Leadership Development
The Leadership Development Program gives teens both a theoretical and practical foundation in leadership, which will serve them well in staff roles at camp and in outside pursuits. The highlights of these complementary programs are leadership workshops, hands-on apprenticeships, service projects, outdoor adventure-based learning, and all the friendships and fun that mark a Takodah experience!
2026 Leadership Reference Form
Leader Corps
For Teens Completing Grade 10 before Summer 2026
Leader Corps (LC), the first leg of the program, is a two-week session aimed at giving campers the skills that are essential for leading group activities. LCs learn about topics such as time-fillers, on-the-spot games, lesson planning, giving directions, and public speaking. On the practical end, they’ll put their knowledge to the test in an apprenticeship, where they'll assist a staff member in leading a class. LCs are revered in the camp community. It’s the last year to enjoy some of our programs as campers while starting to make the transition toward greater responsibility.Dates
Boys+ Camp and Girls+ Camp
- Session 1: June 28 – July 10 (Boys+ at South Camp, Girls+ at North Camp)
- Session 2: July 12 - July 24 (Boys+ at South Camp, Girls+ at North Camp)
- Session 3 : July 26 – August 7 (Girls+ at South Camp, Boys+ at North Camp)
- Session 4: August 9 - 21 (Girls+ at South Camp, Boys+ at North Camp)
Leaders-in-Training
For Teens Completing Grade 11 before Summer 2026
The Leader-in-Training (LIT) program is a four-week intensive training aimed at preparing teens for the weighty responsibilities of working with youth. As a LIT, participants spend their first two weeks learning about managing a cabin group through both leadership workshops and practical experience working with younger campers. LITs learn about working with children of different ages and abilities, how to create and manage positive group dynamics, and how to assist campers with behavior or adjustment issues. LITs train to become certified through the American Red Cross in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding. Finally, they serve a two-week apprenticeship as an assistant leader to an experienced staff member, which gives them a supervised opportunity to put their growing bag of tricks into action. Countless Takodah alumni tell us that LIT was their best year of camp — and a great culmination of the Takodah experience that led to incredible growth.LIT Retreat Weekend
While the LIT Retreat Weekend is not mandatory, we encourage all LITs to participate in the weekend if possible. LIT Retreat Weekend is always a lot of fun! It is all about meeting the LIT Leaders and Leadership Development Director, getting to know fellow LITs, gaining an overview of the LIT program, learning about the roles and responsibilities of the program, and preparing for summer. LIT Weekend happens each year in May.Dates
Boys+ Camp and Girls+ Camp
- LIT Retreat Weekend: May 15-17, 2026
- Session 1 + 2: June 28 – July 24 (Boys+ at South Camp, Girls+ at North Camp)
- Session 3 + 4: July 26 – August 21 (Girls+ at South Camp, Boys+ at North Camp)