Liberty Lake Day Camp

In this advanced, selective program, Leaders in Training (LITs) take on a significant amount of responsibility and are expected to be the leaders of our camp community. The LIT Program is designed for young, talented people who are highly motivated and looking to challenge themselves. The LIT Program is much more than “one more year of Camp,” it’s a commitment towards becoming a true leader and making a difference in the lives of others.

The LIT experience features several key components, all of which are designed to challenge, motivate and inspire program participants to become dynamic leaders:

■ Service to Camp and the Community - LITs use the leadership tools learned in training workshops and apply them to real-life challenges and projects that impact both our camp and the community around us. LITs complete a wide range of cooperative and hands-on projects, such as engaging in fundraising initiatives for our Liberty Lake Foundation and preparing for our Camp’s annual Homecoming Event. These projects reinforce leadership lessons and provide Teen Leaders with the opportunity to positively impact others in tangible ways.

■ Leadership Skills Training - These interactive sessions are mentally challenging and hands-on. Training Workshops at the 10th grade level reinforce lessons from the CIT Program and focus on higher-level concepts such as empathy, acceptance of diversity and planning for their future.

■ Challenge Training - Adventure & Teambuilding Activities – LITs participate in a Challenge Training Course that helps teenagers push beyond their comfort zone and perceived limitations. High Ropes Course adventures, teambuilding games and physical exercises teach life long lessons to program participants.

■ Camp Counselor Interns - LITs assist Group Leaders, Counselors and Specialists throughout the day during electives, swim, group activities and special events. LITs also get practice in leading groups, facilitating special events & planning camper activities.

In addition, LITs receive lots of guidance from all members of the Liberty Lake Team. Specialists, Group Leaders & Directors mentor program participants throughout every step of their leadership journey. All LITs receive formal performance evaluations, giving them concrete and valuable feedback on their experience.

It is important for all potential applicants to know that successful completion of our Teen Leadership Program does not ensure future employment at Liberty Lake Day Camp. We ask those who apply to our LIT Program to understand that they should participate because they have a strong interest in learning great leadership skills, and not because they are seeking a position on the Liberty Lake Team in the future.

The LIT Program has a strictly limited enrollment and any interested individual must apply and fulfill all of the necessary application requirements. Complete details of the LIT Application process are available in the “Signing Up” section below. LITs must attend Camp for at least 6 weeks of the Regular Camp Season (not including pre & post week).

Program Extras & Trips

■ Pine Forest Overnight Camping – beautiful sleep away camp located in the scenic mountains of Pennsylvania, is the home of the LIT over-night trip. This trip is frequently cited by LITs as one of their most memorable experiences of the summer. Our time at Pine Forest consists of leadership games, high-ropes challenges, camp fire traditions and incredible water activities, all of which are facilitated by Pine Forest’s outstanding staff.

■ College Campus Tour  – A guided tour of one of New Jersey’s college campuses and programming geared towards helping LITs explore their post-high school years.

■ Beach Day  – Enjoy the thrills of the Jersey Shore for a day! Plus parties, after-camp events, & an end of summer dance!

Signing Up

■ 10th grade Program Applicants must complete the LIT Application process, which consists of the online form, 2 letters of reference and a copy of your latest school report card. Please click here for a complete description of the LIT Application process.

■ Applicants who were not a part of the 9th Grade Program must also take part in an onsite-interview with one of the program directors.

■ Within 2 weeks of submitting all of the application parts, camper will receive an acceptance decision letter.

■ If accepted, Parent/Guardian then completes the online Camper Registration Form via CampMinder (signing up for a minimum of 6 of the 8 weeks of the Regular Camp Season).

■ The deadline for completing all parts of the application is May 15, 2012.