Leader in Training Program

For teenagers who are ready to take the next step in their leadership development.

Camp Hickory Hill’s Leader in Training (LIT) program has proven to be a life-altering experience. It is designed to help young people mature in their relationships with God and others around them. LIT helps develop useful leadership skills, and form positive and useful habits that go beyond camp to everyday life. Participants will be equipped for continual growth in their own lives, while also learning how to make wise decisions, lead others, and most importantly honor and serve God in whatever situation they find themselves. 

Leader in Training Program

For teenagers who are ready to take the next step in their leadership development.

Camp Hickory Hill’s Leader in Training (LIT) program has proven to be a life-altering experience. It is designed to help young people mature in their relationships with God and others around them. LIT helps develop useful leadership skills, and form positive and useful habits that go beyond camp to everyday life. Participants will be equipped for continual growth in their own lives, while also learning how to make wise decisions, lead others, and most importantly honor and serve God in whatever situation they find themselves. 

Apply for LIT

1. Click on “LIT Application” and complete the Application.

2. Copy the link to the Reference Form below and send it to 4 non-relative adults including 1 pastor.

Apply for LIT

1. Click on “LIT Application” and complete the Application.

2. Copy the link to the Reference Form below and send it to 4 non-relative adults including 1 pastor.

What is the Leader in Training (LIT) Program?

The LIT program is designed to prepare young men and women to be a godly leader at camp and in every area of their lives. Participants will be challenged spiritually, socially, physically and mentally through a variety of exercises, teaching times, physical tasks, Bible studies and team-building initiatives. Every part of the program is Christ-centered so that participants will grow spiritually in order to prepare them to lead.

Phase 1: A Bible Study and memorizations that participants complete at home prior to arriving at camp.

Phase 2: Arrive at camp with the entire team of LITs and begin team-building. Includes a backpacking trip off camp followed by team-building and other exercises at camp.

Phase 3: Break – return home for a few days of rest.

Phase 4: Return to camp to join the rest of the staff for counselor training.

Phase 5: Serve as a Junior Leader during summer camp for continued active training and serving.

What is required to be in the LIT program?

1. Applicants must be graduates of 9th grade or higher (approx. ages 15-18)

2. Applicants should demonstrate spiritual maturity in their own life and have a desire for continued spiritual growth.

3. Applicants should have a desire for impacting others for Christ.

Is there a cost for the LIT Program?

The LIT program cost is $410 which includes a 5 day camping trip.

As you serve as a Junior Leader during camp you will earn back $25 per week of service.

What is the Leader in Training (LIT) Program?

The LIT program is designed to prepare young men and women to be a godly leader at camp and in every area of their lives. Participants will be challenged spiritually, socially, physically and mentally through a variety of exercises, teaching times, physical tasks, Bible studies and team-building initiatives. Every part of the program is Christ-centered so that participants will grow spiritually in order to prepare them to lead.

Phase 1: A Bible Study and memorizations that participants complete at home prior to arriving at camp.

Phase 2: Arrive at camp with the entire team of LITs and begin team-building. Includes a backpacking trip off camp followed by team-building and other exercises at camp.

Phase 3: Break – return home for a few days of rest.

Phase 4: Return to camp to join the rest of the staff for counselor training.

Phase 5: Serve as a Junior Leader during summer camp for continued active training and serving.

What is required to be in the LIT program?

1. Applicants must be graduates of 9th grade or higher (approx. ages 15-18)

2. Applicants should demonstrate spiritual maturity in their own life and have a desire for continued spiritual growth.

3. Applicants should have a desire for impacting others for Christ.

Is there a cost for the LIT Program?

The LIT program cost is $410 which includes a 5 day camping trip.

As you serve as a Junior Leader during camp you will earn back $25 per week of service.

Dates for LIT:

Guys:

June 30-July 7: LIT training including off camp backpacking trip and on camp initiatives.

July 9-12: Additional required training with Summer Staff on camp.

July 14-19: Guys’ Camper Week 1

July 21-26: Guys’ Camper Week 2

July 28-Aug 2: Guys’ Camper Week 3

Girls:

July 21-28: LIT training including off camp backpacking trip and on camp initiatives

Aug 2-4: Additional required training with Summer Staff on camp.

Aug 4-9: Girls’ Camper Week 1

Aug 11-16: Girls’ Camper Week 2

Aug 18-21: Girls’ Camper Half Week

Dates for LIT:

Guys:

June 30-July 7: LIT training including off camp backpacking trip and on camp initiatives.

July 9-12: Additional required training with Summer Staff on camp.

July 14-19: Guys’ Camper Week 1

July 21-26: Guys’ Camper Week 2

July 28-Aug 2: Guys’ Camper Week 3

Girls:

July 21-28: LIT training including off camp backpacking trip and on camp initiatives

Aug 2-4: Additional required training with Summer Staff on camp.

Aug 4-9: Girls’ Camper Week 1

Aug 11-16: Girls’ Camper Week 2

Aug 18-21: Girls’ Camper Half Week:

Testimonials

“My LIT summer was without question the most formative summer of my life. I got to spend the summer with Christian men who were living out their faith and who made major investments in me. I learned to both live and lead as a Christian through the LIT program. The character and skills that I learned that summer have been useful in a variety of contexts, and I still draw from them in both my home and in the church that I pastor.”

Kevin Maloney (LIT, 1992), Lead Pastor at Grace Road Church, Rochester, NY

“Going through the LIT program at Camp Hickory Hill began the most transformative years of my life. I am the Husband, Father, and man of God that I am today because of my decision to participate.”

David Caggy (LIT, 2003), United States Navy

“Camp Hickory Hill’s LIT program was a unique and transformative experience in my life. I often think back to lessons I learned through the training. As young men grow up and face important decisions, there is a great need for the council of older men and godly peers who care about them and can walk alongside them through life’s challenges. The LIT program surrounds you with opportunities to grow personally and more deeply with God, as well as friends who can journey with you while serving at camp and beyond.”

Nathan Tubbs (LIT, 2000), Director of Communications, Chicagoland United in Prayer, Chicago, IL

“LIT was the beginning for me, as it should be. It was the beginning of a spiritual journey that carries me forward. It was the beginning of meaningful friendships that walk beside me even to this day. It was both the hardest thing I’ve done, and the most fulfilling. You will be scared when you begin with a group of strangers, but I promise you, you will be different by the end, and you will emerge with a group of Brothers.”

Samuel Drew (LIT, 2010)

Testimonials

“My LIT summer was without question the most formative summer of my life. I got to spend the summer with Christian men who were living out their faith and who made major investments in me. I learned to both live and lead as a Christian through the LIT program. The character and skills that I learned that summer have been useful in a variety of contexts, and I still draw from them in both my home and in the church that I pastor.”

Kevin Maloney (LIT, 1992), Lead Pastor at Grace Road Church, Rochester, NY

“Going through the LIT program at Camp Hickory Hill began the most transformative years of my life. I am the Husband, Father, and man of God that I am today because of my decision to participate.”

David Caggy (LIT, 2003), United States Navy

“Camp Hickory Hill’s LIT program was a unique and transformative experience in my life. I often think back to lessons I learned through the training. As young men grow up and face important decisions, there is a great need for the council of older men and godly peers who care about them and can walk alongside them through life’s challenges. The LIT program surrounds you with opportunities to grow personally and more deeply with God, as well as friends who can journey with you while serving at camp and beyond.”

Nathan Tubbs (LIT, 2000), Director of Communications, Chicagoland United in Prayer, Chicago, IL

“LIT was the beginning for me, as it should be. It was the beginning of a spiritual journey that carries me forward. It was the beginning of meaningful friendships that walk beside me even to this day. It was both the hardest thing I’ve done, and the most fulfilling. You will be scared when you begin with a group of strangers, but I promise you, you will be different by the end, and you will emerge with a group of Brothers.”

Samuel Drew (LIT, 2010)