonstrations of how we use verbal and non-verbal communication. The positive energy was contagious, and the girls left motivated and ready for more. The momentum continued November 22 with the second GLOW Club workshop, where creativity took center stage. Professor Nikolina Gjurovska from Gymnasia Josip Broz Tito in Bitola, guided participants in exploring expression through poetry and short stories. It was a safe space for everyone to tap into their unique creativity using both written and visual inspiration. We closed out the year 2025 by looking ahead. At our final workshop on December 13, new Peace Corps Volunteer Ellen Kussman unveiled ‘The 2026 Vision for GLOW.’ Participants discovered exciting new paths for the coming summer, from attending the GLOW Camp for high school students to working as summer staff at our Day Camp. The vision also includes international training opportunities in Europe and the launch of the YMCA Youth Leaders Program later in the year. We will continue with new workshops on interesting topics throughout the next year. Highlights from the GLOW club are in the photo gallery below.
More Than a Camp: Stories That Stay With You
Latest News More Than a Camp: Stories That Stay With You Campers’ Testimonials This summer, a group of girls from different schools and backgrounds came together at GLOW Camp — and left with more than just great memories. What started as a fun summer opportunity quickly turned into a life-changing experience, full of personal growth, new friendships, laughter, and learning that reached far beyond the campgrounds. Mihaela, a 15-year-old medical student, the camp became a place to build self-confidence and learn how to better communicate with others. “Everything we learned is something we can use in everyday life — and the friendships still remain.” Ema, 14, arrived nervous but hopeful — and left with a full heart. She described the camp as fun, educational, and deeply empowering. “I learned to speak in front of others without being shy,” she said. “I got better at working in a team, made friends, and became more confident.” Ana Marija, also 15, felt that these activities should be experienced by all teenagers — even adults. The camp taught her practical and emotional lessons that, as she said, “changed my daily life.” She believes this kind of camp is especially important for younger generations to disconnect from their phones and connect more with people. Emilija, 16, called her GLOW experience “amazing.” She found not just joy in the moment, but tools for life — learning the value of resilience, leadership, and how true strength lies in unity and support. “No one teaches you these things the way camp does,” she said. “The friendships, the skills, the memories — they stay with you.” Angela, 14, embraced every activity — from setting up a tent for the first time to learning how to express herself with more confidence. “Since camp, I’ve started taking better care of myself and speaking up more,” she shared. “It helped me open up and work as a team.” And for Jana, 15, the magic was in the energy. “It was fun, educational, and helped me be more open,” she said. She especially enjoyed the water games, teamwork, and the feeling of learning through playing. These girls came to GLOW Camp looking for something new. They left with new skills, new friendships, and a stronger sense of who they are — and who they can become. Staff Testimonials “I really appreciate being part of the first time bringing back to the camp. It is only up from here. Thank you so much!” — Lizzie Bradshaw, Peace Corps Volunteer “Particularly with GLOW camp, there was enthusiasm and excitement to participate. It was clear that meaningful bonds were established. The counselors worked really well together, and there are clear opportunities to grow the program next year!” — Shayna Meltzer, Peace Corps Volunteer “This was a challenge for me, because it was the first time I was directly involved in planning outdoor camps, working with a team from the USA who have rich and real-world experience behind them. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and I look forward to more such or similar activities in the future.” — Natasa Darkov, YMCA staff “The girls had an amazing time, which is the main goal. I’m really happy the camps are happening again, and I cannot wait to see how I can contribute to getting them back to their former glory! Godspeed!” — Roberta Petrovska, Local Volunteer Campers’ Survey After participating in the camp, many girls feel significantly more confident in their decision-making abilities (72% high level of agreement) and committed to fulfilling their obligations (67%). Most participants stated that they are more aware and proactive in taking care of their physical and emotional health (78%), as well as having a significant increase in self-confidence, security, and independence (67%). Many of them feel more effective in teamwork (78%), their ability to cooperate with others has improved (78%), and they are also more willing to put the goals of the group before their own (72%). Also, 72% value and consider different opinions more and understand group dynamics better. Participants showed an increased interest in exploring new experiences (89%), and a great willingness to get out of their comfort zone and try new things (85%). They feel more confident when meeting and interacting with new people (79%) and more effective in working in a group (85%). Parents’ Survey To better understand the impact of this year’s GLOW Camp, we asked the parents of participants to share their impressions. Their responses showed not only strong satisfaction with the experience but also visible changes in their daughters after the camp. All parents agreed that the camp was useful for their daughters — a clear sign that GLOW continues to offer meaningful content and a supportive environment. When it came to the overall camp experience, a big majority of parents rated it as excellent, with the remaining saying it was above average or average. The activities also received high praise with most of them describing them as excellent and a few as very good. One of the most encouraging results came from the question about changes in the children after the camp. Most parents said they saw a positive difference — their daughters came home happier, more confident, more creative, and more socially engaged. A few noted they were smiling more, initiating conversations, or expressing themselves in new ways, and a few were not sure yet or saw no noticeable change. Most parents felt the camp met their expectations and when asked how GLOW compared to other camps in the country, half said it was among the best, while others did not have a comparison point. Parents described GLOW as a safe space where girls could express themselves, try new things, and grow – emotionally, socially, and creatively. Many expressed gratitude that such a program exists and hope to see it continue in the years to come.
Summer Reimagined: YMCA Camps Returned with Purpose and Passion
Latest News Summer Reimagined: YMCA Camps Returned with Purpose and Passion The YMCA proudly revived its tradition of youth camps, adapting to the times with vibrant day camps focused on personal growth, teamwork, and outdoor learning. This year’s camps, part of the Young Men’s Leadership Project (YMLP) and Girls Leading Our World (GLOW), offered young people in grades 8-9 of primary school and 1-3 of secondary school a unique opportunity for summer adventure, learning, and friendship. Reigniting the Spirit of Camp: A Summer of Growth, Leadership & Joy The call for participants invited youth to step away from screens and daily routines, to immerse themselves in nature and in an atmosphere dedicated in investment in leadership, communication, environment and personal growth. “Our camps are a safe, fun, and inspiring environment,” the call emphasized, “where young people become more confident, aware, and prepared for life.” To prepare the space for a smooth and engaging camp, volunteers from the YMCA took part in clean-up actions at the yard of the Faculty of Pedagogy as primary venue for camp activities ensuring a welcoming environment for all participants. An informative session was also held to introduce the camps and spark enthusiasm among interested youth and parents. Growing Leaders, One Day at a Time: YMCA’s YMLP & GLOW Camps The YMLP day camp took place on June 20, focusing on exercises designed to foster personal growth. Activities included a drum circle teaching communication and active listening—a metaphor for harmony and cooperation in everyday life and slackline exercises symbolizing balance, trust, and mutual support. Participants also practiced Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese mindfulness and movement practice, enhancing physical and mental well-being. Energizers, social games and moments of relaxation, setting a meaningful tone for the youth’s journey, complemented these engaging activities. From June 26 to 28, the GLOW camp welcomed an enthusiastic group of girls for a three-day immersive experience. The first two days were held in the serene courtyard of the Faculty of Pedagogy, while the final day was spent amidst the stunning natural beauty of Pelister National Park. Each day began with yoga sessions helping participants ground themselves and connect deeply with their bodies and surroundings. The camp’s core philosophy encouraged learning through experience and teamwork: girls practiced listening, communicating and building trust through a variety of hands-on exercises. Daily team challenges prompted campers to collaborate on strategy and problem-solving, reinforcing essential life skills such as resilience, leadership, and community responsibility. Activities like slacklining tested balance, coordination, and courage teaching lessons about facing fears and relying on others that only a camp environment can truly provide. Afternoons shifted focus from physical to reflective activities, including guided inner-expression sessions through drawing and mindfulness practices. These moments allowed participants to slow down and restore personal well-being in a fast-paced world. Water games, a camp favorite, added fun and spontaneity, creating joyful and unforgettable summer memories. A unique highlight was the community simulation exercise, where girls role-played local stakeholders to debate, identify community problems, and propose solutions—empowering them to understand and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives and neighborhoods. The Heart of the Camp: Volunteers and Teamwork Behind this program stood a dedicated team. The YMCA team worked closely with local volunteers who contributed to the logistics and marketing as well as the Peace Corps volunteers serving across the country who added the flavor and key ingredient of the American style of camps. They helped in the implementation of the program through multiple exercises, games and camp songs as well as serving as counselors, fostering the teamwork. The camp staff was instrumental in delivering high quality, meaningful programming, but also in fostering a supportive and inspiring atmosphere where every young person could thrive. In Gratitude The YMCA extends its deepest gratitude to the local and Peace Corps volunteers for their dedication and passion, which helped us, reignite the flame of camping for our youth and community. We are so happy to have partners such as the YMCA of the USA, Signs of Hope from Germany and our colleagues from the YMCAs in the Balkans with whom we work on the Head Space project making many of the sessions, equipment, and logistics possible and not only for these day camps, but beyond. We love our donors. Thanks to everyone who believed in us, who share our mission and values in investing in the young people and donating on our crowdfunding campaign making the participation of our youth affordable for everyone. Together, we look forward to continuing this journey of growth, learning, and empowerment for many summers to come.
GLOW club 2025: Girls on the Rise
Latest News GLOW club 2025: Girls on the Rise In 2024, we proudly brought GLOW Club back to Bitola after a pandemic pause, reuniting and inspiring a new generation of young girls through workshops on leadership, volunteering, communication, and practical skills. Building on that strong foundation, 2025 takes the journey further with fresh topics, deeper learning, and even more growth opportunities. In 2025, we continued organizing workshops for young girls, focusing on new and previously uncovered topics of interest to them. The seventh session was on the topic of Emotional Intelligence, led by psychologists Biljana Tolevska Naumovska and Orhideja Robevska. This session expanded the girls’ knowledge of the definition of emotional intelligence (EI), its core concepts and its origins. An interactive psychodrama exercise followed, involving all participants, encouraging them to share personal experiences and deepen their understanding of the topic. The session ended with very positive impressions and a collective commitment to invest more in self-development. For the eighth session, we chose yoga. To our great satisfaction, many of the girls were experiencing and benefiting from this type of personal growth activity for the first time. Our yoga instructor was Bojana Artinovska, who generously shared her knowledge during a two-hour introduction to yoga with specific exercises. These exercises were later selected for implementation in our upcoming GLOW camp. The yoga session energized the girls and motivated them to continue practicing at home if they enjoyed the experience. The ninth session, focused on Social Entrepreneurship, was led by an experienced social innovator Anita Gagovska. This was something completely new as a topic and unfamiliar to our girls. Through several icebreaker and scenario-based games, we dove deeper into the topic, with each girl identifying challenges in her environment and exploring potential innovative solutions. The overarching goal of the GLOW club is to increase the involvement of young girls in everyday social life, encouraging them to face challenges and actively engage in solving them in real-life situations. We wrapped up this cycle of the GLOW club with the 10th and final session on the topic of finance literacy led by Jeff Spencer, a Peace Corps volunteer who shared a piece of his rich career experience with us. Throughout his life, he has worked as a manager, professor, financial advisor, and insurance agent. The session covered a wide range of age-appropriate financial topics: the basics of finance, effective money management, types of savings, debt, investments for the future, and more. The girls had the chance to gain new knowledge, ask many questions to a financial expert, and receive firsthand answers. With these ten diverse sessions dedicated to the personal growth and career development of young girls in our city, expanding their horizons, and encouraging them to participate in volunteer activities for greater societal involvement, we laid the foundation for the continued existence and progress of this club. In June this year, we plan to organize a three-day GLOW camp, where these girls, along with new interested participants, will bring back the spirit of past camps. So far, we believe that our GLOW club has had a positive impact on the girls who attended our sessions. Through ten sessions, we covered a wide range of topics to educate and prepare participants for their next steps in life. We eagerly look forward to continuing this wonderful project in the fall of 2025 with hopes of its expansion!
GLOW Club Summary 2024
In 2024, the YMCA, in collaboration with the Peace Corps and American Corner Bitola, revitalized the GLOW Club (Girls Leading Our World) in Bitola.
