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Camp Backcountry – Leader in Training

The Leader in Training (LIT) Program is a mentorship program for high school students that focuses on leadership development and prepares them for future jobs, whether as a counselor at Camp Backcountry or elsewhere. This program gives students training, mentorship, and real-life experiences to sharpen their organization, social, and responsibility skills, all while earning volunteer service hours. 

LITs will be paired with a counselor-mentor on Monday mornings, who they will learn from throughout the week. LITs will spend the week assisting with, and going on adventures with, this one camp group. Throughout the week, LITs will participate in special activities, leadership training, and exclusive programming designed specifically for the teens.

Key Leader in Training Information

  • LITs must be ages 14-17 at the time of the program, no exceptions 
  • LITs must commit to participating in a minimum of 2 weeks in the program 
  • LITs must be able to attend a mandatory training session on either the preferred date of May 23rd from 1-4 pm or secondary date of May 16th from 3:30-5:30 pm. Students should reach out if other accommodations need to be arranged.
  • LITs may choose to work with nature camp, horse camp, girls of the outdoors camp, art camp, or Wild Roots based upon their interests
  • Camp Backcountry prides itself on being an inclusive program that celebrates diversity and differences
  • LITs come from all surrounding high schools and districts 
  • Students, not parents, are responsible for communicating with Camp Backcountry staff regarding the Leader in Training opportunity 
  • The program is competitive and requires an application. See below for more information. 

2024 LIT Camps and Prices

LITs may choose to work with nature camp, horse camp, girls of the outdoors camp, art camp, or Wild Roots based upon their interests.See the Wild Roots options below the table*.

Session/
Dates
Nature Horse Art Girls of the Outdoors Member/Program Guest
Week 1
May 28-31
Into the Wild English Equestrians Through the Elements
(ages 7–8)
  $100/$115
Week 2
June 3-7
It's a ZOO! Ranch Hands Through the Elements
(age 9-10)
  $115/$130
Week 3
June 10-14
Fantastical Creatures Fun on the Farm   Girls of the Outdoors 
(ages 7-8)
$115/$130
Week 4
June 17-21
Trekking in the Backcountry Rodeo Rockstars     $115/$130
Week 5
June 24-28
Imaginative Inventors Horsing Around   Girls of the Outdoors 
(ages 9-10)
$115/$130
Week 6
July 1-3
Galactic Adventures English Equestrians     $85/$100
Week 7
July 8-12
Wilderness Survival Ranch Hands A Brush with Nature
(ages 7-8)
  $115/$130
Week 8
July 15-19
Nature’s Elements Fun on the Farm     $115/$130
Week 9
July 22-26
Color Wars! Rodeo Rockstars A Brush with Nature
(ages 9-10)
  $115/$130
Week 10
July 29-August 2
Best of Camp Backcountry Horsing Around     $115/$130
Week 11
August 5-9
  Ranch Hands     $115/$130

*Wild Roots (3-6-year-olds
There will be two options that LITs can choose, full day and half day. The following dates, in two-week registrations are available:

Full day (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.)
Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY

  • Session 1: May 28 – June 7 
  • Session 2: June 10-June 21 
  • Session 3: June 24-July 3 
  • Session 4: July 8-July 19 
  • Session 5: July 22-Aug 2 

Half day (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
Monday-Friday

  • Session 1: June 3 - June 14
  • Session 2: June 17 - June 28
  • Session 3: July 8 - July 19
  • Session 4: July 22 - August 2

Cost: $115 Members and $130 for Program Guests per session

Apply to be a Leader In Training

How to Apply: Submit the online application form, below.

  • Both new and returning LITs must submit an application. Participating in the program one year does not guarantee a spot in subsequent years. 
  • Applications for the summer of 2024 will be accepted between January 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024. While applications may be submitted through April 30, there is no guarantee all spots will not be filled prior to this date. 
  • Slots are competitive and will be filled on a rolling basis. 
  • If you are accepted into the program, you will be given more information on how to choose your sessions and register. LITs must be formally accepted into the program before they can register. 

More Camp Backcountry Information

For registration issues or questions contact member services at 303-471-7020.

For questions regarding Camp Backcountry contact [email protected].