Leadership Campers (approximately age 16 or rising high school junior) – program at Birch Rock Camp plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders who are equipped to make positive contributions to society and our own camp community. Our seasonal program offers significant developmental opportunities for young gentlemen (approximately age 16 and/or rising high school junior) to focus on personal growth, “hands-on” teamwork, open communication and facilitating practical learning with real life situations. While participating, Leadership Campers will:
- Work closely on a capstone (advanced) badge of their choice.
- Be an assistant staff mentee to an age group/cabin counselor for a session.
- Provide cabin coverage at times when a counselor is out of camp.
- Receive training and safety certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding,CPR and First Aid.
- Help teach as many as three different activities throughout the season.
- Participate in multi-day off campus trips with other Leadership Campers.
- Participate in community service projects both on and off campus.
- Perform maintenance work around campus.
- Work in the kitchen with dishwashing.
- Participate in training and staff meetings as assigned.
There are a number of influential outcomes we want our Leadership Campers to experience including:
Skill Development: Participants become trained in health & safety certifications in American Red Cross lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and basic camp wellness protocols. They will learn how to lesson plan and teach activities to badge standards. They will also receive guidance on being a cabin counselor and working with the younger age groups.
Community Engagement: Participants will help the Birch Rock and Waterford communities as needed, gathering valuable perspective and experience.
Confidence Building: Participants will emerge from the program with the abilities to be a staff member at Birch Rock, as well as the core skills needed to be successful in any workplace. Bi-weekly evaluations by the Leadership Program Director and the Camp Director will assess their growth and provide encouragement as well as constructive feedback.
Networking Opportunities: A successful participant will have a number of resources available to them throughout and after their Leadership Camp experience. The Birch Rock Directors will provide feedback and help at any point, and may serve as future employers and/or references. The Board of Trustees are eager to engage with participants and share their expertise across a variety of subjects and successful careers.
All participants are subject to the standards and expectations of the camp community. There is more freedom, and there is also more responsibility. The relationship with campers, staff and peers will evolve with some challenges and new opportunities. Time off will be as a group and based upon need and performance.
The Leadership Program is limited to 8 participants who work closely with a dedicated Senior Counselor supported by the Camp Administration and staff.
