Leader-in-Training

The LIT Program seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1. Leadership Development
2. Teamwork and Collaboration
3. Confidence Building
4. Career Preparation
5. Community Engagement
6. Personal Growth

The LIT Program is structured to provide a comprehensive, year-round experience with two primary sessions. Participants will move through the program as a cohort, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. The program includes a mix of training sessions, workshops, and hands-on volunteer placements designed to cater to a variety of interests and skill levels.

• Fall Program - The Fall Program runs from October to March, coinciding with the school year. This session is designed to accommodate participants' school schedules while providing valuable volunteer experiences.

• Summer Program - The Summer programs runs from June to August, offering a more intensive experience with increased opportunities for volunteer placements due to the availability of summer camps and community events.

Objective: Prepare participants to work effectively with children of different age groups.

Content:

• Overview of developmental stages and age-appropriate activities.
• Strategies for managing common behavioral issues in children.
• Techniques for giving clear instructions and maintaining group attention.
• Confidentiality and safety training, including duty to report and privacy considerations.

Practical Component: Participants will practice leading games and activities, followed by group feedback and discussion.

Objective: Learn how the framework for supporting children’s growth and well-being.

• It focuses on five core principles that guide caregivers and educators in fostering healthy physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in children.
• These principles emphasize the importance of providing safe, nurturing environments, encouraging positive relationships, promoting active engagement, supporting emotional development, and recognizing each child's individuality.
• The approach aims to create a foundation for children to thrive and reach their full potential.

Objective: Equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed for professional conduct in the workplace.

Content:

• Understanding professionalism: what it looks like and how to embody it.
• Email and resume writing: tips on effective communication and creating a strong resume.

• Customer service skills: best practices for interacting with the public.
• Dress code and personal presentation for various work environments.
• Mock interviews: Participants will practice responding to common interview questions, with feedback provided by peers and instructors.

Objective: Teach participants how to create engaging and fun experiences for children.

Content:

• Crafting simple, age-appropriate activities and games.
• Face painting techniques, including design ideas and safety considerations.

Practical Component: Participants will practice these activities and skills in a controlled environment before applying them during volunteer placements.

Objective: Develop participants' ability to work effectively in teams.

Content:

• Different types of communication styles and their impact on team dynamics.
• Qualities of an effective team member and leader.
• Techniques for group formation and management (e.g., splitting groups, organizing activities).
• Providing constructive and positive feedback, and the importance of self-reflection.
• Understanding individual strengths and areas for improvement within a team setting.

Practical Component: Team-building exercises such as the "Human Knot" to illustrate the importance of cooperation and communication.

Objective: Boost confidence in handling unexpected situations, and provide valuable knowledge that can help keep friends, family, and peers safe. This hands-on course teaches how to respond to common emergencies like:

• cuts
• burns
• sprains, and
• choking

Taking a Basic First Aid certification course is a great way for teens to learn essential life-saving skills. Whether at home, school, or during activities, being certified in first aid empowers teens to act quickly and responsibly when it matters most.

Participants will assist in summer or March break day camps, working directly with children and helping to facilitate camp activities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Engaging with children in games, crafts, and educational activities.
• Supporting camp leaders by preparing materials and organizing activities.
• Acting as positive role models and providing leadership within the camp environment.
• Completing a leader evaluation at the end of each week to assess performance and areas for growth.

Participants will support the organization and execution of special community events.

Roles and Responsibilities:

•  
  • Assisting with event setup and teardown.
  • Running booths, activities, or games during events.
  • Supporting event staff with logistical tasks, such as crowd management or registration.