Pre-Camp Preparation
Independent Learning (remote)
- Set 1–2 goals for the camp season.
- Read through the LIT manual and any other materials received for camp.
- Watch the LIT pre-training videos before arriving on-site for camp. These 4–5 short videos focus on foundational information that is crucial for success in the role.
- Complete and submit pre-training video form, verifying that videos were watched by deadlines given.
LIT Training Day (on-site)
On June 16, 2023, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Leaders-in-Training will gather to participate in a day of training that includes games, connection activities, opportunities to meet staff and fellow LITs, chances to learn more about what their camp experience will be like, an introduction to the yearly topics, and practice with approaches to responding to children. We will be outside all day. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and in compliance with the dress code. Wear close-toed shoes. Pack a sturdy backpack with 1–2 large, prefilled water bottles and a snack, nut-free lunch, pencil, and raincoat. Wear your wood cookie name tag if you have one! Otherwise, one will be provided upon arrival.
During LIT Training Day, LITs must follow all camp policies and expectations, serve as a positive role model for peers, and engage with training material and actively participate throughout the entire day.
Pre-Camp Throng
Pre-Camp Throng gives LITs the opportunity to meet with their specific naturalist, assistant naturalist, and partner LIT before their week of camp begins. This is an extremely valuable time for everyone as it allows the staff and LITs to get to know each other, talk through the plan for the week, select leadership opportunities, feel more comfortable before it’s “go time,” and discuss how LITs will be working toward their goals before camp begins. Pre-camp throngs take place at Lederer Park (1101 University Dr, State College, PA 16801) and last for approximately one hour. They occur on the Monday right before the first day of camp. For example, for Week #1 of camp, throng will be on Monday, June 19, 2023, and camp will begin on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Responsibilities during Camp
- Serve as a positive role model for campers, other LITs, and staff.
- Follow all camp policies & expectations.
- Ask questions to increase understanding as needed.
- Lead or co-lead things that help you to continue to grow.
- Assist adults in delivering a positive camp experience to others.
- Help fellow LITs as able.
Note: If an LIT is unable to uphold responsibilities of this position they may be dismissed from the program.
Daily Schedule for Wee Wonderers Camp
Leaders-in-Training should arrive at Shaver’s Creek at 8:30 a.m. to have a chance to talk with the other leaders in their group and feel prepared for the day before campers arrive. After campers leave at the end of the day, LITs have a chance to give feedback, meet/talk with a director, and go over the logistics for the next day; these conversations wrap-up at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Daily Schedule for Discovery, Explorer, and Investigators Camps
Leaders-in-Training should arrive at Shaver’s Creek at 8:30 a.m. to have a chance to talk with the other leaders in their group and feel prepared for the day before campers arrive. After campers leave at the end of the day, LITs have a chance to give feedback, meet/talk with a director, and go over the logistics for the next day; these conversations wrap-up at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday.
On Friday, camp lasts until 5:00 p.m., but LITs may stay through Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. to be part of the optional family programming. Those spending the night can participate in the following opportunities:
- Potluck dinner — Friday, 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a potluck dinner with other LITs! Food for the potluck can be brought Friday morning and stored in the Treehouse/Hamer kitchen. A fridge, stove, oven, and microwave are available for storage and prep. Silverware, plates, and limited serving utensils provided by Shaver’s Creek. - Ice cream — 6:15 p.m.
Join campers and families for ice cream from Meyer Dairy. - Campfire program — 7:00 p.m.
Campers, staff, and LITs will present a myriad of songs, poems, skits, stories, and adventures from the camp week. - Bat program — 8:30 p.m.
Join the campers and their families as they learn more about our flying mammal friends as they prepare to wake up and seek insect food.
- Night walks — 8:40–9:30 p.m.
These offer additional leadership opportunities for LITs. - End-of-week discussions with fellow LITs and directors — 9:45–10:30 p.m.
These discussions offer a chance to reflect on the experience and growth throughout the week. - Social time — 10:30–11:00 p.m.
Enjoy social time with naturalists, assistant naturalists, directors, and fellow LITs - Camp on the Aerie porch — 11:00 p.m.
Settle into your sleeping bag for the night! LITs sleep on the Aerie porch with two summer camp directors. All overnight gear can be stored inside the Aerie Classroom starting on Friday morning. - Breakfast — Saturday, 7:00–8:00 a.m.
Breakfast features freshly made pancakes and coffee, plus juices, and pancake toppings! LITs help with breakfast and general camp clean-up.
First Year LIT Program
To build skills and confidence, first-year LITs will spend Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons of their camp with with a director. These times include an introduction to the natural history topic featured this year (insects) and practice with identification, opportunities to lead games/activities and receive feedback before leading it for campers, practice facilitating teachable moments, and more time to interact with fellow first year LITs. On Wednesday we will have a mock stream study experience; pack an extra pair of close-toed shoes and socks that can get wet in a plastic back to be prepared! Participants have shared that these times with directors have helped them to build confidence in themselves and their knowledge, making their time with campers more rewarding.