LITs (leaders in training)
11th–12th gradeThe full Amplify experience, with more freedom, more responsibility, and a real role in making camp happen. LITs are Amplify’s oldest campers, and this is where the experience shifts from simply participating in camp to helping shape it. They still choose immersives, perform, create, swim, go on adventures, stay up later, and experience all the traditions they love, but they also step behind the scenes to help bring some of Amplify’s biggest moments to life.
Designed for rising 11th and 12th graders, LIT combines the fun and friendships of camp with hands-on leadership, real-world skills, and experiences they can carry into college, jobs, and whatever comes next.
FROM CAMPER TO CREATOR
LITs don’t just attend Amplify’s biggest events. They help make them happen. With guidance from their LIT mentor and camp staff, they take meaningful roles planning, producing, leading, and hosting signature experiences throughout the summer. Depending on the session, that might mean helping build and run Thriftopia, taking a leadership role at Battle of the Bands, or helping produce Campchella, Amplify’s camper-created music festival.
- Lead the Room
MC an event, facilitate an activity, or speak in front of the camp community. - Produce Something Big
Help take a camp-wide event from idea to execution. - Go Behind the Scenes
Explore roles in live sound, lighting, stage management, and event production. - Mentor Younger Campers
Help younger campers feel welcome, confident, and connected. - Make It Their Own
Bring their own ideas to camp and take real responsibility for making them happen.
MORE FREEDOM. MORE ADVENTURE.
LITs are still campers, and they should still get to have an incredible summer. Leadership is layered into the Amplify experience, not substituted for it.
- Senior Privileges: More independence, later nights, free seating at meals, and opportunities to help shape camp activities and traditions.
- 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.
REAL-WORLD SKILLS, NOT JUST “LEADERSHIP”
LITs work alongside experienced staff and creative professionals to see how camp, events, and creative programs actually run. They learn by doing, taking on increasing responsibility with support from adults who treat them as collaborators.
- Creative & Technical Skills
Explore hands-on roles like live sound, lighting, stage management, event production, and creative instruction. - Communication
Practice public speaking, giving directions, listening, resolving problems, and communicating with younger campers, peers, and staff. - Teamwork & Problem-Solving
Learn how to collaborate, adapt when something doesn’t go as planned, and help a team get something across the finish line. - Mentorship
Work with younger campers and learn how to encourage, guide, and support someone else without simply taking over.
🔮 THE NEXT STEP
For campers who want to keep growing with Amplify, LIT can be the bridge between being a camper and taking on a professional summer role. The mentoring, production, communication, and leadership skills LITs practice can help prepare them for future Junior Counselor and staff opportunities.
LIT is a camper leadership program for rising 11th and 12th graders. Amplify’s Junior Counselor program is a separate paid internship for eligible high school graduates.
💬 LIT (Leaders in Training) Q&A
LIT is for campers entering 11th or 12th grade. It’s a chance to enjoy the full Amplify camp experience while taking on more leadership, contributing to the community, and building skills for what comes next.
LITs get to grow as leaders without losing the fun of camp. They take on meaningful responsibilities, complete a service project that can earn high school community service hours, and stay part of the friendships, creativity, and joy of Amplify.
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 campers first. They still choose immersives and electives, swim, perform, hang out with friends, go on off-campus adventures, and take part in camp traditions and evening events. Leadership experiences are woven into their summer, not substituted for the camper experience.
So many! Depending on their session and interests, LITs can mentor younger campers, help plan or MC camp-wide events, take leadership roles in Thriftopia, Battle of the Bands, or Campchella, join adventure leadership challenges, and work alongside staff in areas like live sound, lighting, stage management, event production, or creative instruction.
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.
Yes. LITs can stay connected through year-round leadership opportunities, including a special invitation to Amplify’s spring leadership retreat. It’s a chance to build skills, connect with other teen leaders, and keep growing as part of the Amplify community.
Yes. After 12th grade, LITs can apply for a paid Junior Counselor internship. It’s a chance to gain hands-on experience supporting younger campers and to build leadership, mentorship, and work experience they can highlight on college applications.
No. LIT is Amplify’s leadership program for rising 11th and 12th graders and is part of the camper experience. Amplify’s Junior Counselor program is a separate paid internship for eligible high school graduates. LIT gives older campers opportunities to build many of the leadership, mentoring, communication, and production skills that can prepare them for future Junior Counselor and staff roles.
