Leaders in Training

Leaders in Training

group of camp counselors and leaders in training in Farmington CT

Grow, Lead, Inspire.

A Summer Day Program for Aspiring Camp and Community Leaders

For girls ages 13-15. June 22 – July 31, 2026.

Join us for one, two, or all three sessions.

Each session runs two weeks.

The Leaders in Training (LIT) program invites girls ages 13-15 to step into leadership through hands-on experiences that mirror real-world professional settings. Through workshops, mentorship, and daily reflection, LITs build confidence and develop essential leadership skills, taking initiative and showing accountability as they collaborate with younger campers, peers, and mentors.

Participants learn by doing – growing skills like empathy, active listening, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to receive and respond to feedback. By the end of the program, LITs leave with practical leadership experience, valuable insight into how to work in a professional environment, and the confidence to inspire others.

By the end of a session, LITs will have:

Practical tools for motivating and supporting campers with care and confidence.

Real-world skills for inspiring, supporting, and leading younger campers.

Hands-on strategies for encouraging, guiding, and connecting with campers.

Greater confidence as communicators, teammates, and emerging leaders.

Session Details

Enroll in any combination of one, two, or all three sessions. Each session runs two weeks with limited openings to ensure quality mentorship. Registration is first come, first served.

Session 1

June 22 – July 3, 2026

Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$900 with lunch and snacks included

Session 2

July 6 – July 17, 2026

Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$900 with lunch and snacks included

Session 3

July 20 – July 31, 2026

Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$900 with lunch and snacks included

Why register for more than one session?

Sign up for an info session and to access early bird registration for 2026!

Who is this program for?

This program is for girls who:

  • will be 13–15 years old by the first day of their program session(s).
  • want to develop the skills and confidence to become community leaders, future camp counselors, and driven professionals.
  • enjoy working with their peers and younger girls in a summer camp environment.
  • want real, hands-on responsibility and practice with mentorship and guidance.

What Leaders in Training Do

Certificates

Become certified in adult and pediatric CPR and First Aid.

Hands-on Training

Rotate through camp activity areas to learn about safety, setup, camper engagement, problem solving, and navigating social emotional learning in younger campers.

Mentorship

Shadow experienced counselors; summer programs staff will provide guidance, professional goal setting, give feedback and get to know each LIT individually to help them grow as a leader and team member.

Supervised Practice

Plan and lead activities, assist small groups, and support activities with an adult present. Each LIT contributes to a mini-leadership capstone project (e.g., planning a game, supporting a showcase, or improving a camp routine).

Leadership Workshops

Explore professional goal setting and how to meet those goals, how to communicate effectively, how to give and receive feedback, how to problem-solve, how to establish agency and how to work in a professional environment.

Skills Building

 

Problem-Solving

Navigating logistics, social emotional learning, planning and facilitation of activities and real camp scenarios with support.

Active Listening & Empathy

Connecting with campers and peers in meaningful ways.

Teamwork & Responsibility

Showing initiative, collaboration, reliability, and follow-through.

Communication

Giving clear instructions, positive tone, and age-appropriate guidance.

Professionalism

Time management, goal setting, reflection, and growth mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Leaders in Training program is a day program only. Participants must have their own local lodging and transportation to and from campus.

No! We welcome all levels – just bring enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

No. All LIT work is supervised by trained staff and counselors.

If your school accepts them, we can provide a summary of hours and responsibilities.

Comfortable clothing for active days, a water bottle, and a growth mindset. Additional details will be shared in a welcome packet.

Why should you choose our program?

Our program creates a sense of belonging and accountability, modeling to LITs that leadership is built on relationships, trust, and mutual support. LITs learn directly from experienced counselors and passionate staff, stepping into mentoring roles with younger campers while also practicing how to give and receive guidance. By leading games, activities, and daily routines, LITs learn how to balance joy with professionalism, modeling how leaders create engaging but safe spaces. Communication, conflict resolution, adaptability, and resilience are practiced at camp , which prepare LITs to lead confidently in school, work, and beyond.

Our all-girls experience provides a safe and inclusive environment where girls can be their unique and authentic selves while building their confidence, identifying their strengths and experiencing joy.

Sign up for an info session and to access early bird registration for 2026!

Leaders in Training

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:45 a.m. – Arrival

9:00 a.m. – Leadership Workshops

11:30 a.m. – Support group transitions

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 p.m. – Shadow and assist in activity areas

3:00 p.m. – Mentorship check-ins

3:30 p.m. – Supervised practice leading a warm-up, game or activity

4:30 p.m. – Reflection, feedback, and goal setting

5:00 p.m. – Departure

She Means Business

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:45 a.m. – Camper drop-off

9:00 a.m. – Discovering the CEO in You

10:30 a.m. – Break with snacks

10:45 a.m. – Brainstorm creative ideas and decide together how to design a small business as a social enterprise

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 p.m. – Money Matters: Personal Finance Basics

2:30 p.m. – Break with snacks

2:45 p.m. – Apply lessons to planning your business budget

4:00 p.m. – Choose your afternoon activity! (EX: swimming, Gaga Ball, friendship bracelets, arts & crafts)

5:00 p.m. – Camper pick-up

Fun with DNA

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:45 a.m. – Camper drop-off

9:00 a.m. – Cells, the Building Blocks of Life (create a 3D cell model)

10:30 a.m. – Break with snacks

10:45 a.m. – Use compound microscopes to view specimens representing the kingdoms of life

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 p.m. – DNA, the Blueprint of Life (build a DNA double helix)

2:30 p.m. – Break with snacks

2:45 p.m. – Extract DNA from plant cells

4:00 p.m. – Choose your afternoon activity! (EX: swimming, Gaga Ball, friendship bracelets, arts & crafts)

5:00 p.m. – Camper pick-up

Girls in Gear

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:45 a.m. – Camper drop-off

9:00 a.m. – Introduction to your motorcycle for the week (Welcome & Safety, Prep & Documentation)

10:30 a.m. – Break with snacks

10:45 a.m. – Remove bodywork and controls; wheels, exhaust suspension prep

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 p.m. – Let disassembly begin! (engine removal prep, frame and suspension breakdown)

2:30 p.m. – Break with snacks

2:45 p.m. – Engine external disassembly, wrap-up and group reflection

4:00 p.m. – Choose your afternoon activity! (EX: swimming, Gaga Ball, friendship bracelets, arts & crafts)

5:00 p.m. – Camper pick-up

Technology, Arts, and AI: Future Creator's Lab

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Tech Meets Art: Exploring the Digital Canvas

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – AI Artistry: Redfining Creativity

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (kickball tournament)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Idea Lab

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Unpacking Human-centered Design

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Idea to Impact: Prototyping for Change

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Color Wars)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Global Discourse: A Leadership Exploration

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – The Politics of Peacekeeping

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Speak Up! Engaging in Respectful Conversations

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (movie night)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Issues to Action

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Global Goals in Action: Understanding the UN’s Path to Sustainability

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (campfire, S’mores, and yard games)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Our Water Planet

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Exploring Connecticut’s Ecosystems

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Farmington River Study

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Talent Show)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Lead With Impact

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Naming Your Purpose, Knowing Your Path

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Frameworks for Social Change

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Guest speaker followed by bonfire and S’mores)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Leading Well

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Life in Balance: Exploring the Seven Elements of Wellness

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Element 1: Physical – Creative Movement Workshop

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Talent Show!)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Resilience and Risk-taking

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Lead & Lean: Harnessing Collaborative Strength

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Trust Tower Challenge

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Color Wars!)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Principles and Practice

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Leadership Compass: Finding Your Direction

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Blueprint for Leaders: What Sets them Apart?

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (campfire, S’mores and yard games)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out