Youth Leadership Academy 2025
Welcome to Fantastic Magic Camp’s Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) webpage! This is your quick resource for essential information about YLA 2025. Whether you’re a new or returning intern, we’re excited to have you on this leadership journey.
YLA is Fantastic Magic Camp’s leadership training program designed for teens ages 13-19. Participants develop life skills, professional growth, and leadership abilities through hands-on training and fun, collaborative experiences. Interns who complete the program may work at Fantastic Magic Camp during our seasonal camps, contributing to a magical, inclusive community.
Want to stay in the loop?Join our YLA 2025 Contact List!
YLA 2025 Summer Kick-Off Party
Mark your calendars for our Summer Kick-Off Party on Saturday, May 31, 2:00-10:00 PM at Bertil's house, 12316 Indian Mound Dr. Austin, TX 78758! A long-standing, outrageously fun tradition for our YLA interns, our annual Summer Kick-Off Party is a blast! Enjoy a fun time with the camp community, a pool, grilling, a CIT/Counselor Talent Show and more!
This event is a mostly outdoors event with dappled shade. There are indoor restrooms. We recommend you bring a bag with a towel and change of clothes if you plan to swim. You may bring small games or activities to share with the group. Attending the Summer Kick Off Party will earn you 1/2 credit for YLA. Taking part in the CIT/Counselor Talent Show will earn you 1/2 credit for YLA as well.
RSVP Here!
Kick Off Party Agenda
- Saturday, May 31, 2:00-10:00 PM
2:00 pm - Arrival & Settle In
2:30 pm - Updates, Recognitions & Announcements
3:30 pm - CIT/Counselor Talent Show
5:00 pm - Chef Black Bert’s Grilled Special
5:30 - 7:30 pm - Pool, Games, and Fun Time
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundaes
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm - Campfire & Sardines (a game)
π Snack Sign-Up
A huge thank you to YLA Parent Volunteer Garima for organizing a snack sign-up for training sessions!
- Providing snacks is optional but much appreciated to help keep our interns fueled.
- We typically have 40-45 interns per session.
- Due to allergies, please avoid meat and nuts (including peanuts & coconut).
- Sign up here: Magic Camp Snack Sign-Up
YLA 2025 Training Schedule & Opportunities
All regular training sessions take place at 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78759:
- Sunday, January 26, 2025: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday, February 23, 2025: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, March 30, 2025: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, April 27, 2025: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, May 25, 2025: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Alternate training opportunities should never be seen as mandatory. Activities, requirements, locations and times for alternate training opportunities may vary:
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 9-12pm, 12th Annual Youth Career Fest, Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd
- Interns that attend Youth Career Fest as guests will receive a half day of YLA training credit – Event Details
- Many AISD and area schools already have a field trip for this event planned
- To get credit, Interns should email a photo of themselves at the event to fantasticmagicamp@gmail.com
- Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10-3pm, HBCU Day 2025 at The Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
- Interns that attend HBCU Day 2025 as guests will receive a half day of YLA training credit - Event Details
- To get credit, Interns should find Ariel at the event, or email a photo of themselves at the event to fantasticmagicamp@gmail.com
- Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9am-9pm (shifts available), World Famous Austin Magic Auction (50th anniversary), St Matthew Episopal, 8134 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX 78759
- Interns will be asked to help work as volunteer staff for the Magic Auction
- Interns MUST sign up to get credit for this event
- How to sign up: Email Peter@magiccamp.com to sign up for this YLA opportunity
- Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Inventory Work Day
- 1:00 - 5:00 PM
- 9420 Spectrum Dr, Austin, TX 78717
- Earn: 1 day of YLA credit
- How to sign up: Email peter@magiccamp.com to schedule & call upon arrival.
- March 17-21, 2025 – Spring Break Camp
- 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM (Monday) / 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Tues-Fri)
- 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
- Earn: 2 days of YLA credit (you will still receive your regular stipend as well)
- How to sign up: Sign up for Spring Break HERE (First Year Counselors & up only!)
- Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Breaking Barriers: Teen Mental Health Conference
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
- Earn: ½ day of YLA credit
- How to get credit: Email a photo of yourself at the event to YLA@magiccamp.com
- Event Info: Available onEventbrite.
- Monday, March 31, 2025 – One-Day Mini Camp
- 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM
- 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
- Earn: 1 day of YLA credit (you will still receive your regular stipend as well
- How to sign up: Email peter@magiccamp.com (First Year Counselors & up only!)
- Saturday, April 19, 2025 – Green Careers Fest
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752
- Earn: ½ day of YLA credit
- How to get credit: Email a photo of yourself at the event to YLA@magiccamp.com
- What is it? A networking event for young people interested in green careers, sustainability, and leadership. Features speakers, workshops, and a free clothing giveaway!
- Register here.
- Saturday, April 26 – Post Auction Treasure Hunt Pt 2
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM !!!The time of this event has changed!!!
- Earn: 1 YLA credit
- How to sign up: Email peter@magiccamp.com to volunteer.
- Details: Help out at a magic memorabilia sale featuring rare props, books, and collectibles.
- More info: Treasure Hunt Flyer
- Friday, May 2 – Youth Mental Health First Aid (Virtual)
- Details: A great mental health first aid training for anyone working with teenagers!
- How to earn credit: Email us a copy of your completion certificate or YLA@magiccamp.com
- Register here: Eventbrite Registration
- Sunday, May 4, 2025 – Inventory Work Day
- 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- 9420 Spectrum Dr, Austin, TX 78717
- Earn: 1 day of YLA credit
- How to sign up: Email peter@magiccamp.com to schedule & call upon arrival.
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Summer Camp Sign-Ups
Interns can now sign up to work Summer Camp (all interns eligible)!
- Summer Deadline: Submit availability by April 9, 2025 to help us create schedules in a timely manner.
- What if I don’t know my full availability yet? Please submit at least two different weeks of availability. You can add or adjust it later.
- Changes? You can update your availability in the form until May 12. After that, email admin@magiccamp.com for changes.
- Sign up for Summer Camp HERE
W9 Collection for Intern Stipends
This applies only to 1st-year counselors and above. CITs do not need to submit a W9.
- Interns with their own bank account may receive stipend in their own name (with family approval).
- Alternatively, a legal guardian may receive the stipend.
- The W9 must be completed and signed by the person who will receive the stipend.
How to submit your W9:
- Email a completed W9 to fantasticmagiccamp@gmail.com ASAP
- W9 Form Link: IRS W9 Form
YLA Handbook
The YLA 2025 Handbook has all the details you need about the program, expectations, and tips for success. Download the YLA 2025 Handbook (PDF)
Stay Connected
Be part of the magic year-round!
- Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @magiccamp
- Join the FMC Intern & Staff Discord: Click here to join
- Parents: Join the Fantastic Magic Camp YLA Parents Facebook group
- Alumni: Join the Magic Camp Alumni Facebook group
Want to stay in the loop?Join ourYLA 2025 Contact List!
Thank you for being part of YLA 2025! Let’s make this year unforgettable. π
Questions? Contact Us!
For anything related to YLA, reach out to Ariel:
π 512-653-6603
π§ ariel@magiccamp.com or YLA@magiccamp.com
For seasonal camp inquiries, contact Peter:
π 512-709-8060
π§ peter@magiccamp.com