YMCA Northeast Leaders School (NELS)

Hosted by the YMCA of Central New York

YMCA Northeast Leaders School is the premier teen leadership conference in the Northeast. Located at historic Springfield College, the program serves Teen Leaders from all the states in our region. Staffed by YMCA professionals and volunteers, this week-long program is designed to meet the needs of the individual teen by providing them with skill development and valuable personal and group living experiences.

NELS 2026

Dates of School: July 19-24, 2026 (Overnight)

Age Requirements:  Ages 13-18 (must be 13 by the start of Leaders School)

Location: Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield, MA 01109

Cost:  $675.00

Northeast Leaders School is all-inclusive; attendees will have no additional costs during the program and all meals are included. You do not need to send your teen with money, though groups traveling to and from NELS may opt to stop to eat along the way. We recommend checking with your teen’s YMCA about their travel plans.

Financial Aid: Our goal is for cost never to be the reason a teen does not attend Leaders School. To that end, we are proud to offer financial aid to keep the cost of NELS accessible for all. To apply for financial aid, please fill out the application below:

NELS Financial Aid Application

Leaders School encourages families interested in financial aid to contact their local Y where their teen attends Leaders Club meetings and/or other programs. In addition to the financial aid provided by NELS, many Ys will provide additional scholarship to participating teens.

Registration for NELS 2026 is now OPEN! Here is how registration works:

YMCA Staff/Leaders Club Advisors:  Click the Link here to register your YMCA for registration. IF YOU REGISTERED LAST YEAR AND YOUR INFORMATION HAS NOT CHANGED, YOU DON’T NEED TO REGISTER AGAIN! YMCA Staff will get a registration link for their YMCA to share with Teen/Parents to register.

Teens/Parents connected to a Leaders Club/YMCA Teen Program:  Connect with your local YMCA Teen Staff Member or Leaders Advisor to get registration links. A parent must sign up their teen for Leaders School. If you are not sure who to talk to, reach out to the Leaders School Co-Directors Kaelei Esposito (khooper@gpymca.org) and Ryan Wong (rwong@ymcacny.org).

Teens/Parents who are not connected to Leaders Club or YMCA Program: Please reach out to Kaelei (khooper@gpymca.org) and Ryan (rwong@ymcacny.org) for more information about how to register.

TYLER talks about his Leaders Experience

 

 

Programming & Activities

Leaders School has a packed schedule with very little free time by design. Activities include

  • Leadership and teaching skills in Physical Education, Fitness, Sports, Aquatics, Creative Expression, Advocacy, & Volunteerism.
  • Character Development and Values Education in a diverse small group environment.
  • Elective programs in a broad area of interests
  • Special programs including an induction ceremony, banquet, and dance
  • Optional early morning activities, all school evening activities, even meal times are full of energy, learning opportunities and fun!

 

Goals & Objectives

  • Provide training to young people who demonstrate leadership potential
  • To offer a mentoring experience with volunteers and professionals
  • To introduce methods of teaching and leadership skills
  • To enhance leadership capabilities including teaching and performance skills in physical education, aquatics, recreation, character development, and other areas of YMCA youth work
  • To acquire the human relations skills necessary to translate personal values into positive action
  • To have the most amount of fun possible in 5-1/2 days!

Parent Information

Sending your teen away for 5-1/2 days may bring up questions and anxieties both teens and parents. Leaders School and the YMCA is committed to being a safe, inclusive environment for all. Check out our Parent FAQ for helpful information.

For more information: 

Reach out to your local Leaders Club advisor or email the NELS Co-Directors, Kaelei Esposito (khooper@gpymca.org) and Ryan Wong (rwong@ymcacny.org).