Books

Elmer F. Ott, a leader in youth leadership development, was sent by President Dwight Eisenhower to Germany at the conclusion of World War II to restore the morale of destitute German boys via YMCA camping experiences

Influence! is a collection of Ott’s speeches, chapel talks, and diary excerpts written in post-war Germany. Assembled and published for the first time by Jon Helminiak, youth leaders, parents and young people now have a guidepost for youth leadership development as defined by one of the nation’s most influential YMCA summer camp directors.

Elmer Ott was the Executive Director of the Camp Manito-wish YMCA from 1937-72. Today, the camp remains one of the world’s premier youth leadership training organizations, offering wilderness experiences from 3 days to 60 days in length. Jon Helminiak has a lengthy history with the Camp Manito-wish YMCA including:

• Twenty years on the board of directors
• Assistant Executive Director
• Canadian canoe trip leader and summer camp counselor
• Youth participant on extended Canadian canoe trips

PURCHASE INFLUENCE! by contacting the Camp Manito-wish YMCA at:  camp@manito-wish.org