Leaders in Training

Leaders in Training (LIT) is the first step in a continuing education program to assist the camper in making the transition from camper to counselor. They will learn valuable character traits, teamwork, child management education, Edwards YMCA Camp’s 78 year history, and instructions on teaching skills in an effort to begin their journey of becoming an Edwards’s counselor. A clear understanding for the campers to realize is that this is a leadership program. Although camp activities are included in their experience, much of the program revolves around teambuilding, leadership development, and learning how to be a role model.

The success of Camp Edwards is dependent on the campers in this program. Through interactive lesson and fun, LIT prepares the camper for the next stage in leadership development. To ensure the quality of the program and help the campers achieve the best results, our Leadership staff in essence breaks down the group into individuals and builds them back up as a high functioning team. Through this process we are able to observe the creation of highly visible leaders, emotionally strong quiet leaders, and those who lead in ways most comfortable to them. We believe every child has the ability to become a great leader, but most of us go about it in different ways; and to appreciate that characteristic is an education in itself.

After the team is built, all LIT’s have the opportunity to show us their potential by leading activities, planning and implementing all camp games, facilitating a non-denominational Chapel, and other opportunities that gives them experience in a leadership role. Regardless of their interests in continuing in the Leadership Program at Camp Edwards, all LIT’s leave with valuable insight into their abilities and a clearer path to achieve goals.

Please contact the Director to discuss if LIT is right for your camper or talk more in-depth about the program.