Liberty Lake Day Camp

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." 

~ John Quincy Adams

Campers in Transition - Entering 9th Graders

Liberty Lake’s Campers in Transition (CITs) get the chance to enjoy their final summer as campers, but they also participate in daily Leadership Training Workshops and assist at electives during their Elective Internship period. Participants learn about and practice effective leadership skills, such as teamwork, goal setting and decision making. These essential skills are useful in all facets of life, including at school, home, the workplace and at Camp.

The daily schedule for CITs is a blend of being a camper and being a leader. Rather than attending five Camp Elective activities throughout the day as senior campers do, CITs participate in three electives, with the training and internship periods taking the place of two electives.

■ Leadership Training Workshops are interactive and instructive training sessions featuring a wide variety of hands-on activities, group discussions and physical exercises. CITs participate in one Leadership Training Workshop per day.

■ During Elective Internships, CITs help Group Leaders and Specialists in facilitating activities and engaging with campers, giving them a glimpse into the role and responsibilities of being a camp counselor. CITs are assigned to one Elective Internship period each week, and assist at this elective each day.

The CIT program also features community service projects, including participating in a Community Clean Up Day and assisting with our annual Liberty Lake Foundation Fundraising-Fest. In addition, CITs complete weekly reflections, receive ongoing feedback throughout the summer, and are given formal performance evaluations at the conclusion of their experience. Along with their added responsibilities, CITs enjoy bonus events, trips and parties.

CITs must attend Camp for at least 4 weeks of the Regular Camp Season (not including pre & post week). Details on how to sign up for the CIT Program are at the bottom of this page.

Leaders in Training - Entering 10th Graders

Liberty Lake's Leaders in Training (LIT) Program is designed for young, talented people with a love for children and strong desire to learn how to care and manage them. The LIT Program is not just “one more year of Camp,” but a commitment towards becoming a true Leader and potentially a Liberty Lake Counselor. The ideal LIT is highly motivated, prepared to be challenged, ready to work and play hard, and able to handle additional responsibility.

LITs assist Group Leaders, Counselors and Specialists throughout the day during electives, swim, group activities and special events. In addition to working with younger campers, LITs also participate in two daily leadership training workshops. These workshops are mentally and physically challenging, focusing on key skills such as teamwork, goal setting, conflict resolution and relating to others. These training session sessions will help LITs become leaders at school, at home, at work and at camp. LITs also receive weekly evaluations, are mentored by experienced Camp Team members, engage in community service projects, assist our ongoing fight to stop/alter the warehouse and attend fun-filled trips.

It is important to note that successful LITs will be considered for positions on the Liberty Lake Team for the summer of 2013. However, becoming a Liberty Lake counselor is not the end of goal of the program. We cannot guarantee that successful completion of our Teen Leadership Program will result in future employment at Liberty Lake.

LITs must attend Camp for at least 6 weeks of the Regular Camp Season (not including pre & post week).

Due to the success and popularity of our LIT Program in recent years, we have found it necessary to limit enrollment and any interested individual must apply. Complete details on how to become an LIT are at the bottom of this page.
 

Why Teen Leadership at Camp?

■  According to studies conducted by The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, the number #1 skill deficiency of today's young people is leadership - "leveraging the strengths of others to achieve common goals; using interpersonal skills to coach and develop others."

■ Unfortunately, much of what kids learn in school is not essential to their future. For the most part, school curriculums are preparing kids to take high-stakes standardized tests rather than preparing them for the realities and challenges of the 21st century. While not every teen needs to be able to solve a quadratic equation, most teens would benefit from learning how to set goals, make decisions, manage stress and solve conflicts. The preoccupation with student’s academic achievement in today's schools has led to far too many kids leaving high school lacking life skills and unprepared for adulthood.

■ Researchers have identified a phenomenon known as Summer Learning Loss in which kids experience a significant loss in skills and knowledge during summer vacation. Too many kids across the country spend their summers floundering in front of their televisions and computers-when they could and should be enriching and expanding themselves. Research conducted by the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has shown that "intentional summer programs, like camp, help stem summer learning loss – providing experiences that challenge children, develop talents, keep them engaged, and expand horizons.” 

 The LLDC Toolbox

By participating in Leadership Training Workshops, engaging in team-building and challenge adventure activities, working with children and performing community service, CITs & LITs fill their leadership toolboxes with skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives. The L.L.D.C. Toolbox is the framework for the specific leadership skills and information in which CITs & LITs focus on:

Learn life skills: decision making, problem solving, conflict resolution, time management, organization, stress management, teamwork & communication.

Look towards your future: imagine the possibilities, create plans, set goals & explore potential careers.

Develop as an individual: discover your interests, gain self-awareness, form meaningful relationships, challenge yourself, accept individual differences & be empathetic.

Care for others: work with and make a positive difference in the lives of our younger campers, be a role model, Pay it Forward & engage in community service projects.

What Did You Learn From Being an LIT/CIT? 

Responses of Former Program Participants

“I learned a lot like how to view a situation from a different point of view. This is important because you would never be able to solve a situation without seeing the other side.”

"From being an LIT, I learned that it is important to be a leader and that sometimes, being a leader means you have to follow others."

"The most important thing I learned was how to make new and good friends when you’re in a place where you don’t know anyone and feel like an outsider.”

“Being an LIT has really changed me. People like Brandon, Erin and BZ have really done a great job inspiring all of us. This summer was unforgettable and I would recommend the program to anyone going into 9th grade.”

“I learned so much! A lot about stress management was helpful. I’m very stressed as a student so I learned new stuff to help me.”

"I learned how to be a better person. I think I’m going to benefit strongly from it and keep looking back on my binder.”

"I learned that no matter how old I get, a true leader, the good leader, will never stop learning."

Signing Up for 2012

Campers in Transition (9th Grade Program)

  ■ Parent/Guardian completes our online Camper Registration Form via CampMinder (must sign up for at least 4 of the 8 weeks of the Regular Camp Season)

■ Parent/Guardian & entering CIT must read, sign and return the CIT Program Overview & Expectation Sheet. Please scan and e-mail, drop off or mail us the signed document.

Leaders in Training (10th Grade Program)

■ The LIT application consists of an online application form, two personal references and a copy of the applicant's most recent report card/progress report. Complete details for the LIT application process can be found here.

■ Please know that in addition to the above application requirements, a personal interview may also be requested. Any applicant that has not attended Liberty Lake in the past or did not complete the CIT Program will be required to interview with the LIT Program Coordinator.

■ Program applicants will receive an acceptance decision within 2 weeks of completing all parts of the application.

■ Parent/Guardian should complete our online Camper Registration Form via CampMinder (must sign up for at least 6 of the 8 weeks of the Regular Camp Season) AFTER receiving our acceptance decision.
 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Liberty Lake's Teen Leadership Program. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us - we are here to help!