by Nick Vairo
Officers Take on Camp Surf: A Weekend of Leadership, Learning, and Fun
This past weekend, more than 200 youth leaders gathered at Camp Surf in San Diego for the 4th Annual MLC Officer Retreat, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Officers from the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, along with peers from the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and Da Vinci Schools, came together for a weekend filled with fun, professional development, and meaningful networking.
A Weekend to Remember
From the moment officers checked in at the McKinney Oceanfront Center, the energy was high. The retreat combined classic camp traditions—like color games and beach activities—with engaging workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills. Sessions were broken up under titles of “Be Well”, “Do Good”, and “Lead Change” giving delegates tools to bring back to their communities, from vision board making and yoga to motivational leadership and community service planning.
On Sunday, the retreat closed with powerful sessions including Y&G Culture and the Future Leaders Campaign—all underscoring the values of belonging, wellbeing, and youth voice at the heart of MLC.
Thank You to Our Partners
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible organizations and facilitators who made the drive to San Diego to pour into our youth leaders. From YMCA staff to community partners like the Entertainment Community Fund, ReachLA, and the LGBT Center, your time and dedication made a lasting impact on the next generation of changemakers.
We also give special thanks to Southern California Edison for generously providing funds to make the retreat happen.
Join the Movement
MLC Registration is now open! If you or someone you know is ready to step into leadership, visit our website to connect with your local Teen Director or Coordinator and learn more about how to get involved.
At the LA Y, we believe in creating spaces where young people can be well, do good, and lead change. This weekend at Camp Surf showed just how powerful that can be when hundreds of youth leaders come together.
Learn more about Youth & Government Model Legislature & Court here.