Camp Downer Leadership Development Program

Unlocking Leadership Potential for Ages 14-16

Overview

Welcome to Camp Downer's Leadership Development Program, an empowering journey for your teenager to hone essential leadership skills in a fun and immersive environment. Tailored for campers aged 14 to 16, this program is a dynamic blend of leadership training, team building, and personal growth, setting the stage for a future filled with confidence and resilience.

Benefits of the Leadership Development Program

  1. Personal Growth: Our program is tailored to nurture self-confidence, responsibility, and resilience in young individuals.

  2. Team Building: Participants learn to lead and collaborate effectively, fostering strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.

  3. Hands-On Experience: The hands-on experience of planning activities and supporting counselors provides invaluable practical knowledge.

  4. Real-world Readiness: Participants exit our program not just as camp leaders but as individuals ready to take on the world, equipped with practical leadership experience.

  5. Lifetime Connections: The friendships formed and the leadership skills gained are not just for the summer – they last a lifetime.

Why Choose the Leadership Development Program?

  • Proven Success: Many of our counselors began their journey in our Leadership Development Program, showcasing the effectiveness of the program.

  • Safe and Inclusive Environment: Camp Downer prioritizes the safety and well-being of all campers, creating a supportive environment for growth.

  • Beyond Leadership: While honing leadership skills, our camp offers an array of exciting activities, making every summer memorable.

Enroll Your Teen Today!

Give your teen the gift of leadership, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Secure a spot in Camp Downer's Leadership Development Program today and watch them transform into tomorrow's confident and capable leaders.

Programs

  • CIT I - Launching Leadership Exploration

    Age Requirement: 14 years old at the start of the session.

    Activities: The CIT I Program is the gateway to leadership, offering a daily Free Time where campers dive into leadership activities and brainstorm ideas for activities. CIT I participants actively work together to plan one EAC (evening activity) for the entire camp. This program is where the spark of leadership is ignited, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

  • CIT II - Elevating Leadership Excellence

    Age Requirement: 15 or 16 at the start of the session, having completed CIT I the previous summer.

    Activities: The CIT II Program is the advanced stage of our leadership journey. CIT II participants meet during both Free Times daily, intensively refining their leadership skills. CIT II participants work together to plan Free Time activities for the entire camp and participate in a mock counselor day the second week of the two-week session. It's a thrilling immersion into leadership excellence!

  • Staff Aide - Transitioning to Tomorrow's Leaders

    Selection: 18 high-performing CIT IIs are invited to return the following summer as staff aides.

    Role: Staff aides take their leadership to the next level, serving as volunteer counselor's aides. This immersive experience provides practical experience in leadership and mentorship and prepares them for the challenges of the future.

    Success Path: Outstanding staff aides may be called upon to become counselors in future camp seasons.

Exclusive CIT II Registration Window!

Attention, Future Leaders! We are thrilled to announce an exclusive registration window for our esteemed Counselors in Training II (CIT II) Program at Camp Downer.

Who: Campers aged 15 or 16 at the start of the Two-Week Session.

Why: This exclusive window allows dedicated CIT II participants to secure their spot, ensuring access to this advanced leadership program. Don't miss the chance to take your leadership journey to new heights!

The 2024 CIT II Registration Window took place on January 27th. If you are interested in registering your camper for this program for Summer 2024, please reach out to our registrar at registrar@campdowner.com. Details about the CIT II Registration Window for Summer 2025 will be available in January of next year.