The CLC YMCA, in partnership with the Boothbay Region YMCA, is offering new teen leadership opportunities at Camp Knickerbocker this summer for 6-8 grade youth. The two leadership programs will be lead by CLC YMCA Program Coordinator Karen-Ann Hagar.

Joe Clark, senior program director, said, “The program for CITs and LITs will not only help build leadership skills at Camp Knickerbocker, but also skills to help at home, school, and the community. The CIT and LIT students will have the opportunity to have hands on learning experiences that will help build the leaders of tomorrow.”

Our Leader in Training (LIT) program is a summer camp program for youth who are entering 6th or 7th grade. This program is an excellent opportunity to learn leadership strategies, build team skills and develop a healthy work ethic. As an LIT, youth are expected to take on responsibilities associated with counseling and instructing while being supervised and guided. The LIT program is a summer-long commitment. For those campers who are successful, there is also an opportunity to return to camp as a CIT the summer prior to their 8th grade yearto gain additional leadership experience.

The Counselors in Training (CIT) program for incoming 8th grade students, will help young people learn how to effectively lead campers and gain experience and knowledge in youth development through mentoring programs, team building, fun group activities and more. The program emphasizes professional etiquette, working within a hierarchy and working with peers. The transition from LIT to CIT will emphasize moving from personal development to using the skills they have learned at camp to help guide the next generation of campers. 

As a way to give back to her community what was given her, Karen-Ann Hagar has made it her passion to guide pre-teens and teens through their path of discovery and life ventures. Starting at the age of 12 years old, Karen-Ann remembers the genuine rally of community members of teachers, pastors, neighbors, family, youth leaders and more.

The CIT program for Grade 8 participants is a free program. The LIT program for Grades 6-7 is $550 for the entire summer. Contact Program Coordinator Karen-Ann Hagar at khagar@clcymca.org or 207-563-9622 for more information on how to register to become an LIT or CIT.

For more information on Summer Camp, visit CLCYMCA.org