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Teen Leadership Program




We are very excited about the Teen Leadership Program at our YMCA Camp! This special program for older campers and staff in training spans over two years, each year will require a four week minimum commitment. Participants in the leadership program assist with activities, organize and lead camp events, help with food service, and take part in training sessions throughout thier stay. The program provides a strong foundation for our campers and keeps tradition alive in our Camp. The Teen Leadership program is the perfect transitional program for older teens as it nurtures our campers into stronger leaders and future Camp Staff.

Year One- Leader/ Lifeguard in Training (LIT) Program
Ages 15+ (Lifeguard Trainee must pass rigorous swim test to qualify)

As an LIT participants are still considered campers and will need to register for Camp. For their final year as a camper, participants are able to select one of two options, become an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard, or for the non-swimmer choose another Camp program area, such as arts and crafts or horseback.  This is a 4 week course that can be taken either sessions 1&2 or 3&4.  This program provides campers a great opportunity to acquire lifelong skills. In addition, to lifeguard training/ program training, campers will participate in other program activities of their choice as well as all regular camp activities, a legacy project and leadership trainings. This program is geared to challenge the 15yr old camper, allowing them to remain part of the senior camper community forging bonds of friendship and lifelong interests, while preparing them for the following summer as a Counselor in Training.

Year Two- Counselor in Training (CIT) Program
Ages 16+

The next stage of your leadership training experience is your CIT summer. The CIT program will build off of the foundation from your summer as an LIT. This is your last summer living with your friends while contributing to the success of campers summers. Goals and objectives of the program are described below. As a CIT you will be doing more hands on training. You will work directly in a cabin group, teach at program areas, work on legacy projects, assist in the dining hall, attend leadership workshops and menot the LIT's (first year CIT's).As a CIT you are closer to being a staff member and are paid for your contribution to Camp. The CIT program is also a 4 week course that can be taken either sessions 1&2 or 3&4, opportunities for an extended stay may be available upon request.

Leadership Program Goals & Objectives
Goals

  • To learn the hard & soft skills to work in the field of Child Development
  • To develop strong leadership skills in youth
  • To provide important life skills for adolescents
  • To develop a sense of confidence and self worth
  • Provide structured feedback in key areas
  • To create a well trained, committed group of young adults from which the YMCA of Greater Boston Camping Services can hire from

Objectives

  1. Become aware of personal values
  2. Learn leadership skills
       *Understand personal leadership styles
       *Learn how to work with other styles
  3. Group development
        *Build strong cohesive groups with fellow teens       
        *Plan and implement fun activities for children
        * Learn/practice teaching skills to campers
  4. Work ethic
        *     Practice leading by example
        * Practice contributing positively to the success of
            Camp and campers
        * Learn to anticipate needs and respond appropriately
        * Practice and learn to be flexible
  5. Evaluation/Reflection
        *     Learn how to seek out and use criticism constructively
        * Understand personal strengths and weaknesses
        * Learn skills to set goals for self improvement
  6. Counseling skills
        *     Develop a rapport with campers
        * Learn how to assess a campers needs
        * Learn how to discipline firmly and fairly
        * Learn to work with parents
        * Practice working with diverse background of campers  
             and staff
  7. Develop a dedication to Camp
        *     Create legacy project as a CIT class

YMCA Camping Commitment

  1. Nurture personal and professional development in teen leaders
  2. Provide opportunities to work with diverse youth and staff.
  3. Certify teen leaders in Red Cross first aid, CPR, AED, 02, and if interested life guarding
  4. Provide learning opportunities for teen leaders to plan, execute, and evaluate activities
  5. Focus on skills teen leaders need learn to be positive role models for Camp
  6. Provide training opportunities for teen leaders to learn a variety of skills
  7. Support teen leadership legacy projects to help teach a commitment to service and better Camp
  8. Hire as many qualified staff from the CIT program as possible, benefiting both the teen leaders and the overall operation of Camp.