Ages: 14–17 (at time of camp)
The Shaver’s Creek Summer Camps Leaders-In-Training (LIT) program provides high school students with an opportunity to develop and exercise their leadership skills while providing young campers with positive outdoor experiences. LITs spend their time at camp in a group of about 10 children ages 4–5 (Wee Wonderers), 6–11 (Discovery/Explorer), or 12–14 (Investigators) that is led by an adult naturalist. The role of an LIT is to provide support to the naturalist through assisting campers, serving as a positive role model, and leading games/songs/activities.
If you are responsible, enjoy being outdoors, working with kids, are interested in challenging yourself and working toward personal goals, are growth-oriented, and want to support healthy relationships between people and the environment, the LIT program might be a great fit for you!
Cost
There is no cost for LIT program participants.
Time Commitment
Being a Leader-in-Training is NOT a full-summer commitment. First-time LITs are only offered one week during the summer. Returning LITs may be offered one or more weeks.
In addition to their week(s) of camp, LITs must participate in:
- LIT Training Day — June 16, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
- Pre-Camp Throng — This one-hour opportunity to meet with your naturalist, assistant naturalist, and partner LIT takes place the Monday before your scheduled week(s) of camp at Lederer Park in State College, PA.
Daily Schedule
Leaders-in-Training must arrive at Shaver’s Creek by 8:30 a.m. to help get everything set up for the day. They are dismissed to go home 30 minutes after camp ends each day.
LITs who are helping with Discovery, Explorer, or Investigator camp can spend Friday night at Shaver’s Creek and help prepare breakfast on Saturday. LITs who choose to spend the night will be dismissed at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Want more detailed information? Check out our LIT Preparation and Responsibilities page.
Application
There are 3 steps to the application process. All 3 must be completed in the following order by the deadlines specified to be eligible for this program.
Step 1: A parent or guardian must complete the Summer Camp preregistration. This involves filling out forms associated with camp, including the health form. Preregistration is available January 10–31, 2023.
Step 2: A parent or guardian must complete the online application form which includes selecting the weeks the applicant is available throughout the summer. Only rank weeks for which you can commit. This information is used to determine which week(s) may be offered, and if the applicant’s availability changes after the form is complete, we will likely not be able to offer a different week in exchange. This application is available from January 17–31, 2023. If you do not receive an automatic, instant email confirming your application, it did not go through. Please try again before reaching out for assistance.
Step 3: Finally, the applicant or parent/guardian will need to schedule a phone interview. Using the link provided in the confirmation email received when Step 2 is finished, select a date and time that the applicant is available to speak for 15–20 minutes over the phone without distractions. The date tabs at the bottom of the document show all dates and times available. Do NOT edit anyone else’s information or add any new times to the list; this will cancel out your entire application. This step must be completed by February 3, 2023.
With more people wanting to participate in the program than it is designed for, it is possible that even after completing the application process as outline above, an offer will not be made to the applicant. This decision process is based on the conversation during the phone interview and past performance (if applicable). Offers will be made to folks thought to be the best fit. All applicants will be notified with their results by mid-March.
Contact
For more information about the Leaders-in-Training program, please contact:
Tesha “Skye” Omeis
Camp Director
Email: skye@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-8521