North Branch Nature Center is seeking enthusiastic teens who are ready to dive into new experiences and responsibilities during our 2026 Summer Camp Season.
Leaders in Training (LITs) will be immersed in a one week teen-only camp focusing on team building, leadership, and outdoor skills. Throughout the week, LITs will receive guidance and instruction from NBNC educators to work towards personalized leadership and outdoor skill goals.
Upon completing the camp program, LITs will be eligible for 1-4 weeks of service as a mentor and assistant with NBNC’s PreK – 3rd grade camps. Returning LITs will be eligible for up to 4 weeks of service, while new LITs will be eligible for a maximum of 2 weeks of service. During service weeks, LITs will work alongside NBNC staff as they put their skills into practice and become part of the camp community.
Leaders in Training Camp
Do you love being outside, solving challenges, and making new friends? Then LIT Camp is for you! This 5-day camp session will develop a cohort of energetic youth leaders who are ready to expand their skills and interests in the outdoors. At camp, LITs will be part of a collaborative team with peers and NBNC staff as they navigate leadership styles, group challenges, and outdoor skills such as wildcrafting, nature identification, and fire building. This is for teens who are excited to spend time outside and gain experience with outdoor leadership and interpersonal skills.
Returning LITs will spend part of their time bonding with each other and new LITs, and will also take on additional responsibilities, such as: assisting NBNC staff with stewardship projects, preparing activities, and planning a special end-of-week celebration for the entire group!
The LIT camp will run from June 22 – June 26, 2026. The cost for this camp is $400, with financial support available. After completing this program, LITs are then eligible to return to camp for 1 – 4 weeks of service in our PreK – 3rd grade camps. Further information on LIT service can be found below.
To register for LIT Camp, click the registration button on this page. During the registration process, participants will be asked to fill out a questionnaire explaining their qualifications, interest in the program, and availability for service weeks later in the Summer.
Leader in Training Service
Are you ready to become a leader and role model at camp? Are you excited about sharing your love of nature with younger campers? Then LIT Service is for you! This 1 – 4 week service opportunity will give you a chance to demonstrate your leadership skills and be a part of what makes camp special for so many kids. During your service time you will be a guide for other campers as you lead games, songs, and stories; assist with arts and crafts; and help campers prepare for the day. As an LIT you are responsible for leading by example, engaging with campers, and alerting NBNC staff to any camper needs. This is for campers who have successfully gone through the LIT Camp program and enjoy interacting with younger children.
Available service dates run in one-week sessions from June 29th through August 14th, 2026. LITs serve for all five days of a week-long camp session, for a maximum of 4 weeks. Number of weeks and scheduling are determined by each LIT’s stated availability and NBNC’s staffing needs. As compensation, LITs will receive: a $100 gift card to a local business of choice for the summer; supervision and written evaluation of performance from NBNC educators; and experience in community service, nature education, goal-setting, and teambuilding.
Qualifications
- Must be entering 8th – 12th grade for the 2026 – 2027 school year
- Enjoy interacting with peers and children between the ages of 4 – 9
- Interest and experience being outdoors in summer weather for extended periods of time
- Ability to take initiative and follow through with responsibilities
Contact Ana Maria, LIT Co-coordinator (anamaria@northbranchnaturecenter.org) with any questions!