Entering 9th and 10th Graders
Our Teen Leadership program is designed to promote the personal growth of young adults. Campers will cultivate and refine their leadership abilities through skills and service work that invigorates participants with a passion for servant leadership. Our teen-campers take on a significant amount of responsibility and are expected to be the role-models of our Camper community. Everwood’s Teen Leadership Program is designed for young, talented people who are highly motivated and looking to challenge themselves.
The foundation of the teen leadership program are the following types of periods:
Leadership Skills Workshops:
Our Teen Leadership Staff prepares and leads an engaging curriculum rooted in various leadership qualities. These interactive sessions are challenging and hands-on, but campy! Rather than teaching small group dynamics/teamwork through human-knot, we up the ante and simulate popular culture activities like Chopped, utilize our Giant Paddleboard, and work together at our High-Ropes Course. Our Teen Leadership Staff are diligent at ensuring that training is equally fun as it is rewarding!
Group Projects:
Teens use the leadership tools learned in training workshops and apply them to real-life challenges and projects that impact both our Camp and the community around us. In many instances, teen-leaders have organized charitable fundraisers/drives, designed and led specialized programming, and spearheaded camp-wide initiatives.
L.E.A.D. Program for Entering 9th graders
Our entering 9th graders participate in the Leadership Exploration And Development (LEAD) Program. LEADers participate in 3 general camp elective periods and free swim time, with training and project periods in the place of activity rounding out the rest of their day. LEADers also complete weekly reflections, and receive ongoing feedback throughout the summer. Along with their added responsibilities, LEAD campers are able to enjoy bonus events, experiences, and parties.
C.I.T Program for entering 10th Graders
The CIT summer is the pinnacle of the Everwood camper experience and a level up from the 9th Grade LEAD program. The program involves a key components: Internships and Mentorship.
CIT Registration
CITs Receive 30% off their camp tuition, and must enroll for a minimum of 4 weeks. Discount will be applied once all necessary registration forms are completed.
Internships:
CITs assist Group Leaders, Counselors and Specialists for portions of the day during electives, group activities, swim and special events. CITs get practice leading groups, facilitating programming, and planning camper activities. The CIT schedule is structured to balance CIT group time with individual internship periods. Each day, CITs spend 2-3 periods in training and working on group projects with the CIT group, 3-4 periods at their internships and a free swim period to round out the day.
During the first few days of each session, CITs receive ample training and information about what it means to be a leader at camp and how to transition into their new roles. CITs, with help from their Teen Leadership Staff, are able to select groups of younger campers or program areas with which they would like to intern. CITs arrive at their internship placements well prepared and eager to practice their skills and form relationships with staff members and younger campers while enjoying the privileges and responsibilities of their new roles at camp.
Mentorship:
CITs are supported by a staff of mentors around camp. Camp Directors, Specialists, Division Leaders, Group Leaders, and peers help each CIT to strengthen and practice their leadership skills while contributing to the camp community. All CITs receive formal evaluations & check-ins, giving them concrete and valuable coaching based on their experience. Many former CITs have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to practice their skills before joining the workforce or the Everwood team as staff members.
Highlights of the program in past years have included swimming across the lake, campfire cooking challenges, starting new camp traditions, and the forging of lifelong friendships.