The Environmental Nature Center is accepting applications again for its Leaders in Training program! The program provides a great opportunity for high school students to exercise important skills in passing on knowledge to the next generation of young Nature Lovers. By leading projects during school break camps, they provide kids with a chance to explore different methods of environmental stewardship through both instruction and example.
“Our young campers really look up to their teen leaders and emulate their behaviors,” says Lori Whalen, the education director for the ENC. “If an L.I.T. brings a reusable water bottle to camp, you will frequently see his or her campers bring one the next day. If the campers see an L.I.T. picking up trash, you are sure to see a handful of campers searching out trash as they walk the trails as well.”
Prospective Leaders in Training are selected specifically for both their passion for the environment and their ability to clearly communicate ideas to other individuals as proof of their aptitude in passing on educational information. L.I.T.s utilize both their enthusiasm and their brains, making this program stand out amongst other environmental extracurricular opportunities that are available to teens. It offers room to grow out of their comfort zones and blossom into adults with skills that they can bring into their careers and other leadership programs in the future.
“Some L.I.T.s remain quiet and lead campers with a gentle authority, and others come out of their shells and thrive on the attention and admiration of the campers,” says Lori. “Individuals that go above and beyond are asked to become Assistant Camp Directors in the summer and develop their leadership abilities even more when they help supervise their peers.”
If you would like to take part in this amazing program, visit our Leader in Training webpage for more information and to download the application. Prospective leaders are strongly urged to communicate with the ENC staff on their own and must be available to attend training before they volunteer. We can’t wait to meet you! – Nathan Serafin, ENC Communications Intern