
TEEN LEADERSHIP
2023 OPTIONS FOR TEENS (AGE 15-17)
For 2023, we are bringing back the Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program and adding a NEW-in-Training (CIT) Program!
In order to be a part of the LIT or CIT program, teens must complete an application online:
Read below for more information on each program!

LEADERS-IN-TRAINING (LIT) PROGRAM
The Leaders in Training (LIT) program is a job readiness and character development program for teens age 15-17.
What will teens do in the LIT Program?
Teens will support campers in villages, run the dining hall, shadow adult staff members, and participate in workshops including: communication, conflict resolution, money management, resume writing, interviewing, and youth development.
Who is this for?
Teen interested in taking on more responsibility at Camp and being a leader and role model fo all campers.
What will teens get when they complete the program?
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A $100 stipend
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70 hours of community service
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Tangible skills in the following:
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Money management skills
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Conflict resolution
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Youth development
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Whether this is your first year at Camp or you are a long time camper, we are looking for teens who will contribute to our Camp community. Our best LITs are team oriented, hard working, enthusiastic, motivated, and goal driven.
Requirements:
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Must be 15-17 years old
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Must be available for one full session at Camp
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Does not need to have previously been a camper or LIT
A Leader-in-Training (LIT)...
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Is a role model for all campers.
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Hard working
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Enthusiastic
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Will take initiative.
CAREER-IN-TRAINING (CIT) PROGRAM
The Career-in-Training (CIT) program is for 16-17 year-old campers who have previously participated in the LIT program (either in person or virtual). Participants in the CIT program will choose to focus on one particular ‘pathway’ and gain tangible job skills that will boost their resume. Teens in the CIT program must be able to commit to two sessions (do not have to be back-to-back)
Requirements:
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Must have previously participated in the LIT program at Camp Mendocino
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Must be able to commit to two sessions at Camp
A participant in the Career-in-Training Program (CIT)...
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is a former camper/LIT who is ready for an extra level of responsibility.
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is a role model for all campers.
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will take initiative
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Wants to develop skills in a specific job-training pathway
CAREER-IN-TRAINING PATHWAYS
Youth Development (YD) Pathway
What will teens do in the YD Pathway?
Teens enrolled in this pathway will be focused on supporting campers in day-to-day activities, leading games and shadowing activity specialists.
Who is this for?
Teens interested in getting a job as a Camp counselor, working at a Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Clubhouse, or working at another youth-serving organization.
What will teens get when they complete the program?
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A $300 stipend
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140 hours of community service
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A certificate of completion for your resume
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Tangible skills in the following areas:
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Camper growth and development
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Program facilitation and youth engagement
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Interactions with campers and other staff
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Cultural competency and responsiveness
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Maintenance Pathway
What will teens do in the maintenance pathway?
In this pathway, teens will sleep in villages that support younger campers, but will spend the majority of their time working with the maintenance team and being exposed to skills needed to get an entry level job/internship/apprenticeship in specific trades (construction, repairs, housekeeping, groundskeeping, etc).
Who is this for?
Teens who want to sharpen their skill in hands-on trades. This program is great for teens who may have an interest in future jobs like plumbing, automotive, electrical, carpentry or other skilled trades.
What will teens get when they complete the program?
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A $300 stipend
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140 hours of community service
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A certificate of completion for your resume
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Tangible skill in the following areas:
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Attention to detail
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Problem solving skills
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Teamwork
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Safety and risk prevention
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Cleanliness and janitorial skills
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Building upkeep and minor repairs
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Perform routine maintenance, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance
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Food Service Pathway
What will teens do in the food service pathway?
In this pathway, teens will sleep in villages that support younger campers, but will spend the majority of their time working with the kitchen team to develop their culinary skills. Teens will spend time in the kitchen, learning from food service professionals about industry best practices.
Who is this for?
Teens interested in getting a job as a kitchen staff at Camp Mendocino, in a restaurant, catering company or any other food service job.
What will teens get when they complete this program?
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A $300 stipend
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140 hours of community service
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A certificate of completion for your resume
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ServeSafe certification (needed to work in any food service job).
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Tangible skills in the following areas:
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Attention to detail
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Problem solving skills
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Teamwork
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Culinary creativity
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Technical culinary skills (i.e. knife skills)
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How to apply to the LIT or CIT program
Click here for the LIT application
Click here for the CIT application
Key Dates for LIT/CIT Programs
January 15th - LIT/CIT Application opens
January 24th - Teen Programing Information session
February 14th - Early decision applications due
March 1st - Notify early applications
April 15th - All LIT/CIT applications due
April 22nd - All applicants notified
Application Overview
Part 1: Short Answer Questions
Please answer the following question either in essay or video format.
Written essays should be between 300-450 words. Please copy/paste your essay from a word document in the space below.
Video essays should be no more than 3 minutes long and should answer the question thoughtfully.
1. New LIT/CITs - What is your understanding of the LIT/CIT program and why do you want to be a part of it?
2. Returning LIT/CITs - Tell us about something you learned through the LIT/CIT program. How have you applied this in your life outside of Camp?
3. Camp Council Members - Being on Camp Council means that you are a leader at Camp. How will you take your role as a Camp Council member to the next level this year? How will you stand out as a role model to your peers?
Part 2: Recommendation
Provide contact information for a mentor in your life (that you are not related to) who can speak to your character and why you would be a good fit for the LIT/CIT program. They will fill out a short form by email.