Teen Leadership Programme (For 16 - 17 year olds)

Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Programme

Our Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Programme is exclusively for young people aged 16–17 years old who are ready to take on new challenges, opportunities and responsibilities.

Our hands-on learning environment allows LITs to develop strong leadership skills and build valuable life skills, all while having fun and being part of the Camp Cooper community.

The fun, creative and unique culture of Camp provides an ideal setting to develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork and cooperation. LITs will learn many of the skills needed to become a great Camp staff member, while also developing wider life skills that will benefit them at university, in future employment and beyond.

16 & 17 year olds can attend the LIT Programme for 2, 4 or 6 weeks.

Programme Structure

The LIT Programme introduces participants to the fundamentals of being a Summer Camp Counsellor.

LITs will learn about working with children and young people and explore the skills, responsibilities and personality traits required to be a positive and successful Camp Counsellor.

This is delivered through a combination of training workshops and hands-on experience, including shadowing and assisting Camp Counsellors with cabin groups and elective activities.

The programme also includes workshops focusing on wider life skills, including public speaking and interview techniques.

Three Very Important Notes

1. The LIT Programme is a leadership programme

The LIT Programme is specifically designed for 16 and 17-year-olds who are excited about leadership opportunities, taking on responsibility and learning new skills.

Camp Cooper is a fun environment, and LITs will absolutely have opportunities to make friends, try new things, enjoy activities and be part of the wider Camp community. However, the LIT Programme is a step away from simply attending Camp for fun and adventure.

Participants are expected to listen, learn, engage positively with the programme and want to be positive role models for our younger campers.

LITs should arrive ready to participate in workshops, support activities, work with younger campers and embrace the additional responsibilities that come with being part of a leadership programme.

2. English language level

Non-native English speakers must have a minimum English level of B1. 

Participants will take part in training workshops that involve relatively complex language, group discussions and instructions. LITs therefore need to have sufficient English to understand the workshops, communicate confidently with staff and campers, and participate fully in the programme.

The LIT Programme is a brilliant way to develop English language skills. However, the programme is not suitable for participants with beginner levels of English

3. Limited places and application process

Places on the LIT Programme are deliberately limited.

During each two-week session, we have space for:

• 6 male LITs
• 12 female LITs

Due to the limited number of places and the leadership responsibilities involved in the programme, there is an application and selection process.

Prospective LITs will complete an application and take part in a short interview with a member of the Camp Cooper leadership team.

The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know the applicant and ensure that the LIT Programme is the right fit for them. We are looking for young people who are enthusiastic about leadership, willing to learn, kind, responsible and excited about being positive role models for younger campers.

Example Schedule

Weeks 1 & 2: Morning Workshops

Morning workshops: 9.45am–11.45am

Example workshops and training sessions include:

• Introduction to Camp and the LIT Programme
• Icebreakers and team-building games
• Goal setting
• Before the Magic: The responsibility of working with children and young people
• Creating the Magic: How to be an amazing Camp Counsellor, with a focus on praise, kindness, fun and running great activities
• Elective activity training and planning
• How to be a Superhero Counsellor
• How to inspire creativity
• Learning campfire and dining hall songs
• The importance of praise
• How to support campers experiencing homesickness
• Elective activity planning
• Cabin activity planning

Afternoons: 2.00pm–4.00pm – Assisting with Electives

Afternoons at Camp Cooper are spent assisting with elective activities.

LITs will be placed within an elective where they can observe experienced Camp staff, assist with campers and gradually help with different parts of the activity.

The level of responsibility given to each LIT will depend upon their confidence, comfort level, experience and ability within the activity. As participants develop throughout the programme, they will be encouraged to take on greater responsibility where appropriate.

4.15pm–5.30pm – Cabin Activities

During the cabin activity period, LITs will spend some time together as an LIT group taking part in fun activities and challenges.

They will also spend time assisting with cabin groups, supporting Camp Counsellors, interacting with younger campers and helping to run activities.

This gives LITs another opportunity to put what they have learned during their workshops into practice in the Camp environment.

Evenings – Special Events

Often one of the highlights of the summer, our evening special events are packed with fun, excitement and unforgettable moments.

LITs have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of Camp Cooper, take part in unique evening events, make new friends and create memories that will last for years to come.

Their involvement will vary depending upon the event.

For some special events, LITs will have the opportunity to help lead parts of the event, such as our Talent Show. For others, they may help with preparation and activity stations, such as setting up stalls for Campchella, our epic Camp music festival. There will also be events where LITs simply get the opportunity to join in and enjoy the experience themselves.

Key Outcomes of the LIT Programme

By taking part in the programme, LITs will have the opportunity to:

• Gain meaningful leadership experience
• Develop lifelong skills including problem-solving, leadership, communication and cooperation
• Learn the fundamentals of being a Camp Counsellor
• Learn how to be a great role model for younger children and young people
• Develop practical experience working alongside younger campers
• Create strong friendships
• Learn from and work alongside experienced Camp staff
• Help lead special events
• Build self-confidence
• Develop communication and teamwork skills
• Receive feedback and evaluations throughout the programme
• Receive a reference from the LIT Director (upon request)

Dates & Rates

The dates and rates for the LIT Programme are the same as our usual Camp sessions and can be found on our Dates & Rates Page.

Registration & Application

There are a limited number of places available on the LIT Programme during each session.

Unlike our standard Camp programme, registration does not automatically guarantee a place on the LIT Programme.

Before registering, applicants need to fill in an application form and short interview. 

Prospective LITs will be required to complete the registration/application process and participate in a short interview with a member of the Camp Cooper leadership team.

The purpose of this process is not to make the programme overly formal or intimidating. It is simply to ensure that participants understand what the LIT Programme involves and are genuinely excited about leadership, learning new skills, taking on additional responsibility and being positive role models within the Camp Cooper community.

We are looking for LITs who are kind, caring, enthusiastic, responsible and willing to learn, and who want to contribute positively to Camp while having an amazing summer themselves.

As spaces are limited, we recommend applying as early as possible.