Our Youth Leadership Program gives teens ages 11–17 the chance to build real-world leadership skills, mentor younger campers, and create lasting memories—all while having a blast outdoors. With hands-on experience, coaching, and mentorship, this is where future camp counselors and community leaders begin their journey.
💬 “His confidence, sense of responsibility and empathy have all grown tremendously with this experience—and, most importantly, he loves it!” —Parent of a 13-year-old youth leader
Start Your Leadership Journey
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Complete the appropriate survey:
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👉New Youth Leader Interest Survey (10–15 minutes)
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👉 Returning Youth Leader Interest Survey (a few minutes)
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We typically respond within a week (email if you haven’t heard back).
Quick Facts
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What is it? A leadership training program for youth interested in working with children and recreation. Participants receive coaching and hands-on leadership practice.
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Ages: 11–17
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Cost: Families pay tuition (see Fees below)
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Schedule: Matches staff hours, typically 8:25–4:35 with a 30-min break. Choose a session where full attendance is possible (exceptions only for illness/emergency).
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Group size: About 3 Youth Leaders per group; max 15 per session. Spots fill quickly.
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Summer attendance limits:
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New CITs: 3–4 weeks
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Returning Youth Leaders or former Tilden campers: up to 6 weeks
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Who This Is For
Youth who:
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Enjoy playing with younger kids and creating a fun, safe, magical camp experience
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Love the camp environment and the outdoors
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Have strong social-emotional skills and can lean into kindness and flexibility
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Are willing to dedicate part of their vacation to giving back
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May want to join the paid staff team in the future (consistent attendance and skill growth matter!)
Roles
CIT (Counselor-in-Training)
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First step in the program
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Ages 11–16
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Most are former campers, but newcomers are welcome
JC (Junior Counselor)
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Next step before paid staff positions
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Ages 14+ (must have been a CIT with strong feedback)
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Usually ages out at 17, though some move into staff roles earlier
⚠️ Even if you’re 14+, new participants start as CITs.
Fees
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CITs (ages 11–12): Same rate as campers
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Older CITs (13+): May request reduced fees via the Interest Survey
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JCs (14+): About 25% of camper tuition
💡 Why fees? Program tuition helps sustain quality leadership, year-round planning, and mentors like Zach Bigelow who nurture this community.
Other Details
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Some 11-year-olds choose to remain campers, which works well if they enjoy being the oldest in the group.
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It’s important that Youth Leaders want to participate—it shouldn’t just be a parent’s idea.
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Orientation:
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Summer: In-person appreciation/orientation on Tuesday, May 19 5:15-8:00pm (recommended) + weekly meetings for multi-week sessions
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School Breaks: Intro meeting on the first morning
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Youth Leader Handbook: Required reading with review questions (once per year)
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Leadership Pathway: Over 80% of staff started as Youth Leaders—this program builds skills and resumes that open doors to paid work.
Ready to Apply?
Take the first step today:
👉New Youth Leader Interest Survey (10–15 minutes)
👉 Returning Youth Leader Interest Survey (a few minutes)
We’ll respond within a week.
