Welcome to the Leaders-in-Training Program!

As a Leader-in-Training (LIT) you will develop your leadership skills as you guide campers through fun challenges and support their efforts to design, build and test their ideas. Take a moment to review the expectations of every LIT to understand the contributions and mindset that are required of you and what you can anticipate as an LIT.

Leading up to your week at Camp Invention®, you will receive an email from your local Camp Director with information on your camp location and details on next steps. You also might receive an invitation to an orientation and setup day before your camp begins. Keep an eye out for these communications so you’ll know how to prepare for your camp week!

On your first day at camp, you will receive a special LIT packet, which includes your Camp Invention T-shirt, name badge, lanyard and LIT Daily Tracker. You also will find a fun activity that you can complete independently or at home! Please be sure to bring your name badge, lanyard and Daily Tracker to camp every day. Your Camp Director will advise you of when to wear your T-shirt.

To get the most out of your experience, reference your Daily Tracker throughout the program. It provides daily tips and insights to help you reach your goals, focusing on areas of leadership you can develop while participating at camp.

Below, we have provided a few guiding questions to help you be a good leader throughout each day of camp:

  • What can you do to be a helpful mentor?
  • How will you rise to the challenge of leadership?
  • Who needs extra encouragement today?
  • How will you help campers build teams?
  • How might you inspire a camper to dream big?

During your time at Camp Invention, you will be introduced to the I Can Invent® Mindset, which includes creative problem solving, collaboration, entrepreneurship and persistence. The skills developed through the invention process are just as important for leaders as they are for inventors! Apply these skills when you are mentoring campers, and they will help you build your confidence and become an effective leader.

Throughout the week, you will work closely with Program Team Members, including a Camp Director, Instructors and Leadership Interns (LIs). Instructors are the teachers who lead the Camp Invention modules. You will assist one or more Instructors with each day’s activities and challenges. LIs are high school or college students who volunteer their time at camp and receive formal online training prior to the program. Take time to connect with your LI — they’re happy to help you!

At the start of camp, you will be introduced to a Program Team Leader who will serve as your coordinator throughout the week. At the beginning of each day, you should review the planned activities with your coordinator, as well as your mentor LI, and ask any questions you might have. During lunch, you will work with your LI to help coordinate activities and action-packed games for campers. You also can use this time to talk to your LI and ask for advice to overcome any challenges you had in the morning. At the end of the day, you will meet with your Program Team Leader to reflect on the day and prepare for the next.

Don’t forget that your goal as a Leader-in-Training is to become a better leader. Check out the video above to see what engaged leadership looks like at Camp Invention!

Resources

Daily Tracker

Activity Guide

Mid-Week Training