What is the Leader in Training Program?
Who is Eligible?
As an L.I.T., you will:
LIT’s are:
How do I apply?


What is the Leader in Training Program?
The Leader in Training (LIT) Program at The Painted Turtle was designed for youth ages 17‐18 who are former campers or members of the medical communities we serve. This program designed to support young adults’ transition from campers to participating in camp leadership. As an LIT, participants join us for a week long summer session at camp to develop leadership skills, learn greater insight into the camp program and help campers have the best week of their lives.

As participants of the program, each LIT is 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 LIT’s are assigned to a cabin of campers for the session and have the opportunity to experience a leadership role in the camp program areas. LIT’s must be prepared to take part in daily learning sessions with the LIT Coordinator, be an active team member, and ready to challenge themselves to learn and grow.

Who is Eligible?
To apply as an LIT, you must be:

1. A previous camper in good standing with The Painted Turtle or a member of the medical community we serve
2. Age 17–18 during the session for which you are applying.
3. Available to arrive the day before the session starts for LIT orientation and training.
4. Prepared to live on camp for the entire length of the session. While living on camp, LIT’s will have limited access to internet and cell phones.
5. Ready and able to participate in all aspects of the program.
6. Capable of some minor lifting as required by counselor responsibilities.

As an L.I.T., you will:
To apply as an LIT, you must be:

• Live in a cabin with your cabin counselor mentor, fellow counselors, and up to 10 campers. You will be a cabin counselor for your cabin helping with supervising campers, assisting with camper hygiene, supporting and encouraging camper participation in all camp activities. Your cabin mentor will support you throughout the week.
• Be paired with a program mentor in a program area (for example, woodshop, boating and fishing, arts and crafts) and learn what it takes to plan, prepare, and run a successful program at camp.
• Learn many valuable life and leadership skills such as communication, leadership styles, teamwork, conflict resolution, program planning, public speaking, and behavior management during daily workshops with the Leadership Coordinator.
• Play with campers so they have the best week of their life!

LIT’s are:

• Active Participants: To make the most of this experience, LIT’s are involved in every aspect of camp: cabin and program areas, all camp activities, and daily sessions with fellow LIT’s and the Leadership Coordinator. LIT’s roles change from directly participating in activities to supporting younger campers’ participation in camp programming.
• Leaders: Lead, guide, and play with campers to help them have the best camp experience! Also, LIT’s are willing to step outside their comfort zones and try new things.
• Role Models: Campers look up to LIT’s. To be good role models for our campers, LIT’s follow camp rules, are supportive and encouraging, and treat others with respect.
• Learners: In daily workshops and time with your campers, LIT’s learn many valuable tools to become better leaders both at camp and in their communities.
• Responsible: LIT’s are on time to meetings and activities, dress appropriately, use appropriate language, and are aware of their interactions with campers who are close in age to themselves.
• Campers in a Leadership Role: LIT’s have added privileges similar to counselors (such as walking around camp without supervision) but they are technically campers. LIT’s will not count as camper coverage and will not be left alone with campers in one-on-one situations.
• Young adults who put the needs of others before their own.

How do I apply?

• Download the appropriate application using the instructions below:
• LIT I Application: Download this application if you are new to the LIT program.
  
  
• Return LIT Application: Download this application if you have participated in the week-long LIT program during the previous summer.
  
  
• Applications include:
• Release Form: If you are 18, you can fill out the Release Form; if you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian complete the separate Authorization and Release form for you.
• Reference Forms: Please provide three references (present employers, youth group leaders, teachers, former counselors, etc.) with the reference forms provided. Your references can return their form directly to The Painted Turtle office (address below) or return it to you (in a sealed envelope with their signature over the seal) for you return with your application.
• Mail your application, release form, and references to:
• The Painted Turtle Attn: LIT Application 1300 4th Street, Suite 300 Santa Monica, CA 90401
• Once your application has been received, The Painted Turtle’s Leadership Coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview.
• Upon acceptance, candidates will be sent the required paperwork to complete, including Medical and Physical forms.