Open to all teens ages 15 to 17
The new teen program will have a specific focus on developing both leadership and employment skills necessary for the work place or college. The program offers a variety of teen leadership activities designed to develop or enhance team building and decision making skills in an outdoor environment.
What is the Leadership Institute?
The Mendocino Leadership Institute (MLI) has been designed to give teens the opportunity to gain an appreciation of different work experiences, while also allowing them to focus on a particular career track.
Why participate in the program?
If you are a teen looking to gain insight into a career or employment experience, then the Mendocino Leadership Institute is a great place to begin your exploration. This program will be useful for teens who have already identified their career goals or are looking to narrow down their search.
How could the Mendocino Leadership Institute (MLI) assist me?
If you are considering a career in customer service, food service, administration, recreation, education, management, entertainment, sports, facility care, construction, social work or residential camping, then the Leadership Institute can offer hands-on experience in these fields.
The Leadership Institute has three levels:
Leaders in Training (LIT) ages 15 to 16.
Staff in Training (SIT) ages 16 to 17.
Junior Staff ages 16 to 17.
Each program is designed to compliment the previous summer's program, as teens work through each level they will be able to focus in on their career goals. Upon completion of a particular level; teens will earn a Certificate of Accomplishment & Achievement (C.A.A.). The C.A.A. will detail the training track, credits and hours invested. Credits and hours will be accumulated as they return each summer and work through the program levels.
Skills Acquired
Communication
Leadership
Time management
Decision making
Conflict management
Task management
Public speaking
Leaders in Training (LIT)
Ages 15 to 16
Session One: July 3 to July 18
Session Two: July 18 to August 8
The LIT program runs two separate coed sessions during the summer. Teens may sign up for only one program. Each program is free to attend, provided the teen has passed the selection process and has completed the necessary paperwork to attend.
This 20-day program gives teens an opportunity to gain an appreciation of essential skills for employment while having fun in the process. Teens will spend time learning topics such as, effective leadership styles, the developmental characteristics of children, and basic behavior management. LIT's will also have the opportunity to assist as cabin counselors and will work with staff in Camp's program areas. Teens in the program are required to participate in an overnight hike and specialty teen programming such as Career Launch and Money Matters throughout their stay. Space is limited. Please complete the Leadership Application and not the employment applications to apply for the LIT program.
Staff in Training (SIT)
Ages 16 to 17 or graduates of the Mendocino LIT program
July 3 to August 8
The coed SIT program runs for 40 days during the summer, with the possibility of being selected to return for the final session as volunteer junior staff member. The program is free to attend for all applicants who have passed the selection process and completed all the necessary paperwork.
The focus of the SIT program is on team building, the development of leadership skills, and the experience of what it is like to hold a job. This could be a life-changing summer. The development of skills will be out-weighed only by the sense of personal achievement gained. SIT's will begin with training and as they narrow down their professional aspirations, as they rotate through specific areas of Camp. Ultimately SIT's will be placed in the area of their choice, space permitting. An application and interview process is required. Teens in the program must participate in an overnight hike and specialty teen programming such as Career Launch and Money Matters throughout their stay. Space is limited. Please complete the Leadership Application and not the employment applications to apply for the SIT program.
Junior Staff
Ages 16 to 17 or graduates of the Mendocino Leadership Institute
June 24 to August 17
Work at camp this summer as a paid staff member. This year the junior staff program is open to any teen that has completed a previous teen staff or program either at Camp Mendocino, the Boys & Girls Club or other similar organization or camp. Junior staff members will work alongside staff, as they continue their own personal development and growth. After a week of staff training, the junior staff will be placed in camp units. As the summer proceeds they will have the opportunity to work in other areas of camp, space permitting. An employment application, supplemental application and interview have to be completed before being selected as a junior staff member.
If you're accepted to the LIT or SIT program, what will be expected of you?
Camp has three green "R's"
Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect the camp.
We will expect you to give your best effort in everything you try. We expect you to approach all activities with a mature attitude. We will encourage you to push yourself, but we never ask more of you than you are capable of.
We will not expect you to be great at everything or to have a super-cool personality. We want to know you and we will respect you for who you are. Our goal is to make this the best experience possible for you and your group.
We will expect you to understand that much of what we do is a team effort. We expect you to be an active and willing participant in group meetings, decisions and activities. We expect you to pull your weight when it is time to get things done. We also expect your behavior to be acceptable to all staff, campers and to respect yourself.
Our LIT's & SIT's do not have bad attitudes or complaints, instead they have a "let's fix it and have fun" attitude. Your new friends will depend on you to help them have a great time too! You will join fun people who know how to have a great time with mature attitudes and healthy lifestyles.
If you are accepted as junior staff member you will be held to the expectations of the other staff members at camp. You will receive these with your employment packet.
