As I approached the campsite for the third year, the smell of the air—an oaky odor, mixed with a fresh, forest scent—brought back a flood of fond memories. This includes the first time I went to the sports complex and played volleyball in an air-conditioned area. After hours of building team spirit, all of the campers went to a swimming pool to cool off. What a great day that was!

When I entered again into one of the rustic cabins that would become home for the next two weeks, I could smell its cedar interior. I remembered moments spent with previous cabin mates and the activities that had caused me to sleep so soundly. After a few nights, not even buzzing bugs could keep me awake in one of its squeaky beds!

When I came to camp for the first time in 2009, I was a little shy and not sure how the time would pass. But by the end of two weeks, I knew for a fact I was hooked on AYC forever! Now, in my last year as a camper, I look back at the time spent with a wistful smile.

While there are many lessons I learned while taking part in AYC, a few stick out in my mind: (1) where there is firm government structure, things go well; (2) public speaking will not kill you, it just helps you share yourself with others; (3) a few bugs in a wooden cabin will not ruin AYC—it just makes the whole camping experience more fun!

Above all of these, there is a huge overarching lesson that campers take away from AYC: learning to become better leaders. This involves learning to act like ladies and gentlemen, clearly convey our thoughts, and continue to smile—even if we feel exhausted! By following these principles, even when we do not want to do so, we build character and become good examples to those around us.

In short, we learn to put the “Ambassador” in Ambassador Youth Camp!

Throughout every situation and activity, we were shown how to conduct ourselves as leaders. This included practicing team spirit. By working with other campers, we learned the importance of supporting one another by cheering on each other during activities. This was especially important with campers who were frightened to participate in certain ones.

For example, this year, when someone was too scared to jump off the high dive, the whole camp cheered the camper on until he finally had the courage to do so! In this case, because we lent our support, he was able to overcome a fear.

At AYC, experience gained in activities such as whitewater rafting and canoeing also gives campers opportunities to practice leadership. While it was difficult to do something when you had almost no energy left, glancing at others reminded you that you were not the only one who was tired.

This is where leadership comes in. It is at this moment that a leader will inspire those around him with positive words and comments, instead of acting tired. Such a person is willing to make this sacrifice because he realizes that his upbeat attitude can spur others to success.

One of the most wonderful things about AYC is that you are able to see how your friends grow and change with you. You share so much with each other through activities. You learn to put your full trust in each other to succeed. And by the end of camp, you can almost look at someone and know what they are thinking. This is vital because as you grow closer to others and help them, you also give a little of yourself.

Looking back, Ambassador Youth Camp has taught me what true leadership really is and how to let my light shine wherever I go. I will use the principles and knowledge that I have learned as a camper to be a young ambassador for the Church and stand out among my peers in the world—always remembering that a true leader moves forward, whatever the cost.

In this way, I can truly be an ambassador youth to those at home and next year as a staff member at AYC 2012!