Teen Leadership Program

We believe that Leadership can be learned.

Our leadership development program give teens both a theoretical and practical foundation in leadership, which will serve them well in staff roles at camp and in outside pursuits. The highlights of these programs are leadership workshops, hands-on apprenticeships, service projects, skills-based learning, and all the friendships and fun that mark a Camp Sloane experience!

Teen program Handbook

LEAD - Learn, Experience, Act and Develop

Who is your role model? At camp or in life. Is there someone you look up to… someone you want to learn from, to be just like in the future?

Maybe you started at camp as a young Pioneer and have returned every summer since, or perhaps you entered camp in one of our older age groups and fell in love with the person you are when you’re here.

Whatever your camp experience so far, we can bet that there is (at least) one counselor who you will always remember, someone who made you feel welcome and confident, who helped to make your summer the best EVER.

Described as “the best of both worlds” by previous participants, the LEAD program gives rising 11th graders the opportunity to not only be at camp with their friends and enjoy their favorite activities but also to become a role model for someone else. After spending summers learning and growing at camp, it’s now time to put all those lessons into practice and step into the shoes of their counselors, discovering what it takes to be a leader, both among peers and with young campers who are just beginning their camp journey.

The logistical stuff:

LEAD is a two-week program, occurring 3 times throughout the summer.
There is the option of an additional week at the start of the summer (at no extra charge) to become certified through the American Red Cross in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding*
The program involves leadership training sessions such as lesson planning, public speaking, and working with young campers, as well as the chance to still do some regular camp activities. LEADs will also spend time shadowing in different program areas, where they’ll assist staff in leading various activities.
After completing the LEAD program, campers will be eligible to apply for our Counselor In Training (CIT) volunteer staff position the following summer (as a rising 12th grader).
There are no prerequisites for the LEAD program - campers must be at least rising 11th grade and you can register for this program online. There are a limited amount of spots for LEAD, so make sure to register early!

Previous LEAD campers have told us:

I think teens should join the LEAD program because it allows them to learn about attributes that make successful counselors, while still enjoying the camper-style Sloane that campers come back every year for. It is the best of both worlds.” - Sean, 4-year camper

I learned not only skills to help with my future but also ensure others' future and safety.” - Huntley, 1st-year camper

The Lead program at camp Sloane creates a culture for teens to find and express themself while having fun. The idea of teens being able to learn new skills helps them individually outside of camp. But also, without this lead program camp, Sloane would not feel the same, especially when the younger kids look up to them.” - Tom, 2-year camper

I would say you should sign up for the leadership program because it gives the most unique and exciting experience with the most magic camp moments. Moreover, the leadership program is helpful in teaching teens real-life skills because it shows that leadership isn't suited to just one person. It is something shared equally among a team.” - Andrew, 1st-year camper

*If LEAD campers wish to undertake the Lifeguard course, this will take place twice during the first session of the summer (6/25-7/1 & 7/2-7/8) as an additional week (at no extra charge). When registering for LEAD please email ru@campsloane.org to confirm which week you would like to do the lifeguard training. During their chosen week, campers will live in the LEAD village and spend their time with our Lifeguard Instructors.

TEEN LEADER REUNION - 2023, Dates TBD

Miss your camp friends so much that you can't wait to see them again!? This is your chance! Reunite, relax and come to camp's ONLY winter program this February. If you participated in LEAD or CIT last summer, then you are eligible to register for this exciting teen leadership weekend.

We will be staying in heated lodges at camp, enjoying the wintery weather and enjoying the great company. We do some professional development workshops, drink hot cocoa and it's also a chance to do your CIT interview in-person with the Camp Director.

Arrival begins anytime after 5:00 PM on Friday and pick-up is at 2:00 PM on Sunday. There is flexibility with times and campers will have access to the office should they have homework that needs doing.