What to Look for in a Leadership Training Program

What is a Leadership Training Program at Summer Camp?

A leadership development program is a process of growing the talent, strengths, and skills of the people that are already within an organization. For teens, the best way to do this is through a summer camp like Brooks School Summer Program.

When discussing the benefits of summer programs, much of the emphasis is on the personal growth and fun campers experience. However, these camps can also prove to be beneficial for current and future staff looking to refine their leadership skills and other abilities.

The Importance of Teen Leadership Training 

It’s never too early or too late for kids to learn invaluable leadership skills. As the U.S. Department of Labor explains, “Youth Development is a process that prepares young people to meet the challenges of adolescence and adulthood through a coordinated, progressive series of activities and experiences which help them gain skills and competencies.”

Youth leadership is an integral part of this process. And while teens and adolescents can learn some of these skills in the classroom (i.e. through group projects), sports, and extracurriculars, summer camp is another place for them to refine these abilities.

Today, youth leadership training is more important than ever before. Being comfortable in a leadership position benefits teens for the years and decades to come as they pursue higher education, begin their careers, and continue to foster relationships with peers.

If you’re not sure what to look for in a summer leadership program for teens, we’ve got you covered:

5 Things to Look for in Training for Leadership:

1. A focus on personal development. The Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program at Brooks School helps participants develop and hone their leadership skills, build confidence, and show responsibility as role models. The program is designed with the idea that leaders are made, not born. At Brooks, lifelong leaders are developed over a three-year process. Each year compounds the previous year’s work. Participants will gain skills that extend beyond Brooks and follow them through all aspects of their life.
2. Strategic thinking exercises. Three times per week, all second-year Brooks LITs come together for leadership training, which includes learning effective positive behavior management strategies. By the conclusion of this program, LITs are expected to take initiative and embody a variety of strategies and skills that make them role models who are organized and confident in their strategic thinking skills. These skills are taught through making informed decisions in terms of where their interests lie, being encouraged to try new things throughout their camp experience, and working with others.
3. Opportunities to practice communication skills. Throughout the Brooks Schools LIT program, teens learn effective communication in a number of different ways. At Brooks, we make it a priority to give each LIT the individual attention they need and praise them when we notice they exemplify good listening skills. During a summer program, teens practice daily socializing skills with their peers, campers of all ages, and their mentors. This is an invaluable experience when learning to work and communicate with others.
4. Lessons on how to set and execute goals. Every leader must know how to set goals and come up with a plan to achieve them. At Brooks, we help campers and LITs do this by working with them throughout the program to identify what their goals for the summer are, and the steps we can take to achieve them—whether it’s practicing certain skills, meeting new people, or trying new activities.
5. Inspiration to try new things. During the first year in the Brooks LIT program, participants begin to develop leadership skills, gain confidence within the group, and learn essential qualities of being an active youth development professional.

Then, during their second year, the diversity of their experiences increases, and LITs are placed in a variety of camp settings. The focus during the second year is on leadership development, camper management skills, and growth in facilitation skills while working in a variety of activities. 

This may sound like a lot for a teen to take on, but it really encourages them to try new things and hone their skills in different areas. 

See You This Summer

So, what will teens gain from leadership training? Ultimately, these programs help youth refine their communication, management, and initiation skills, among other things. 

Summer camp just happens to be the ideal place to hone these skills and more. In the Brooks School LIT program, teens are surrounded by other individuals their age throughout the process which provides them with the support and peer mentorship necessary for personal growth. 

Of course, there’s also plenty of fun built into the programs as well. An active, collaborative summer program fosters teamwork in versatile environments, which are skills every leader needs. But perhaps most importantly, youth leadership training at a summer camp can fit seamlessly into a teen’s existing schedule. 

If you are interested in joining us this summer to learn and practice invaluable skills to carry throughout life, both personally and professionally, get in touch with us today. We’d love to answer any questions!