Tenth through twelfth graders attend Session 1, also known as Senior Session. During this session, they’ll get to do all of their favorite camp things - from kayaking to ropes. But unique to this session, they’ll also get to learn about future opportunities for them at Camp Weed.
During the course of the week, we’ll talk to them about our leader-in-training program, and at the end of the week, they’ll have the opportunity to apply. These campers are in no way required to apply, but the opportunity to be a leader-in-training teaches leadership skills and paves the way to becoming a counselor. Many of our current staff members and even our camp director have gone through the LIT program.
Leaders-In-Training
After being selected, leaders-in-training are assigned to additional sessions throughout the summer. Returning as an LIT has no cost, so LITs are encouraged to apply for as many sessions as they’d like.
During their time as an LIT, these teenagers work directly with our staff to learn about becoming a counselor. The experience allows them to shadow current staff members and get ideas for the future. They’ll lead activities in their cabin, assist with all-camp activities, and go through lessons about dealing with campers, homesickness, and more.
We greatly appreciate our LITs, and we recognize them as the future leaders of our camp! Because of that, we pour into them during the week and give them special opportunities - like breaks and grilled cheese night - to celebrate all they do for us.
Being an LIT is an incredible experience. They create deep bonds with their other LITs and get a glimpse into the staff life. They’re assigned to fun projects throughout the week, and we encourage them to lead songs, activities, and games.
The Selection Process
During senior session, our campers are given the application to become an LIT. If they’re interested, they fill the form out and return it to our LIT director who discusses applicants with our camp director and senior staff. After reviewing the applications, the camp director and LIT director will interview all potential LITS.
Decisions are made and weeks are assigned. After returning home, they’ll receive a letter explaining if they were accepted and what weeks they’ll be returning to camp. LITs who are volunteering for Session 2 will be notified before leaving Senior Session so they can make plans to return.
If your camper has issues with the weeks assigned or wants to discuss the selection process, our camp director would be happy to discuss your questions or concerns. In an effort to help their growth, we encourage applicants to contact our director directly instead of going through parents. But we’re always open to talk to parents as well!
Community Service Hours
As we mentioned earlier, LITs don’t pay to come back to camp. But because they’re not on staff, they aren’t paid to come back either.
However, volunteer hours are extremely valuable for college resumes, and many high schools are beginning to require them for graduation. Each week as an LIT will earn campers 40 hours of community service, signed off on by our camp director. We can sign the form at the end of the session or any time you might need it throughout the year.
Don’t Have Time?
If your child hopes to eventually work at Camp Weed but doesn’t have time to be an LIT this summer, there’s no need to worry! LITs can serve in multiple years. While the LIT program gives teens a great opportunity to learn and grow, it’s not a requirement for being hired.