Teen Leadership Camp in New Hampshire
Teen Leadership Camp in New Hampshire
Since 1936, Quinebarge has offered traditional, well-rounded camp programming for children ages 7-16. Our fun, engaging program not only teaches campers how to swim, shoot a bullseye, or ride a horse, but also instills in campers certain skills and values we hold dear. Especially as campers become teenagers, one of those skills is leadership. The focal point of teen leadership at Quinebarge is our Counselor-in-Training, or CIT, Leadership Program. This robust program is what makes Quinebarge a premiere teen leadership camp in New Hampshire.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Leadership Program for 16 Year Olds
Our CIT Leadership Program uses three objectives to develop teenagers into young professionals.
- Leadership: CITs have a dedicated time each day where they learn about or discuss various topics regarding leadership or life skills. These topics range from how to work with children, to communicating effectively and working in a team.
- Apprenticeships: CITs are assigned an activity apprenticeship each week, and spend each morning mentoring under a counselor at that activity to learn the ins and outs of running it. CITs lead at least one activity period each week with support, and work in pairs to lead 1-2 evening activities. We also assign CITs to a cabin, where they will assist in leading cabin responsibilities.
- Legacy Projects: CITs spend a bit of time each day on legacy projects.Combining their teamwork and leadership skills, the group will develop their own small and large Legacy Projects – something they design to create for camp, that will last for years to come. Past Legacy Projects include the Gaga Pit, Carpet Ball table, and our Monkeytown and Dining Hall fire pits.
So Much More Than a Summer Job
Summer jobs and even internships for teenagers have become even more common in recent years. These can be great resume builders, but often they are not fun, and don’t provide leadership training or life skills that are crucial in both college and the workplace. For our CITs, we provide all of the above. At every step of the program, we instill teens with the ‘soft skills’ that will help them succeed later in life. Positive leadership, responsibility, communication, and teamwork are just the tip of the iceberg. Best of all? We teach these skills in an environment that’s safe, supportive, and above all, fun. CITs go home with more than a line for their resume – they go home with new friendships and warm memories that will last a lifetime.