From 8–11 July 2026, a group of high school boys from across North Macedonia gathered in Bitola for YMLP Camp 2026 (Young Men’s Leadership Project), a leadership and outdoor adventure experience organized by YMCA Macedonia in partnership with Peace Corps Volunteers, dedicated camp staff alumni, and local volunteers.

Smaller in size, YMLP Camp created an environment where every participant received personal attention, developed meaningful friendships, and challenged himself through experiences designed to foster leadership, confidence, and personal growth.

Throughout the four-day camp, participants explored the YMCA Pillars of Personal Growth, Leadership, Environmentalism, Civic Responsibility, and Career Development through interactive workshops, team challenges, and experiential learning. Campers were encouraged to discover their strengths, communicate effectively, solve problems collaboratively, and consider how they can positively influence their schools and communities.

The learning continued beyond the classroom through a wide variety of recreational and outdoor activities. Campers enjoyed bowling, flag football, Olympic-style competitions, water games, and creative activities that promoted teamwork and healthy competition.

One of the most memorable experiences was the overnight camping adventure in Pelister National Park, where the group slept in tents, gathered around the campfire to enjoy s’mores, completed the Adrenaline Park ropes course, hiked through the forest, and worked together during a plane crash survivor scenario that challenged their communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.

For the campers, the friendships and sense of community became the highlight of the experience.

One participant shared: “The sports, the huge amount of laughter among us campers and meeting new people.” Another camper reflected on the overall experience: “The activities were great, the people, the staff—everything was great.” Others especially enjoyed the outdoor adventure: “The camping outside in tents, eating s’mores and making friends.” And “The camp in Pelister.”

The impact of YMLP Camp continued after participants returned home, with parents reporting noticeable positive changes in their sons.

One parent shared a particularly meaningful reflection: “My son doesn’t like to talk too much. He usually only answers with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when asked and doesn’t share anything about his day, his adventures, or his outings. Since he returned from the camp, he is more talkative and shares his plans, asks for advice and help, and is more interested in local issues like littering, pollution, hiking, and biking trails. He started talking about how his day went and what he did with his friends. That, for me as a parent, is a huge positive change.”

Other parents also noted encouraging developments, including:

“Better communication skills.”

“In better spirits, more self-confident, and full of impressions.”

YMLP Camp is more than a four-day summer experience—it is part of a longer leadership journey. Campers will have the opportunity to apply to become Counselors-in-Training (CiTs) for next year’s camp. The CiT Program is part of YMCA Macedonia’s year-round Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program, which develops leadership, mentoring, communication, and service skills throughout the school year, preparing participants to become future camp counselors and leaders within their communities.

Through YMLP Camp, YMCA Macedonia continues to equip young men with the confidence, character, and practical leadership skills needed to make a positive difference in their schools, families, and communities.