Leader In Training (LIT) is a four-week, intensive leadership program for high school aged youth who are ready for a highly challenging and deeply rewarding experience. Objectives of the program include personal faith development, leadership growth and experience, physical fitness development, and a deeper knowledge of outdoor skills. These skills include Leave No Trace programs, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, low challenge course and outdoor camping facilitation. In addition, LITs will develop a greater understanding of worship, leading creative arts and childhood development. LITs will take part in leading our Voyages Day Camp at local community churches with elementary age day campers. Located along the Neuse River in Eastern North Carolina, Camp offers a great escape for four weeks to grow as leaders among this ever changing world.
The Leader In Training (LIT) program is different from any other program offered at Camp Don Lee. Each applicant must fill out the entire LIT application and provide three references. In 2025 there will be two sessions for the LIT program. Each applicant will be able to declare their first preference and to answer if they are available for either session. Program dates will be filled to put together the best possible groups.
For over 40 years Camp Don Lee has had a history of providing
a quality leadership training program that prepares young adults for leadership roles
at summer camps, in their schools, communities, churches, and ultimately, for life.
The outstanding reputation of this program is known throughout the region. Employers, colleges and scholarship selection committees have viewed this program very favorably over the years. The LIT program prepares youth for leadership in their schools, churches and communities as well as camp. Many of the young people who complete the program regard it as a faith-enriching and life-changing experience.
2025 Sessions
Session I: June 8 - July 4
Session II: July 6 - August 1
16 spaces available for each session (8 males and 8 females)
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
- Don Lee Camp and Retreat Center Advanced Sailing Instruction
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
- Participating in and leading Voyages Day Camp
- Fitness and Wellness Training
- Planning and leading worship experiences both at camp and at local churches
- Overnight sailing and kayak experiences
More information about Voyages:
During one week of the LITs time at camp, they will lead our offsite day camp Voyages at local area churches. LITs will lead activities during the day such as field games, archery, drama & music, encounters bible study, nature, and arts and crafts. LITs will also spend time counseling the day campers during all camp times. One day during the week, the LITs will travel to camp with their Voyages day campers and experience a day at camp including sailing, swimming, herpetology, and cooking lunch over a fire. They will be trained comprehensively in the program they will lead as well as training on leading children. All Voyages locations have adult church volunteers and Don Lee staff present daily with the LITs. To learn more about Voyages Day Camp by visiting this web page or send additional questions to info@donleecenter.org.
More information about worship:
LITs will plan, prepare, and lead worship services at camp and at local area churches. We have a partnership with local UMC churches where one Sunday LITs lead their services. This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth to dive deeper in their biblical knowledge, practice public speaking, and overall work cooperatively with others in their group to provide a faith-filled worship experience. Additionally, LITs will take part in a long standing tradition, planning, preparing and leading a worship service for all of camp. This typically occurs one of the last nights of their four weeks and is a wonderful growth experience that is a culmination of the time the group has spent together.
LIT Testimonials
"I kept coming back to Camp Don Lee because it felt like the one place in the world where everyone was truly accepted. When the application for LIT opened up I knew I wanted to do it because of the great experiences that my siblings had. After the first few days, I was so tired and drained and then I remembered a verse that has carried me through this experience. "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control." Second Timothy 1:7
-Jillian S., LIT II 2023
-Christopher L., LIT II 2023
-Mack Brooks, LIT 2016, LIT Coordinator 2020
-Victoria Newberry, LIT 2015, LIT Coordinator 2020
-Cooper Norris, LIT (2012), LIT Staff (2015)
-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 15 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. Youth who are high-achieving and are looking for an additional challenge to further build their resumes are a great fit for this opportunity. Each applicant is evaluated on his/her own merit. There are a total of 32 spaces available for LIT 2025.
How To Apply
- Click HERE to access our online 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 27, 2024 by midnight.
- If spaces are still available after early decision, the second deadline for applications and references will be January 17, 2025.
Cost and Payment
Upon your acceptance, a $500 deposit is due by November 8, 2024 to secure your slot in the program. Another $500 payment will be due by Jan. 20, 2025. A $1000 payment is due by March 1, 2025 and the remaining balance is due by April 1, 2025. 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).
Want to be an LIT but need financial assistance? Learn more about the Hannah Viall LIT Scholarship Opportunity by clicking HERE
LIT 2025 Application Process:
- Complete application in its entirety (application opens September 27, 2024)
- Ask your 3 references to submit reference letters. We must have all letters no later than October 27, 2024.
- Applications are due no later than October 27, 2024.
- Full Time staff at Don Lee will review all applications and notify families no later than the first week of November 2024.
- If you are accepted, you have until November 8, 2024 to accept the position, register, and pay the deposit.
- If you are not accepted, you will be offered a different space for Summer Camp 2025.