Leader In Training
Teen Leadership
The Coolest Thing You’ll Ever Be is an LIT
The Southwoods Teen Leadership program combines three different elements to give our teens their most important summer yet.
The LIT program is a rigorous leadership training program for rising 11th (current 10th) grade campers that runs during our 3-week sessions.
Certifications
LITs who come first session receive their American Red Cross lifeguarding certification and second session LITs recieve Wilderness First Aid Training. All LIT’s get CPR/AED/First Aid certs. These set them up to apply for jobs or to come back with more counselor positions available.
We encourage you to consider your camper’s swimming strength when choosing which LIT session to enroll them in.
Community Service
Many college applications and high school programs require community service hours. Our LIT’s walk away with 100+ hours in environmental and humanitarian service.
Leadership Training
LIT’s are assigned an “adoptive cabin” that they join for meals, Huddle Up, and evening activities. They become a beloved extension of counselors and learn about the day-to-day of living in cabin. In addition, LIT’s work with their LIT Director on a Leadership Project. This can be hosting an evening activity, running a special program, participating in a local event, or many other opportunities. Their round-table time is dedicated to truly understanding what it means to be a leader.
Off-Camp Excursions
UVM & Burlington, VT
One of the many options available to our teenagers after high school is a college education. LIT’s will tour the University of Vermont with a view of learning what questions to ask, what to look for, and what is important to them when it’s time to start touring schools on their own. But it’s camp - so it has to be fun. LIT’s will also check out the Ben and Jerry’s factory and enjoy lunch at Vermont’s famous crepe restraunt, The Skinny Pancake.
Annual Southwoods Food Drive, Schroon Lake, NY
LIT’s will plan and facilitate a food drive to benefit The Food Pantries for the Capital District. For every pound of food donated, Southwoods will match and donate a pound.
Hike Ampersand Mountain in Saranac, NY
With it’s 360 degree view of the Saranac Valley, Ampersand Mountain is one of the Adirondacks most breathtaking peaks. LIT’s will hike the 5-miles round trip and then enjoy a half day in gorgeous Lake Placid, NY.
LIT Day Off
First session: Six Flags Great Escape. After all their hard work, the LIT’s get to celebrate their summer on the ultimate field trip. Families are encouraged to send them with cash/card so they can fully enjoy their day at the park. Please note: the park does NOT take Apple Pay.
Second session: TBD
Canoe Trip
LITs get to go on our most sought-after overnight trip to canoe down and camp on Paradox Lake.
Q&A
Yes! No prior camp experience is needed to be an LIT.
No, LITs can choose to come during first session for the lifeguard training program or second session for the outdoor training program, or combine to earn both Lifeguard and Wilderness First Aid certifications. LITs may stay for third session to continue working with their adoptive cabin and begin teaching activities for a continuation of their time towards a more non-structured program.
Yes! They do participate in activities. We want their summer to be as much fun as it is formative. LITs choose at the beginning of their session which activities they want to see during their down time. When they are not in certification courses or doing community service - they’ll get an opportunity to do the activities they chose. In addition- LIT’s also do cabin programming. These activities can be tubing, pickleball, beach party, etc. LIT’s can expect to be scheduled for 2-3 activities on their off-days.
No. LITs have their own cabins and are assigned adoptive cabins to support and bond with. Members of Leadership Staff live directly in their cabin with them to ensure not only supervision, but quality mentorship.
Tuition for LITs is the same as campers. This covers the cost of their certifications, trips, etc. Enroll Now
Rising juniors, or for international campers, 16 years old.
Yes and No. LIT’s are encouraged to bring their phones for off-camp trips, logging into AMR, etc. However - phones are stored with the LIT Director and only used during approved times. Phones are never allowed in cabin.
LIT’s must complete the online portion of their course prior to arrival at camp. The course material and online registration will be sent out May 1st. It is VERY important that this is finished prior to their arrival at camp. LIT’s must also take a swim test prior to the start of the course. The information on the swim test will be made readily available for them to access and practice.
We encourage all families to consider their camper’s swimming ability when choose which LIT session to enroll in order to gain the full training of the program.
During first session, all LIT’s who are not in lifeguard training will participate in (2) days of additional community service and (1) day of shadowing a counselor/instructor of their choice. The LIT Director will send out information on the prerequisites for the course ahead of time so that participants can practice and be prepared.
Graduating LIT’s have the opportunity to return to Southwoods as a Junior Counselor or take a gap-year before becoming a counselor. Junior Counselors work under counselors to provide support in cabin and at activity. They live in cabin, perform the same essential functions as a counselor, but are never left to be a sole supervisor. It’s much like an internship, and many Junior Counselors use this opportunity to receive internship and community service hours for their various school and pre-college programs.
Yes — Junior Counselors receive a summer stipend.
