The Leadership Development Program gives teens both a theoretical and practical foundation in leadership, which will serve them well in staff roles at camp and in outside pursuits. Our programs offer leadership workshops, hands-on apprenticeships, service projects, outdoor adventure-based learning, and all the friendships and fun that mark a Takodah experience!
Leader Corps (LC) is our program for teens completing the 10th grade. This is the first part of our Leadership Development program. This is the last year that teens can enjoy camp activities as campers while gaining leadership skills that are essential for leading group activities. LCs learn about topics such as time-fillers, on-the-spot games, lesson planning, giving directions, and public speaking. On the practical end, they’ll put their knowledge to the test in an apprenticeship, where they’ll assist a staff member in leading a class.
The Leader-in-Training (LIT) program is a four-week intensive training aimed at preparing teens completing 11th grade for the weighty responsibilities of working with youth. As a LIT, participants spend their first two weeks learning about managing a cabin group through both leadership workshops and practical experience working with younger campers. LITs learn about working with children of different ages and abilities, how to create and manage positive group dynamics, and how to assist campers with behavior or adjustment issues. LITs train to become certified through the American Red Cross in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding. Finally, they serve a two-week apprenticeship as an assistant leader to an experienced staff member, which gives them a supervised opportunity to put their growing bag of tricks into action.
LITs also have the opportunity to participate in the LIT Retreat Weekend. This retreat takes place in May before camp begins and is an opportunity for LITs to meet the LIT Leaders and Leadership Development Director, get to know fellow LITs, gain an overview of the LIT program, learn about the roles and responsibilities of the program, and prepare for summer.
