Leader In Training (LIT)

What’s Involved?

During the four week program LITs are given the opportunity to earn the following certifications:

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding
• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED 
• Leave No Trace awareness training 
• US Sailing Association certification as sailing counselor

These certifications can prepare the candidates for jobs at summer camps or other organizations and facilities.

More activities include:

• Participating in and leading group Bible studies
• Fitness and Wellness Training
• Planning and leading worship experiences
• Camp counselor rotation
• Overnight sailing and kayak experiences

LIT Testimonials

"This program provides a safe environment where young people at a critical age can discover who they are, push themselves to their limits, become closer with God and create lifelong memories and friends.”
    -Mack Brooks, LIT 2016, LIT Coordinator 2020

“The LIT experience creates a unique environment for extensive character growth in youth. Each challenge provides an opportunity for trust, faith, and reflection. Also, the bonds formed during LIT’s create a support system that lasts a lifetime.”
    -Victoria Newberry, LIT 2015, LIT Coordinator 2020

"It’s the qualities of the program that you can’t quantify that really sets LITs apart. It’s the leadership abilities that they acquire and harness. The level of maturity and self-awareness that they possess at the end of the program goes miles above what they might have learned as a camper… They’re entering into a guild of leaders that has been carried on since 1979."
    -Cooper Norris, LIT (2012), LIT Staff (2015)

"Camp Don Lee offers possibilities for leadership unavailable in the traditional school setting. At the end of four weeks, every participant in the program has transformed. LITs are better prepared to enter the world with a new perspective of themselves and others."
    -Hannah McMillan, Social Studies Teacher, LIT Coordinator (2015)

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone with an interest in an intensive leadership training program who has completed grades 10-12 may apply. Applicants must be 16 years old by the course completion dates.

Prior camper experience at Don Lee is NOT necessary to make an application. People are selected by the leadership potential they have demonstrated in school, camp, church or in other leadership settings. Each applicant is evaluated on his/her own merit. There are a total of 32 slots available for LIT 2022. Competition is strong, so submit your application early.

How To Apply

• CLICK HERE to complete the online LIT 2023 Application
• You will also need to secure three letters of recommendation from people who are not related to you and can highlight the qualities you have that make you a compelling candidate. At least 2 of the 3 letters should be from people who are not associated with Camp Don Lee. These letters should be on the reference’s letterhead and signed. You will mail these letters to us:
  Camp Don Lee
  315 Camp Don Lee Road
  Arapahoe, NC 28510
  Attn: LIT application
• Click here for LIT Reference Letter Guidelines
• Early decision deadline for applications and references is October 21, 2022. Applicants who apply by October 21st will be notified by November 7th, 2022.
• If spaces are still available after early decision, the second deadline for applications and references will be January 15, 2023.

Cost and Payment

Upon your acceptance, a $500 deposit is due by November 18, 2022 to secure your slot in the program. Another $500 payment will be due by Jan. 20, 2023. A $1000 payment is due by March 1, 2023 and the balance is due by April 1, 2023. Those selected are encouraged to engage with their local churches to attempt to secure some funding. A limited amount of financial assistance is available to those with need. Please make sure to contact Kate Metts (kate@donleecenter.org) if you have any questions or to contact our business office for financial assistance (info@donleecenter.org).