Too Old for Summer Camp?

Right around the age of 12, there’s a summer camp shift that takes place. Gone are the days of cutthroat sign-ups to book those coveted camp spots your kid needs. For many, they’ve been replaced by lengthy overnight camp experiences — some far away from home, some not — or junior counselor opportunities (often referred to as Leader in Training or Counselor in Training programs) that give young teens the chance to have a “summer camp” summer while gaining valuable skills.

If your tween or teen isn’t quite ready to give up the chance to spend the day canoeing, horseback riding, hiking, cooking or playing a sport, finding a good LIT program might be the win you’re looking for.

Common LIT program elements

While each camp’s LIT program is different, families should usually expect:

• An application process. At many camps, LIT spots are highly sought after and require an application. What better way for kids to get a taste of what it’s like to apply for a part-time job, college admission, an internship or apprenticeship.
• Some sort of training. Many programs offer LITs the same or similar training they have for camp counselors: CPR and first aid; training on specific camp activities, procedures or policies; lifeguard training; emergency procedures, etc.
• The chance to develop leadership skills. As the name implies, LITs are training to be leaders, so teens should expect opportunities to build communication and problem solving skills, through daily experiences with campers, parents and other staff members. Some camps may have specific leadership curriculum that’s completed throughout the summer to further enhance kids’ real-world experiences.
• Hands-on experience. The chance to dig in and experience camp is often what convinces many teens to be an LIT. Not only do they get hands-on experience working with kids, but they get to experience the activities they’re leading alongside them, whether it’s tie-dyeing T-shirts, swimming in the lake or singing songs around the campfire.
• Mentorship opportunities. Even if there isn’t a formal mentorship where LITs are paired with staff members, working under the guidance of counselors and other experienced staff members helps LITs learn important life skills.

Questions to ask

While many teens choose to be an LIT at a camp they attended, many are looking to broaden horizons and try something new. Either way, here are a few questions you should ask that will help evaluate the program and see if it’s the right fit for your teen:

• What leadership skills will my teen learn and how is the program structured?
• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of LITs at the camp?
• Who provides supervision for the LITs and is there a formal mentoring program?
• What sets your LIT program apart?
• What opportunities are there after the LIT program?

LIT programs in Washington state

Look into an LIT program at your favorite camp, explore programs outside of Washington, or check out one of these Pacific Northwest camps that offer programs:

• Camp Fire Central Puget Sound
• Camp Gallagher
• YMCA, programs vary based on location
• Trackers Earth Seattle
• The Mountaineers
• Destination Science