Transcript for this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicXj4zfp6A

VIDEO DESC and TRANSCRIPT: There is a textured book titled “50th Anniversary Camp Directors 1969 – 2019” 

NAD YLC logo is pasted on the book. 

Text: 1969 – 1977: Gary Olsen

Group Photo of YLC 1969 

Gary is standing in front of a building with trees. He is wearing a plaid top. Gary Olsen: “I am excited that you have become involved with Jr. NAD and YLC. At the same time it is positive and wonderful! Looking back to 1969 when we first established the YLC, Dr. Don Padden, Dr. Frank Turk and myself. It was a DREAM!  Since 50 years have passed so much has changed, more improvements more folks are involved also learning to continue working together. One thing important in my mind, reflecting back, is for young people to mingle and work with adults, associate and learn of their experiences. They have many great experiences and ideas! When I was young and in Gallaudet College I learned a great deal from adults from all over. I also got involved with many groups and learned a great deal from them. When you begin your carriers, you will experience a great deal of wonderful opportunities and then you can work and share them. Wish you all the very best and congratulations for being part of the 50 Years of YLC Celebration.”

Text: 1978: Nancy Rarus 

Group photo of YLC 1978

Nancy is sitting on a chair among grassy yard. Nancy: I’m Nancy Rarus, Camp Director in Pengilly, Minnesota where Jr NAD had its first conference there.  Incidentally, I visited the camp at Stroudsburg, PA where Jr Nad first had its camp with my two little children. Later on I got involved with YLC at Pengilly, Minnesota, then at Stayton, Oregon and Camp Lakodia in South Dakota. Really all beautiful,  wonderful memories,  wonderful times, wonderful people and wonderful kids. Congratulations on this 50th anniversary.  Thumbs up.

Text: 1979: Joanne Hamlin-Williams 

Text: 1980-1987: Roger Claussen

Group photo of YLC 1980 

Roger is sitting in front of a white wall. Roger: Hello, this is Roger Claussen, my sign name is R on opposite of elbow.I formerly directed YLC for 8 years at Swan Lake Lodge in Minnesota.My thought to discuss with you.   I have seen many former YLCers.  Now they become true leaders in different ways. For example: deaf club, state association, NAD, senior citizens as well. For others leadership in employment – what are they?  lawyer, school administrators, own business, executive director for Sorenson, Purple, ZVRS, or company, politician – important legislature, federal employment another example: DOJ Department of Justice, ADA Americans with Disabilities Act. Be involved. My belief is to invest you as YLC campers and staff —- for good reason. Thumbs up!!

Text: 1988 – 1989: Jerry Mabashov 

Group photo of YLC 1988

Jerry is standing inside a home. Jerry is wearing a blue top. Jerry: Hello, my name is Jerry Mabashov, former camp director at Pengilly, MN. Swan Lake Lodge is a beautiful campground with a huge lake, mess hall, five cabins, fireside, guest houses and Daily Drum building. It’s incomparable with campground like Oregon, Florida, and North Dakota. I was the last director at Swan Lake Lodge in 1989. It was heartbreaking because the property was sold to the hearing community. BUT YLC still continued, since 1969 in Pennsylvania. Now, my advice to you as our current and future leaders: keep YLC going for the next 25 years. Continue to stay strong. Another advice is to stay true to yourselves and  be humble. Good luck. 

Text: 1990: Tim Rarus

Text: 1991-1994: Debbie Call

Text: 1995 – 1997: Robert Lewis

A group photo of YLC 1995

Robert is sitting in front of a corner with plants and windows. Robert is wearing a white top. Robert: Hello Leaders –  Hard to believe that time went by so fast – 50 years –  Camper 2nd year in 1971 – me 13 years old – young again as a camper 73 and 74 worked 75 and 76 Then camp director 1995 1996 and 1997 Love YLC – wonderful; My favorite Quotation: Tell me, I forget Show me, I remember Involve me, I understand Strongly emphasized at YLC – .Very true It applies to everything in our life – school, job, friend – everything – it applies –  for example –  YLC –  you hear all about YLC from your friends, you probably would forget, Friend show you photos or videos  – you d remember some Involve yourself – by going to YLC – you ll understand. Wishing every one the BEST!

Text: 1998: Frank R. Turk Sr. 

Text: 1999- 2002: Maureen Yates 

Group photo of YLC 1999

Maureen is sitting against a plain white background. Maureen is wearing a maroon top. Maureen: Hi, I’m Maureen Yates. I first started working at YLC in 1998 as the Camp Director in Training. That year, 4 student leaders were selected from Gallaudet University and 4 from RIT to attend YLC as the Camp Director in Training (CDIT). It was a really great concept and beneficial. Frank Turk, Sr. provided advice, training and support to us. I became the Camp Director until 2002. I worked for a total of 5 years at YLC. It’s definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had. I was also a YLC camper in 1992. I believe that YLC has a lot to do with who I am today. An advice I’d like to give to the campers would be for you to always try to find balance. Whether it’s related to school, work, relationship(s), hobbies or technology. Finding balance will give you opportunities to learn and experience so many different things life has to offer.

Text: 2003: Adele Ann Eberwein 

Group photo of YLC 2003.

Adele Ann is standing in front of a backyard/ garden. Adele Ann is wearing a black top. Adele Ann: Hi, I am Adele Ann. Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) holds a special place in my heart.  I was a camper in 1990 and then as a camp staff member in 1994.  In 1998 when there was a need for a camp director, Frank Turk recruited 8 Camp Directors in Training (CDIT) and I was one of 8.  In 1999 and 2000, I worked as the Assistant Camp Director.  In 2003, NAD asked me to work as the Camp Director for that summer. I cherish YLC not limited to the summer camps only; it is because of working with the youth and believing in the youth.  To me, ages in the youth can be ranging from High School students all the way to Elementary students.  Why do I care and believe in you, the Youth? I believe that every individual has something valuable to contribute and offer to the life because every individual has diverse experiences from their families, backgrounds, languages, and cultures. When an idea comes up, you have the opportunity to look at the idea.  Maybe the idea seems impossible, maybe the idea is wild, maybe the idea is not appealing… The opportunity is yours to remain open-minded to the idea. Embrace the youth.

Text: 2004: Shana Gibbs 

Group photo of YLC 2004

Shana is sitting on a porch. Shanna is wearing a hat and tee that says “dog mom”. Shana: Hello, I’m Shana Gibbs. I was a YLC staff in 1999 and Camp Director in 2004 in Florida. My experience with YLC is profound. I am sure the feeling is mutual with you as a camper or staff. Our experience is within our hearts. When the camp ends, we leave with those feelings. My message for you today… To be honest, with our society today and technology, people are distracted. Don’t forget our mother nature. There are many lessons that can teach you and how you can be. They are lessons that you can’t learn in the classroom and  lessons where you will learn about self, confidence, and connection with who you are as a person. So, make sure you take the time to stop life and appreciate the flower, mother nature. Be sure to preserve, protect, and promote environmental leadership. To be honest, nothing can beat that. Thank you. Have a great 50th anniversary. 

Text: 2005 – 2007: Jennifer Yost Ortiz 

Group photo of YLC 2007

Jennifer is standing in front of trees. Jennifer is wearing a black top. Jennifer:  Hello! My name is Jennifer Yost Ortiz. I worked at NAD as its Youth Leadership Program Director from 2000-2009. I went to YLC every summer during my employment at NAD. I was Camp Director from 2005-2007 (guessing here). One summer I filled in the vacant position of nurse. I have many memories as you know YLC is magical! One highlight during my time at YLC was the move three times. Camp Taloali decided to expand their program to an all-summer camp. We had no choice but to move to South Dakota. While its facility is great, it didn’t exactly fit our YLC program so we moved to Florida. Unfortunately, a hurricane hit the campsite that caused too much damage to be ready for our camp the following summer. At that time, Camp Taloali decided to go back to their old program which allowed our camp to return to their site. I have a lot of advice but will give you three. 1) Nature. Stay connected to nature like you have been at YLC the past month by being outside surrounded by trees. It will be an important part of your journey as a leader by staying grounded through connection to nature. 2) Technology. You survived one month without technology, right? I hope that it allowed you to develop more meaningful relationships and notice small details. When you return to home and school, try to stay balanced with technology. I do recognize that technology is an important component of education and to interact with your friends. However, stay balanced by spending a lot of time without technology and to stay connected to others and yourself. 3) We are currently in a leadership crisis in the nation, both deaf and hearing. This means we need you more than ever. You know the quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world” by Gandhi, you are already taking the first step by attending YLC. This means you are serious about wanting to make a difference regardless which leadership role you are in. We really need you and congratulations for making that first step already and onwards! 

Text: 2008: Melissa Konoenko

Group photo of YLC 2008 

Melissa is in a room. Melissa is wearing a grey top. Melissa: Hello! I’m Melissa Konoenko. I was the camp director at YLC during the summer of 2008. Those were my fondest memories. My advice to you is to keep your minds open and your eyes peeled for any opportunities. Be sure to grab them. 

Text: 2009 – 2010: Travis Clevenger

Group photo of YLC 2009

Travis is outside, wearing a maroon top. Travis: Y-L-C- yeah! I’m Travis Clevenger. I was the Camp Director in 2009 and 2010. It’s pretty recent, but also feels like a lifetime ago. Wow. There were many flashbacks while making this video. Important moments that occured during my time as a director… that’s tough to choose. There is a lot! One of the take away from that experience was working with the staff, camp counselors to make camp successful. By investing and sharing my knowledge with them, I learned from them at the same time. Likewise, you as a camper, you arrive to YLC with fresh minds and leave YLC with so much more. You can see yourself grow. Some may be ready to change and some may take more time to process and figure out how to bring back to school. Most importantly, your future starts now. Not when you graduate. It starts now. Thumbs up! 

Text: 2011-2014: Jonathan Kessel

Group photo of YLC 2011

Jonathan is wearing a YLC sweater. Jonathan: CONGRATULATIONS  It is the 50th anniversary and you are part of YLC’s fifty years of history! I was a Leader, Bulider, and Director for a total of 11 summers. Four years as Director. Those years were champ, memorable, and will always be a part of my heart. I really love the YLC.  A total of 64 Leaders, you,  are now Builders! Personally, I wish YLC could accept 200-300 Leaders every summer. The more Builders, the better.  Because of max capacity, the camp can only accept 64 Leaders.  With that, you now have the responsibility to share your experience, knowledge, and to build others! Good luck and again, CONGRATULATIONS! 

Text: 2015: Mark Ramirez 

Text: 2016 – 2017: Jonathan Scherling

Group photo of YLC 2016

A close up of Jonathan by a bamboo divider. Jonathan: Hello, I’m Jonathan Scherling. I was the camp director for 2016 and 2017. Looking back, I’m always inspired to see the leaders grow from the program. I get more inspired when the leaders go back to school and show what they’ve learned at YLC, be involved, be a great role model for others. As for you, leaders, who has successfully completed this program, congratulations. Always remember that YLC has plenty of tools – be sure to bring back to your schools and community to help and strive to be a better place for everyone else. Congratulations again. 

Text: 2018 – 2019: Jimel Wright 

Group photo of 2018

Jimel is wearing YLC 2018 shirt. Jimel: Hello my name is Jimel Wright. Really it was an honor to work for YLC 2018 as Camp Director. My overall experience working at YLC has been a rich one.  I always see each individuals growth and changes which impacts and inspires me.  My favorite memory is the end of YLC 2018 where we ready to leave YLC, of course there was a strong bond and lots of emotions.  So while getting ready to leave we so happened to forget to do our last YLC 2018 Good Night! It just so happened that everyone was on the bus and I stood in the middle in between both buses outside.  It was dark and everyone used the light from their phones.  We went ahead and did our last YLC 2018 Good Night.   It was very inspiring as that experience felt like it was a movie.  Nothing can replace that moment. My advice to you is to embrace every day at YLC and use that experience as a leader and your growth and change the world.  Many deaf communities need you, you can make an impact on the world.  What you learned at YLC has that to inspire the world. 

Text: 2019: Tory Sampson

Tory is standing in front of a forest. Tory is wearing a YLC shirt. Tory: Hello, my name is Tory Sampson. I was a camper in 2010, a builder in 2015, and part of the administration team in 2017, 2018 and 2019. I started as a Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Director and now, the Director. I often ask myself why I keep going back to YLC. It came to my realization that every time I come back, I see myself grow. I don’t just grow by myself, but with other people. We influence each other, we learn from each other, and we experience together. If it wasn’t for the leaders, builders, and the administration team, I wouldn’t be who I am today. My advice to you: I often find myself in frustrating situations where I feel uneasy, unsure, hard time making decisions, nervous, or doubts – it’s important to know that everything will be okay in the end. Everything. Once you achieve something, you’ll be able to look back and see how the experience gave you lessons, everything you’ve learned and  experienced, and then thrive. Remember, when you’ve hit the “your limits”, be sure to break the ceiling! 

Video fades to YLC campers sitting on the sand at the beach. They are sitting and resembling letters “Y-L-C”. 

Text: Here’s to another 50 years of Youth Leadership Camp!