LITs (leaders in training)
11th–12th grade
Amplify’s Leader in Training (LIT) program is an empowering adventure like no other, combining leadership development with the fun and creativity of camp. Over their session, LITs dive deep into what it means to lead, build community, and positively impact the world around them. With opportunities to design and lead electives, collaborate on camp-wide service projects, and participate in off-campus trips, LITs develop lifelong skills while forming tight-knit friendships. Whether your teen is new to Amplify or a returning camper, this program offers them the chance to grow, challenge themselves, and leave a lasting impact.
As campers grow and evolve, their camp experience should grow with them! That’s why our LIT (Leaders in Training) program is designed to provide older campers with advanced challenges, unique privileges, and invaluable opportunities to develop as leaders and role models. This program is ideal for youth in grades 11 & 12 who are eager to take on leadership roles while enjoying everything camp has to offer. The program allows them to participate fully in camp immersive’s with the added leadership benefits of the LIT program.
Leadership Opportunities
- Designated Mentor on Staff: Each LIT is paired with a mentor specializing in leadership development, providing personalized guidance and support.
- Staff Role Shadowing: Choose a staff area to shadow—live-sound engineering, teaching, event production, and more—to gain hands-on experience in your area of interest.
- Public Speaking & Presentation Skills: Develop confident public speaking and presentation skills, culminating in leading a camp-wide event.
Special Privileges and Experiences
- Senior Privileges: Later bedtimes, free seating at meals, and opportunities to facilitate evening activities for younger campers.
- Off-Campus Weekly Trips: Bond through adventures like kayaking or ropes courses that build teamwork and confidence.
- Adventure Leadership Challenges: Test leadership and problem-solving skills through creative team challenges.
Mentorship and Responsibility
- Mentorship of Younger Campers: LITs guide 3rd–8th graders, helping them thrive at camp while developing empathy and leadership.
- Team Building & Problem Solving: Practice real-world collaboration through staff-led challenges.
Personal Growth and Reflection
- Evaluation & Feedback: Receive personalized feedback and self-assessment sessions on leadership growth.
- Leadership in Action Days: Plan and lead a camp-wide service project from concept to completion.
- Reflective Journaling & Portfolio: Document your growth and accomplishments throughout the session.
🎓 Leadership + Professional Mentorship (OPTIONAL)
For LITs ready to take their creative skills beyond camp, Amplify now offers optional Amplify Pro Projects—personalized, pre-college mentorship opportunities woven into the LIT experience.
Participants can:
Work one-on-one with an expert mentor to develop a creative capstone in music, film, theatre, or fashion.
Receive portfolio feedback and documentation suitable for college or art-school applications.
Earn an Amplify Pro Certificate of Achievement recognizing advanced creative and leadership work.
This optional layer is designed for LITs who want to deepen their craft while still fully participating in all aspects of the camp community. There’s no audition or application—just an opt-in during registration.
“Whether you’re here to lead, to create, or to do both—your Amplify experience grows with you.”
Meet Celi, Workshop Leader and Counselor
My name is Celi, and I am an Indigenous activist and educator originally from Bolivia. Over the past few years, I have lived around the world, leading educational programs focused on community building and youth empowerment. I am passionate about creating a more equal world and believe that youth and art play a vital role in driving positive change. This summer, I am excited to join as an AM Counselor, leading life skills workshops and inspiring campers to foster empathy, creativity, and leadership.
💬 LIT (Leaders in Training) Q&A
LITs (Leaders in Training) are Amplify’s 11th–12th graders — the oldest campers on campus and the role models of our community. They are coming in ready to lead and are now building real-world skills in leadership, creativity, and mentorship while still getting all the joy and connection of camp life.
It’s all about growth, purpose, and confidence.
LITs dive deep into what it means to lead — from mentoring younger campers and planning camp-wide events to exploring creative independence.
They still take part in all their favorite immersives and electives but also learn how to guide, support, and inspire others.
LITs spend mornings and afternoons in their immersive and elective blocks, plus scheduled leadership development time.
They might shadow staff, help run a camp activity, or plan a big event.
Evenings often include LIT-only programs — reflection sessions, bonding adventures, or off-campus trips.
Bedtime is typically self monitored. (they’ve earned that late night!).
Absolutely. LITs are part of the fun. They swim, perform, hang out, go on off-campus trips, and join in evening events — but they also get the chance to take on more responsibility and make camp magic happen for others.
So many! LITs can:
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Mentor younger campers
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Help plan or MC camp-wide events
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Design and lead workshops or electives
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Join adventure leadership challenges
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Work alongside staff in areas like sound engineering, stage management, or creative instruction
For LITs who want to take their craft to a pre-professional level, there’s Amplify Pro — an optional advanced mentorship woven right into their immersive.
They’ll work closely with experts on projects like music recordings, fashion collections, short films, or creative portfolios that can support college or career goals.
It’s 100% optional — for campers who want that extra creative push.
Each LIT is paired with a Designated Mentor — a staff member trained in leadership development who provides feedback, coaching, and one-on-one guidance throughout the session.
LITs also work closely with program directors and immersive instructors who treat them like collaborators, not students.
It’s a highlight of the LIT experience!
LITs plan and execute a real camp-wide event or service project — from concept to completion. It could be a performance, a community event, or something that leaves a lasting impact on Amplify.
Yes! LITs take part in weekly trips (like kayaking or adventure parks) plus at least one overnight off-campus trip.
These experiences build teamwork, independence, and community — and are consistently a favorite part of the program.
Any teen who loves creativity, collaboration, and challenge.
You don’t need to have all the answers — just a willingness to grow, support others, and make a difference. Whether you’re an introverted artist or an outgoing performer, there’s space for you to lead in your own way.
