Teens Who Lead: The Camp Experience That Builds Confidence and Skills
If your teen loves camp and is ready for more responsibility, a Leader-in- Training (LIT) program offers a perfect blend of growth, fun and real-world experience. Designed for older campers, LIT program helps teens transition from camper to counselor while building confidence, leadership skills and lifelong memories.
Interested in learning more? Explore our Leader-in -Training opportunities to see which camp is the right fit for your teen.
What do LITs do at the camp?
LITs take on meaningful responsibilities while still enjoying the experience of the camp. Under the guidance of experienced staff, they:
- Assist counselors with daily activities
- Support camper supervision and engagement
- Help with programming and special events
- Serve as positive role models for younger campers
LITs are never expected to act as full counselors, instead they learn in a supportive environment that encourages leadership.
Former LITs often describe how the experience shaped their camp journey:
"Last summer, after attending camp for eight years as a camper, I had the opportunity to be a Leader in Training (LIT). As an LIT, I realized that camp was not just about me having a great time but also ensuring that younger campers had the same wonderful experiences I look back on so fondly. I worked hand in hand with the counselors and camp brass in running daily programs and events while supervising my group of campers. I feel the experience prepared for me for the natural next step in my Camp Chickami journey – becoming a counselor myself.
Camp Chickami is truly like a second home to me. I have made some of my best memories and closet friends during my summers there. I feel extremely close to the camp and would relish the opportunity to work as a junior counselor, something I feel I have been working towards all my life." - Camp Chickami LIT (2025), Junior Counselor (2026)
Skills and Benefits Teens Gain as LITs
Parents appreciate LIT program because they help teens develop skills that extend far beyond the summer. Teens gain:
- Leadership, communication and teamwork skills
- Confidence and independence
- Mentorship and role modeling experience
- CPR Training, an important and valuable life skill
LIT experience also strengthens college applications and resumes, showing colleges and employers that your teens have real leadership experience, responsibility and community involvement.
LIT Programs by Camp and Age Group
Camp Chickami
(Youth entering grade 10)
Camp Chickami is perfect for teens who love being outdoors and want a traditional camp experience. Over a two-week session, LITs assist counselors, build confidence, and gain hands-on leadership experience in a structured camp day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all while enjoying outdoor activities.
Camp Pikati
(Youth entering grades 6–9)
Camp Pikati is ideal for teens who enjoy a mix of sports, games, and creative activities. LITs participate in a two-week session helping counselors, developing teamwork skills, and taking on responsibilities during a full camp day, including games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, relay races, archery, and camp-wide themes.
Camp Frank A. Day
(Youth aged 16)
Camp Frank A. Day is a traditional overnight camp for boys and girls. LITs take an active role in daily operations, mentoring younger campers, participating in service projects, and gaining leadership experience.
Camp Wells
(Youth entering grades 6–9)
Camp Wells is great for teens who love action-packed days full of sports and traditional camp activities. LITs assist counselors, build confidence, and develop responsibility while enjoying soccer, basketball, wiffle ball, competitive games, and skill-building sessions during a two-week program.
A Leader-in-Training program is more than just a summer activity, it’s an experience and lifelong friendships LITs gain and skills they’ll carry with them into college, careers and beyond.