Why Leaders in Training?

Does your teen love their time with us out on the land? Do they need a diverse set of work-related experiences for their resume with sincere references? Do they love the idea of working outdoors, helping other young people like themselves have the same kinds of magical experiences they've had? Now they can apply to volunteer with us under our new Leaders in Training program!

Why My Teen?

If you are receiving this page, it is because we think your teen would be a great fit for our Leaders in Training program! There's a few criteria we look at when selecting potential candidates for this specialized experience:

• We have watched your teen develop as capable, curious and kind young men and women and are confident they would make a great fit;
  
• Your teen has shown a keen interest in the skills we learn and the community we create together; and,
• Your teen has likely shown a passion for continuous improvement in the face of new challenges.

We would love your teen to be a part of our journey in fostering the next generation of young adults ready to face the future with skills, confidence and a smile. Are they ready for the next step?

What Experiences Will They Receive?

As a Leader in Training (LIT), your teen will receive experience in:

1. Creating a resume and cover letter with positive feedback on what they did well and how to improve;
2. Attending an interview in a safe and supportive environment, helping your teen get practice in expressing themselves and putting their best foot forward (~1 hour scheduled in May, TBD);
   
3. In-class and on-the-ground training and team-building opportunities (~7-8 hours scheduled in June, TBD);
   
4. One or more weeks supporting us during our annual summer camps as a Leader in Training. As summer camps helpers, they will be exposed to support and leadership experiences with personalized skills development that will grow with your teen as they do;
   
5. A formal reference letter on Nature Connection's letterhead with descriptions of skills demonstrated and developed during our time together;
   
6. A Certificate of Completion of the Nature Connections Leaders in Training Program; and,
   
7. A summer camp experience they'll never forget!

Resume, cover Letter, and interview process

The purpose of the resume, cover letter, and interview is to give your teen exposure to and practice in these important life skills. We do expect them to do their best and want to learn. We do not expect them to come with any skills they do not already have; our in-class and on-the-ground training will cover anything they are missing. If you've received this invitation, it's because we are confident that your teen has everything they need to make the most of this opportunity.

Additionally, Brittany is considering offering a one-time 'Resumes, Cover Letters & Interviews for Teens' workshop this April to the larger homeschool community. If your child is interested in this opportunity as well, let us know ASAP as we'd like to reserve priority spots for our LITs.

Next Steps

1) Express your teen's interest in the 'Apply Now' form below.
2) Send us their resume and cover letter anytime before April 30th.
3) Please specify in their cover letter which summer camp weeks they are available (see below). We will do our best to partner them with another LIT who will compliment their skills. Your teen will only be scheduled for one of their available weeks - unless they express interest in doing more.

• July 8-12, 2019
• July 15-19, 2019 
• August 12-16, 2019
• August 18-23, 2019

4) LIT practice interviews will be scheduled during the month of May, and will take ~1 hour or less.
5) LIT training will be scheduled during the month of June, and will take ~7-8 hours (one day or two half days).
6) Certificates and reference letters will be sent out after the summer camps season has finished.