Applications for Leadership Programs at The Painted Turtle are now closed.  If you have any questions about the Leadership Program, please contact LIT@thepaintedturtle.org.

What are The Painted Turtle Leadership Programs?

The Painted Turtle is excited to offer two Leadership Programs for the Summer of 2010. We’ve added an additional leadership program this year, so please read carefully for more information!

This summer The Painted Turtle is proud to launch our Leadership Camper (LC) program. This program is designed for 17-year-olds who are former campers or members of the medical communities we serve to provide a week of community, education, recreation and growth for teenagers who are in the process of becoming the leaders of their own lives. As a LC, participants join us for a week-long summer session and live in the Leadership Cabin with your peers and Leadership Counselors. Throughout the camp session you’ll take part in a variety of workshops and activities to learn different leadership skills including communication, teamwork, decision making, conflict resolution, public speaking, and role modeling. All of this will be done in the safe and fun camp environment and in the company of many supportive peers and friends.

The Leader-In-Training (LIT) program is designed for 18-year-old, return LITs who have successfully completed our LIT program during the Summer of 2009. This program is designed to support young adults’ transition from campers to participating in camp leadership. As a LIT, participants join us for a week-long summer session at camp to build onto their previous LIT experience, developing their leadership skills, gaining greater insight into the camp program, and helping campers have the best week of their lives. LITs are partnered with a cabin mentor and a program mentor who serve as resources and role models through this leadership experience. The program provides hands-on learning opportunities as LITs are assigned to a cabin of campers for the session and have the opportunity to experience a leadership role in the camp program areas. LITs must be prepared to take part in daily learning sessions with the Leadership Coordinator, be an active team member, and be ready to challenge themselves to learn and grow.

Who is eligible?
To apply as a Leadership Camper, you must be:

1. A previous camper in good standing with The Painted  Turtle or a member or the medical community we serve
2. 17 years old during the session for which you are applying
3. Ready and able to participate in this leadership experience. You’ve got to come because you want to – not because anyone is making you!

To apply as a Leader-In-Training, you must be:

1. A previous camper in good standing with The Painted  Turtle or a member or the medical community we serve

• 18 years old during the session for which you are applying.
• A return LIT and have successfully completed The Painted Turtle LIT program during the Summer 2009.
• Available to arrive the day before the session starts for LIT orientation and training.
• Prepared to live on camp for the entire length of the session. While living on camp, LITs will have limited access to internet and cell phones.
• Ready and able to participate in all aspects of the program.
• Capable of some minor lifting as required by counselor responsibilities.

What is the Leadership Program Schedule?
The Leadership Camper and Leader-In-Training programs will be held in conjunction with our summer camp program. Different than our traditional summer camp program, LCs and LITs may participate in sessions different than their specific medical condition group.

Leadership Camper Schedule:
This summer we will offer two general Leadership Camper sessions for LCs with any of the medical conditions we serve*.  We also have two LC sessions designated for our campers with Crohn’s and Colitis. The Leadership Camper programs will run as follows:

• LC Session #1, June 12-16:                              Female Leadership Campers (General)
• LC Session #2, July 7-13:                                 Female Leadership Campers (Crohn’s and Colitis)
• LC Session #3, July 27-August 2:                  Male Leadership Campers (Crohn’s and Colitis)
• LC Session #4, August 6-11:                           Male Leadership Cabin (General)

*Please note that Leadership Camper applicants whose medical care requires hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis have a separate Leadership Camper application and must attend the session as noted on this application (June 20-26, LIT Session #1).

Leader-In-Training Schedule:
This summer we will offer two LIT sessions for LITs with any of the medical conditions we serve. LITs must arrive to camp one day prior to the start of the session to attend LIT Orientation and Training. The LIT sessions are as follows:

• LIT Session #1: June 20-26 (LIT arrival on Saturday, June 19th)
• LIT Session #2: July 17-22 (LIT arrival on Friday, July 16th)

*Please note that LIT applicants whose medical care requires hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis must apply to attend LIT Session #1.