Michael's Gate began as a dream during the summer of 2005. Deb Siverson, the Executive Director, inspired by the memory of her late brother Michael, had a vision of creating a safe learning environment where children could develop leadership awareness and skills at an early age. While there are other leadership programs available, very few address the ten to twelve year old age group.
We feel it is important to support youth at these formative years in determining who they are and what they stand for, and to have the confidence to "speak up" for themselves with dignity and respect. Our emphasis on leadership builds self-awareness and self-esteem and provides each boy the opportunity to learn the importance of the unique role they play in their families, with friends, and in their schools.
The Michael's Gate program utilizes a variety of activities which assist the boys in increasing self-awareness and self-confidence, while practicing new leadership skills and encouraging responsible decision-making. The boys are encouraged to use these newly learned skills to take positive risks, set higher goals, and make healthy life choices.
Learning activities use "experiential" teaching methods. Instead of being lectured to, participants are presented with concepts, vocabulary, and problems, and then interact with each other in activities that address the particular topic.
We strive to assist campers to take the next step in their leadership journey through:
A better understanding of their leadership abilities and a recognition of the individual leader within each themselves and their peers. This program is intended to create the confidence needed for your son to stand up for what matters most.
Michael's Gate is not affiliated with any church or religious organizations. While we do not prescribe to a religion we do hold firmly to the principle of loving and honoring one another. Michael's Gate is intended to be a gateway for all to meet in unity and explore leadership, purpose, passion, and vision.
Begin talking about the time your child will be away from home and what they can expect. Provide encouragement by reinforcing that the time spent will be fun and exciting.
Tuition for our 6 day 5 night camp is $725, however, if you are able to sign up for the early registration discount the cost is $675. There is also a family discount of $25 for each additional child registered.
Tuition covers camper's housing, food, 24-hour supervision, participation in all activities, use of all camp equipment, and a camp T-shirt. Tuition balance is due 6 weeks prior to the beginning of your camper's session.
Tuition is refundable, less a $50 cancellation fee, if notice is received up to 6 weeks before camp begins. If a cancellation is made after the 6 week cut-off, no tuition refund is available. Exceptions may be made in the case of medical emergency. Homesickness and dismissal from camp are not accepted as a basis for refund.
Campers do not need extra money while at camp however, some of our campers prefer to have a small amount of spending money for souvenirs from the camp store. If you wish for your child to have extra money, we leave this at your discretion, and we will be glad to hold that money in our camp bank (deposits can be made on registration day). We do not recommend that the camper have extra money in the cabin, and we cannot be held responsible if that money is found missing. Therefore, extra money is not necessary, but it is your decision whether or not to provide it.
Staff is comprised of collegians, graduate students and professionals. Staff members are selected based on work experience, strong communication skills, and the desire to support youth learning. Candidates undergo an interview, reference checks and criminal background checks prior to hiring. All staff receive training in a variety of areas including activity leadership and safety.
Mentor to camper ratios are 1:5.
We will start a wait list. In order ensure the maximum camp experience there are a limited amount of spaces for each leadership camp. You may call and registrar at (303) 238-1973 or download, complete, and mail the registration form with deposit to ensure your son's availability in the next Michael's Gate camp.
Within two weeks of receiving your camper's application we will send an acceptance packet with the following items:
We charter a bus to pick-up campers in Denver and Colorado Springs.
We ask that parents call to speak to their camper only in the case of emergency. Campers are seldom near a phone and it is challenging to coordinate calls with camper schedules. In addition, calls from home can cause homesickness in a camper or jealousy among cabin mates. In case of emergency, please call the camp office and we will arrange for a time for your camper to return your call as soon as possible.
Sometimes the first day or two at camp will be difficult for both son and parents. Actually, we experience very little real homesickness, most of the time these feelings stem from being in a new environment and being unsure of what will happen. This is a temporary situation, and clears up as soon as he discovers the excitement of the camp activities. If homesickness persists, the mentor, camp director and facilitators work together to help the camper work through and overcome this challenge. We may call parents to aid in the process. It is our deep desire that the camper stays at camp, experience success and have the full camp experience.
If you receive a call from your child with homesickness, try to bring your own separation feelings into proper perspective and set a positive, encouraging tone. Avoid phrases such as "we miss you" or detailed accounts of what siblings and the family are doing. Ask about camp activities, mentors, etc. Express your confidence in his ability to cope and ask him to allow some more time to adjust, and that missing home is "ok". The camp staff is always ready to help you if you have concerns The best preparation for homesickness is a positive family attitude about camp, discussions about what to expect at camp. This preparation beforehand will usually suffice to give your child the tools needed to make the camp transition a valuable growth experience.
We do hold firmly to the principle of loving and honoring one another and to treat others with respect and to value each boy's right to a fun, enriching experience at camp. Clear guidelines, positive reinforcement, positive role modeling and a cultivated sense of generosity and fair play are key components in our effort to maintain a safe and nurturing camp environment. We work hard so that every child will develop greater social skills and succeed at camp. Disrespect, mean or violent behavior, including teasing or harassment of any kind is not tolerated.
If discipline problems arise, we handle each conflict on an individual basis. In most cases, a camper will participate in dialogue with their mentor explaining the inappropriate behavior and receive relevant consequences. Continued misbehavior will result in a contract between the camper, camp Director, and Facilitators. Broken behavior contracts result in the camper going home early from camp with no tuition reimbursement.
If your child has prescription drugs that he needs to take while at camp, they will be given to the nurse during registration day, and your child will receive his dose as prescribed. Typically, campers receive their medications discreetly at mealtime. For bedtime medications, the nurse stops by the camper's cabins each night.
We have the normal over-the-counter medications (aspirin, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) that we can give your child if needed. Please do not send over-the counter medications with your child. If you have a special concern about your child's health care needs, please contact our office at (303) 238-1973 or email us at info@michaelsgate.org.
Our registered nurse at camp that will take good care of your son should he need medical attention while he is at camp. For minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes, we will not be contacting you. In the event that your son spends the night in the infirmary, or is taken to the doctor, we will call and let you know.